How to connect a controller to your Android phone [Video]

The huge high quality of many Android video games and the rising library of cloud-based gaming providers corresponding to Stadia and GeForce Now implies that you would possibly really feel the necessity to acquire a bonus over on-line rivals or simply enhance your total expertise. Fortunately, tons of Android video games help Bluetooth controller enter, so that is how to connect with your favourite gamepad.

For the reason that launch of Android 10, it has been attainable to natively join a PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Swap controller if you wish to use your present gamepads. Since then we’ve seen Android 11 and Android 12 arrive on eligible gadgets. Microsoft and Sony have additionally launched brand-new consoles, and even Google additionally has Stadia — which has a devoted gamepad too.

Though the brand new console technology continues to be arduous to buy, you’re now in a position to join PS5 DualSense and Xbox Collection S and X controllers to your Android cellphone. You’ve got a wealth of selections of Bluetooth gamepads that can work along with your smartphone, and this information will take you thru the connection course of step-by-step.

Previous to Android 10, utilizing a Bluetooth controller or wired controller labored fantastic, however they might be acknowledged as a “generic” controller. This meant incorrect in-game prompts or unusual keybinds. Since Android 10, the cellular OS can totally acknowledge particular gamepad button layouts on all three gamepads — supplying you with a much better and way more cohesive expertise.

If you wish to play cloud gaming providers together with PS4 and PS5 Distant Play, Xbox Sport Cross, Google Stadia, or Nvidia GeForce NOW, utilizing an official gamepad will assist guarantee all platform-specific options can be found in your favourite titles.

This native help additionally implies that your entire present Bluetooth gamepads ought to work with Google Stadia for those who would favor to make use of one thing you might be extra comfy and conversant in. It’s additionally essential to notice that every gamepad does provide its personal tackle gaming ergonomics, plus you get neat extras like the flexibility to make use of the touchpad on the DualShock 4 and 5, which supply mouse enter in your Android cellphone or pill.

Find out how to join a controller to your smartphone

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Utilizing a devoted controller in your Android additionally means you get way more display screen actual property for a tactical benefit in aggressive multiplayer titles like Participant Unknown: Battlegrounds, Name of Obligation Cell, Genshin Influence and the ever-popular Fortnite. You may even play a complete heap of basic video games utilizing a well-recognized controller format utilizing the variety of emulators in your smartphone.

PS4 DualShock

1. Energy in your PS4 DualShock 4 controller.
2. Press and maintain the “PS” and “Share” buttons to enter pairing mode.
3. The Gentle Bar will flash white to substantiate pairing mode has been activated.
4. Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
5. Choose “Pair new system” > Wi-fi Controller.
6. The Gentle Bar will now change to a strong blue shade to point it’s related.

PS5 DualSense

1. Energy in your PS5 DualSense controller.
2. Press and maintain the “PS” and “Create” buttons concurrently to enter pairing mode.
3. The lights beneath the touchpad will now flash blue to substantiate that pairing mode has been activated.
4. Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
5. Choose “Pair new system” > Wi-fi Controller.
6. The touchpad sidelights will now change to a strong blue shade to point it’s related.

Xbox One

1. Energy in your Xbox One controller — Observe: Unique Xbox One controller could not work.
2. Press and maintain the Xbox and Bluetooth “Sync” button.
3. The Xbox emblem will flash to substantiate pairing mode has been activated.
4. Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
5. Choose “Pair new system” > Xbox Wi-fi Controller.
6. The Xbox emblem will mild up strong white to point it’s related to your system.

Xbox Collection S and X

• Energy in your Xbox Collection S/X controller.
• Press and maintain the Xbox and Bluetooth “Sync” button.
• The Xbox emblem will flash to substantiate pairing mode has been activated.
• Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
• Choose “Pair new system” > Xbox Wi-fi Controller.
• The Xbox emblem will mild up strong white to point it’s related to your system.

Nintendo Swap Professional

1. Energy in your Nintendo Swap Professional controller.
2. Press and maintain the Bluetooth “Sync” button.
3. The “Participant LEDs” will flash to substantiate pairing mode has been activated.
4. Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
5. Choose “Pair new system” > Professional controller.

Google Stadia

Pairing with a Google Stadia controller along with your Android cellphone is a bit of totally different as you don’t immediately connect with the cellphone — fairly the cloud gaming session. It’s additionally value noting that this course of is identical for pairing with iOS.

1. Open the Stadia app in your Android system.
2. Faucet the controller icon within the higher proper menu.
3. Allow location entry and activate Bluetooth if prompted.
4. Faucet “Join controller.”
5. Comply with the setup course of to attach your Stadia controller to your Wi-Fi community.
6. Enter the on-screen pairing code to connect with your on-device session.

Find out how to join generic Bluetooth controllers to your Android cellphone

You’re ready to make use of a wealth of different Bluetooth gamepads with Android that might ordinarily not work with Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft consoles. This course of is identical regardless of who producers the controller:

1. Energy in your gamepad.
2. Discover the Bluetooth “sync” button and press or press and maintain relying on the controller.
3. You may even see a flashing LED or different indicator exhibiting that pairing mode has been activated.
4. Open your Android cellphone’s Bluetooth connection settings.
5. Choose “Pair new system” > Choose the gamepad.

How to connect with your Android cellphone by way of USB cable

Some controllers corresponding to the unique PS3 DualShock gamepad have points when attempting to attach by way of Bluetooth. Sadly, you want a rooted system to pair with the Six-Axis controllers however as with all above, you’ll be able to merely join by way of USB cable and play video games on the go.

Merely plug into your controller after which into the USB-C port on the backside of your Android cellphone and the system will acknowledge the enter. This additionally works with a mess of equipment and peripherals together with keyboards and mice.

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