Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Yes. You can connect a PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 to an iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth: turn off the controller, hold PS + SHARE until the light bar flashes, then choose DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller in Settings → Bluetooth. The game or app must support external controllers.
What you need
- A charged DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller.
- An iPhone running iOS 13 or later, or an iPad running iPadOS 13 or later, for Sony’s general Bluetooth and USB controller compatibility guidance (Sony support).
- Bluetooth enabled on the Apple device.
- A controller-compatible game or app.
For PS Remote Play, Sony’s current requirements are stricter for the controller: DUALSHOCK 4 use with Remote Play on iPhone and iPad is listed for iOS 14 or later. You also need a PS4 or PS5, the free PS Remote Play app, a PlayStation account, a compatible game and a broadband connection. PlayStation lists 5 Mbps as the minimum bandwidth and recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better experience (PlayStation Remote Play).
| Use case | Current version guidance | Other requirement |
|---|---|---|
| General Bluetooth or USB controller pairing | iOS 13 or later; iPadOS 13 or later | A game or app that supports controllers |
| DUALSHOCK 4 with PS Remote Play | iOS 14 or later on iPhone or iPad | PS4 or PS5, Remote Play app, PlayStation account, compatible game and network connection |
Pair the DUALSHOCK 4 by Bluetooth
- Turn off the controller. If the light bar is on, hold the PS button until it switches off.
- Disconnect USB. Unplug any cable from the controller.
- Enter pairing mode. Hold the SHARE button, then hold the PS button as well. Keep both pressed until the light bar starts flashing.
- On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Under available devices, tap DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller.
- Wait for the connection to complete, then launch your game or app.
The flashing light bar is the important discovery signal; its exact color is not a reliable indication of the final connection state. If Apple shows the controller as paired but it does not become active, press and release the PS button once, as Apple recommends (Apple Support).
Connect with USB when Bluetooth is unavailable
Apple says a DUALSHOCK 4 can pair and connect automatically when plugged directly into an iPhone or iPad with a cable that supports both data and charging (Apple Support). A charge-only cable will not work for pairing.
#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
The required connection depends on the Apple device: connector type, adapters and cable compatibility vary between iPhone and iPad models. If the controller is not recognized, update iOS or iPadOS and the controller software, then try Bluetooth. Do not assume that every iPhone or iPad accepts the same cable or adapter.
Use it with iPhone and iPad games
System-level pairing does not make every game controller-compatible. Check the game’s App Store listing for controller-support information, look in its settings for a controller or gamepad menu, and test the sticks and face buttons after pairing. Apple Arcade titles also vary by game; the Apple Arcade label alone does not guarantee DUALSHOCK 4 support.
Rank #2
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
If a game was already open when you paired the controller, close and reopen it. Some games support only part of the controller layout, so a connected gamepad may still lack a particular function.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use the controller with PS Remote Play
- Install the official PS Remote Play app from the App Store.
- Sign in with the PlayStation account associated with the console.
- Make sure the PS4 or PS5 is configured for Remote Play and connected to the network.
- Pair the DUALSHOCK 4 with the iPhone or iPad using the Bluetooth steps above.
- Open Remote Play and select the console.
Remote Play streams the console over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so the 5 Mbps minimum and 15 Mbps recommendation are bandwidth guidance, not a guarantee of low latency. Wi-Fi quality, congestion, distance from the router, mobile-data conditions and the console’s connection can all affect responsiveness. Mobile-data use may also incur carrier charges (PlayStation Remote Play).
Rank #3
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
What may not work
Bluetooth pairing does not reproduce every feature available when the controller is connected directly to a PS4. Sony notes that, on supported non-console connections, the following may be unavailable:
- Touchpad input.
- Rumble.
- Motion sensing.
- Headphone-jack audio.
- Light-bar color control.
Whether a feature works also depends on the app and operating system. If a streamed game expects a touchpad, motion or other unavailable input, use the Remote Play on-screen controls when offered or check the game’s control options.
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
Troubleshoot pairing problems
The controller is not listed in Bluetooth
- Confirm the controller is off, unplugged and flashing after you hold PS + SHARE.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on again in Settings → Bluetooth.
- Charge the controller and repeat pairing mode.
- Restart the iPhone or iPad and install available Apple software updates.
- Try a known data-capable USB cable.
- If it still will not pair, reset the controller and follow Sony’s troubleshooting guidance (DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller support).
It keeps reconnecting to the PS4 or another device
The controller may be trying to reconnect to its last remembered device. Turn it completely off, disconnect USB and repeat the PS + SHARE sequence. If practical, temporarily turn off Bluetooth on the previously connected device or console while pairing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
It says connected, but the game ignores it
- Press and release the PS button once.
- Force-close and reopen the game.
- Confirm that the game supports external controllers and check its input settings.
- Test the controller in another known controller-compatible game.
- For Remote Play, open the official app and sign in with the PlayStation account linked to the console.
USB pairing fails
Check that the cable carries data as well as power, that the connector or adapter matches your iPhone or iPad, and that the controller port and cable are not damaged. Update both devices, then use Bluetooth if USB remains unrecognized.
Best Value
- Wireless Connectivity: The DualShock 4 controller uses Bluetooth technology for wireless gameplay.
- PlayStation Compatibility: This controller is specifically designed for use with the PlayStation 4 console.
- Vibration Feedback: The controller's built-in rumble feature provides tactile feedback during gameplay.
- Adjustable Controls: The controller has customizable button layouts and analog sticks to suit your preferences.
- Long Battery Life: The controller is battery-powered and can provide up to 10 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Reconnect the controller to your PS4
Pairing with an iPhone or iPad does not permanently disable the controller’s console connection. Sony’s reconnection method is:
- Turn on the PS4.
- Connect the DUALSHOCK 4 to the PS4 with a compatible USB cable.
- Press the PS button.
- After it pairs, disconnect the cable for wireless play.
Sony states that a DUALSHOCK 4 pairs with only one console at a time; moving it to another console requires pairing again (Sony support).
Do you need an accessory?
No special Sony adapter is required for Bluetooth pairing. A replacement Micro-USB cable is useful for charging, USB pairing or reconnecting to the PS4, but it must support data and charging. For Remote Play, a phone clip can improve viewing ergonomics; it does not improve compatibility or network latency.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
