How to Connect Any Game Controller to Android Phone
Today’s smartphones are powerful enough that you can think of them as full-featured computers that fit in your pocket. And just like computers, your phone can double as a gaming system. And while most games support touch controls, some games work better if you have a controller and can easily connect it to your Android phone.
Most Android smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 8 series, can be easily connected to Xbox, PlayStation, and Bluetooth controllers. There are also mobile game controllers that connect directly to your phone via USB-C, such as the Backbone One .
How to Connect a DualShock 4 Controller to an Android Phone
TO pair a DualShock 4 controller, first put the controller into pairing mode by holding the Share button (the button to the left of the touchpad) for three seconds. The light bar on the top of the controller should start flashing. Next, go to your Android phone’s settings, select Connected Devices , and select Connect a new device . After this you should see a list of available devices. Find your DualShock 4 wireless controller in the list and tap its name to connect . Once paired, it will show as “Connected” under “Other devices” in Bluetooth settings.
How to Connect a DualSense Controller to an Android Phone
If you have a DualSense or DualSense Edge controller, press and hold the Compose button (the button to the left of the touchpad with the lines facing outward) for three seconds until the controller’s light bar starts flashing. Then on your Android phone, go to Settings , then Connected Devices , and select Connect a new device. Wait until the DualSense wireless controller name appears and tap it to pair .
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to an Android Phone
Connecting your Xbox controller to your Android phone is easy. First, enable pairing mode on your controller by pressing and holding the pairing button next to the controller’s charging port (the button should have three curved lines) for a few seconds until the Xbox logo on your controller starts flashing. Next, go to your phone’s Settings , then Connected Devices , and select Connect a new device . Your Xbox controller should appear in the list of available devices. Tap the controller name to pair it.
How to Connect a Switch Joy-Con Controller to an Android Phone
You can also connect a Joy-Con controller to your Android phone. To do this, disconnect the Joy-Con controller from the Switch and press the Sync button (the black button next to the four LED lights located on the connecting edge of the controller). The Joy-Con lights will move back and forth when it is in pairing mode. Go to your phone’s Settings app and select the Connected devices option. Then tap Connect New Device and after a few seconds your Joy-Con should appear in the list of available devices. Tap the controller name to pair it.
How to Connect a Switch Pro Controller to an Android Phone
If you want to use a Nintendo Switch Pro controller , the steps are the same as connecting a Joy-Con. Press and hold the sync button—the round black button next to the USB-C port. The LEDs on the controller will move back and forth when it is in pairing mode. On your Android phone, go to Settings and select Connected Devices . Tap Pair New Device and wait for your Switch Pro Controller to appear, then tap the controller’s name to pair it.
How to Connect a Controller to an Android Phone via USB-C
Some mobile game controllers can be connected directly to your Android phone using a USB-C connector, such as the Backbone One or Razer Kishi V2 . You don’t need to keep these controllers charged since they use your phone’s battery for power. To set up one, slide out the controller and connect your Android phone to the left side of the controller, camera side first. Next, connect the right side of the controller by inserting its USB-C connector into your phone’s charging port. The controller should start working immediately.