How to connect PS4 controller to iPad

 

Unlock the power of gaming on your iPad with our ultimate guide to connecting a PS4 controller! Learn how to seamlessly pair your PS4 controller with your iPad for enhanced gaming sessions. Follow this concise guide to unlock the potential of console-style gaming on your tablet.

Unleash your gaming potential with the ultimate duo: PS4 controller and iPad – learn how to connect them!

Pairing a PS4 controller with your iPad can enhance your gaming experience by providing more precise controls. Here’s a detailed guide on how to connect a PS4 controller to an iPad:

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your iPad and PS4 controller are both compatible for this connection. Your iPad should be running iPadOS 13 or later, and your PS4 controller should be an original DualShock 4 controller (not the newer DualSense controller).
2. Enable Bluetooth on iPad: Open the “Settings” app on your iPad, then navigate to “Bluetooth.” Turn on Bluetooth to make your iPad discoverable for pairing.

3. Activate pairing mode on the PS4 controller:

   • Turn off your PS4 controller.
   • To put it in pairing mode, press and hold the “PlayStation” button and the “Share” button simultaneously until the light on the controller begins to blink rapidly.
4. Connect the Controller:
   • In the “Bluetooth” settings on your iPad, you’ll see “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” or similar under “Other Devices.” Tap on it to initiate the pairing process.
5. Pairing Confirmation:
   • Once successfully paired, the controller’s light will stop blinking and remain solid. It will also show as “Connected” in the iPad’s Bluetooth settings.
6. Test the Connection:
   • Open a game that supports controller input and see if the PS4 controller responds to your inputs. You might need to configure the controls in the game settings for optimal gameplay.
7. Charging and Reconnection:
   • Subsequent connections are usually automatic. If your controller disconnects or you turn it off, you can reconnect it by turning on Bluetooth on your iPad and turning on the controller. The iPad will recognize and reconnect it.
8. Limitations:
   • Not all games are optimized for external controller use, so not all titles will work seamlessly.
   • Some games might require specific controller settings or adjustments within the game’s settings menu.
9. Disconnecting the Controller:
   • To disconnect the controller, you can turn off Bluetooth on your iPad or turn off the controller itself.
10. Unpairing the Controller:

• If you want to unpair the controller from your iPad, go to “Bluetooth” settings, tap the “i” icon next to the controller’s name, and choose “Forget This Device.”

Connect your PS4 controller to your iPad to improve your gaming experience on compatible games.

Keep in mind that the process might vary slightly depending on your iPad’s version of iPadOS.

Where can I check on my iPad that the pairing was successful?

You can verify the successful pairing of your PS4 controller with your iPad by checking the Bluetooth settings and observing the controller’s behavior. Here’s how:

After pairing the PS4 controller with your iPad, you can confirm the successful connection through both your iPad’s Bluetooth settings and the visual cues from the controller itself.

1. Bluetooth Settings:
   • Open the “Settings” app on your iPad.
   • Navigate to the “Bluetooth” section.
   • In the list of available devices, you should see the PS4 controller listed as “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” or similar. If the controller appears in this list and has a “Connected” status, it indicates that the pairing was successful.
   • Additionally, you might also see the controller’s name displayed on the list, confirming its connection.
2. Visual Cues on the Controller:
   • After successful pairing, the light on the PS4 controller will stop blinking and remain solid. This steady light suggests that the controller is connected and ready for use.
   • Some games might also display an on-screen indicator or icon when the controller is connected.

By checking both the Bluetooth settings on your iPad and the visual cues from the PS4 controller, you can confidently confirm that the pairing process was indeed successful. This ensures that you’re ready to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience on your iPad using the PS4 controller.

DualShock 4 Bluetooth troubleshooting

Having a DualShock 4 controller is great for gaming, but if you’re having difficulties with its Bluetooth connection, it can quickly become frustrating. The most common issue is that the phone won’t detect the controller at all. If this happens, you may need to try resetting the controller by plugging it in for a few minutes before attempting again. If it doesn’t work then, there could be something wrong with its firmware or there may not be enough juice to keep a stable connection. To resolve this issue, you can utilize a paper clip by inserting it into the small hole found on the back of the controller, specifically located towards the bottom-left of the L2 trigger. To reset and factory reset your controller for potential performance improvement, hold it down for approximately five seconds. Finally, if you don’t want to use Bluetooth (or your Android version is 9.0 or earlier) then your only option is to go wired – but this might not always be possible either.

An analysis of third-party controllers

The debate between first-party controllers and third-party controllers has been raging for years. Many people opt for the more affordable third-party controllers but this can be a mistake, as there are some notable differences compared to their first-party counterparts. Third-party controllers often lack built-in features such as vibration, and they typically need a dongle to operate wirelessly. However, some third-party builders offer programmable back buttons and the ability to switch thumbsticks, and wired play remains an option. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you’re willing to sacrifice certain features in exchange for more affordable hardware.

When it comes to build quality, it is usually best practice to spent the extra cash on a brand you trust and avoid any potential scammings that may come with buying from a less reliable controller provider. Many have been burned by cheaply made aftermarket models in the past so always make sure you do your research before parting ways with your hard earned money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the steps to connect a PS4 controller to your iPad are as follows: Turn on your PS4 controller and put it into pairing mode. This is done by pressing and holding down the Share button and the PS button simultaneously until the light bar begins flashing. On your iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth and wait for the controller to appear. After it appears, select it from the list of devices and follow any further instructions that may appear on screen. Once connected, you should be able to use your PS4 controller with compatible apps or games on your iPad.