How To Connect PS5 Controller To iPad

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks

If you are wondering whether or not you can connect the PS5 controller to the iPad – you can. I just tried it out, played a couple of games – Apex Legends Mobile and just destroyed the competition. I tried to navigate the iPad with PS5 – yes, you can do it, you can open up games, but it’s not convenient. I suggest using the controller only for gaming purposes.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the iPad.
2. Hold the “share screen” button and Playstation button for ~5sec.
3. Press on DualSense Wireless Controller under “other devices” on your iPad

It should show “connected” under my devices, and your PS5 controller’s touch screen should be orange, which means it’s connected.

A step-by-step guide with screenshots below:

Step 1 – Make Sure Your Bluetooth is Toggled On

Settings>Bluetooth>Toggle On

You need your Bluetooth on in order to connect to the controller.

Step 2 – Enable Pairing on Your PS5 Controller

To enable pairing on your ps5 controller, press the PS button + Share Button and hold for ~5 seconds.

If you did everything correctly, your controller should start blinking blue light. (Make sure your controller is charged)

Now go back to your iPad.

DualSense Wireless Controller should appear on your Bluetooth list. You should press on it, and it should connect these two devices.

Your controller will show an orange light – that means it’s connected. Also, your iPad will show that they are connected.

How To Navigate iPad with PS5 Controller

With L1 and R1, you can jump between app pages. With both analogs and arrows, you can navigate apps and which one you would like to open. It’s all nice, but as soon as you open an app, like Netflix, that’s it. Your controller won’t work anymore because the app is not compatible with the controller.

So there are quite a few limitations.

Customize Your Controls

Now that you have connected your PS5 controller and iPad, there should be a new setting for “Game Controller”

Settings>General>Game Controller

Here you can customize your controllers and “Identify Controller” which means the controller you have connected to your iPad will start vibrating as soon as your press the button.

I personally like to leave all the controllers on default, but here you can switch up the keys however you like.

You can also customize the “share button” with a double press, you will take a screenshot on your iPad, and by pressing and holding it will start recording your gameplay. You can also edit it and make it record your highlights of the game. To share with your audience or friends.

Playing Games on iPad with PS5 Controller

Now I’ve only tried a few, and I invest the most time in Apex Legends Mobile.

Managed to get 17 kills on the first try. I wish I was this good at the real game.

I used the controlled, which is allowed, but honestly, it felt like cheating a bit. I was just way better than anyone else.

It’s important to know that you can’t use the controller in the games menu. You can only use the controller in the gameplay. So if you log into a game and you can’t use the controller – don’t worry. Skip all the tutorials and go into practice mode to make sure everything is working. You can also change the controllers under the settings.

Not all games support PS5 controllers, but Apex Legends Mobile did. It was so enjoyable that I should do an article on all the shooter games that support controllers.

Summary

@wolfoftablet

How To Connect PS5 Controller To iPad #ipad #ps5 #apexlegends #apexlegendsmobile #gaming

♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依

I’ve been playing PlayStation for years, and I bought my first iPad in 2018, I believe, but I never once even thought about connecting the PS5 or PS4 controller to the iPad, it gives you a huge advantage over other players, and it just makes the gaming experience so much better.

I played games on an iPad before, don’t get me wrong, but never with a controller. That’s really a game-changer.

When I connected the PS5 controller to the iPad, I noticed another thing:

iPad shows how much battery is left in your PS5 controller.

Stay tuned if you want more articles about iPad games with a PS5 controller.