Gaming consoles have their own attractions and gaming experiences. It’s true that the gaming experience is far much greater on gaming consoles when compared to mobile gaming. Luckily, you do not have to own a PlayStation 5 to enjoy the gaming experience using a DualSense wireless controller. These controllers are pairable via Bluetooth to smartphones, including both iPhones and Androids. Although the PS5 DualSense controller is compatible with both Android and iOS phones, this article is specific to connecting these controllers to an iPhone. This article explains in detail why the PS5 DualSense controller is better than it’s predecessors and how to connect the PS5 Controller with the iPhone.
What is a PS5 DualSense Controller, and What’s The Big Deal about It?
Like all PlayStations, The PlayStation 5 comes with it’s own wireless gaming controller named the PS5 DualSense controller. The controller might look the same as the previous ones but has much more enticing features built into it. The biggest innovations in the DualSense controller are:
- Haptic feedbacks
- Built-in microphone
- Adaptive rear triggers
These fascinating features have taken the gaming experience to a whole new level. For instance, while walking in the desert, you will be able to feel the rattling of the sand, making it easy to experience and feel the game. Imagine how greatly the gaming experience would improve with these new features. With a black interior and a two-tone design, the PS5 DualSense controller has a bigger touchpad compared to it’s predecessors.
With a beefier look, DualSense is still not a heavy controller. With the built-in microphone, you can talk with your friends while in the gaming sessions to strategize the battlefield.
What version of iOS DO You Need to Connect the DualSense PS5 Controller to iPhone?
For you to enjoy the console-like gaming experience on your iPhone, your phone must have the required iPhone Operating System (iOS). Not every iOS will let you connect the DualSense wireless gaming controller to your iPhone.
iOS 14.5 came out in the year 2021 with many exciting features. Some of those features are very much loved by gamers. iOS 14.5 started to allow it’s user to connect the DualSense wireless gaming controller with the iPhone. This version also added support for other wireless controllers like the Xbox series X controllers. This new feature was very helpful because gamers do not have to look for MFi-compatible controllers specifically.
Currently, most iPhone Arcade games support gaming controllers, meaning they can be played using the DualSense controller. Before purchasing or pairing the DualSense controller with your iPhone, find out what version your iPhone is running on. To find out the currently installed version, simply follow these simple steps:
Open Settings
Go to General
At the top, you will see About. Click on it to see the current iOS version.
If your iOS version is less than iOS 14.5, you must upgrade it to be able to connect your phone with the DualSense controller. Like all other smartphones, all iPhones are upgradable to a limited iOS version. For instance, you cannot go beyond iOS 12.5.5 on iPhone 6 because it’s hardware is not meant to handle iOS versions greater than iOS 12.5.5. To check for available iOS upgrades, follow the steps given next:-
Ensure that you have an internet connection
Go to Settings
Now navigate to General -> Software Update
Wait for a few seconds while your iPhone searches for available upgrades.
How to Connect DualSense PS5 Controller to iPhone
Connecting your iPhone and DualSense is unbelievably easy. Just follow these simple steps:-
Open Settings and navigate to Bluetooth
Turn on the Bluetooth
Now, on your DualSense controller, press the PS and Share buttons By doing this, the DualSense will go into pairing mode. The PS button is in the center between the controller’s two thumbsticks, and the Share button is at the top of the D-pad with three lines radiating out of it.
Keep the buttons pressed until you see a blue light flashing. This usually takes around three seconds.
Go back to your iPhone’s Bluetooth; the DualSense controller’s name would appear there. For pairing the device, tap on it.
When you no longer wish to connect the DualSense with the iPhone, turn off the Bluetooth to save your iPhone’s battery from draining.
Can You Customize the Options?
Having the ability to connect your iPhone with a DualSense wireless gaming controller with enticing features is not all, there’s more to it. How about we tell you that you can even customize the options on your iPhone?
In the customization mode, you can overwrite pre-mapped buttons by re-mapping them. You can separately re-map the buttons accordingly for different games. And not just that, you can even enable or disable video clips, screenshots, haptic feedback, etc. Follow these steps to find the customization menu on your iPhone:-
Open Settings and navigate to General.
In General, find the Game Controller and tap on it.
Make the changes you desire.
Checklist for Pairing the DualSense
At times the DualSense might fail to pair with your iPhone. It could be frustrating, but it might be happening because you have not considered some things. Before connecting the DualSense with your iPhone, ensure it’s fully charged. It is a common thing for electronics, that they do not perform well with drained-out batteries. This seems very obvious as there is insufficient power to fuel and maintain connection with your iPhone.
If you still cannot connect both devices, connect the DualSense back with the PlayStation. In this way, the controller will be paired with the console. Now, disconnect the controller from the console and re-attempt to pair it with your iPhone. Hopefully, it will pair properly now.
Another issue is that some first-person shooter games are set up for the Xbox controllers. This means that the ABXY buttons of the Xbox wireless controller do not map exactly to the buttons of DualSense (triangle, circle, cross, and square). To fix this issue, you have to perform some trial and error to figure out how buttons on the DualSpace work.
Wrapping Up
Most gaming console comes with it’s own gaming controller. The controller could be wireless or wired, depending on the gaming console. PlayStation 5 (PS5), in the same manner, has it’s own gaming controller known as the DualSense wireless controller. The best part about this controller is that they can be paired with iPhones and Android. Playing games on an iPhone with an advanced haptic feedback-enabled controller will definitely improve the gaming experience. Not only can you pair the DualSense with an iPhone, but you can also customize the option for all games separately and configure the options according to your personal preferences.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
