To add a game controller to Bluetooth, first put your controller into pairing mode, then enable Bluetooth on your device and select the controller from the list of available devices. This process works for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, though feature support varies by platform.
What you need before you add a game controller to Bluetooth
Before you begin, ensure your controller is charged or has fresh batteries. Your device must have Bluetooth support and be within approximately 33 feet (10 meters) of the controller.
How to put your specific controller into pairing mode
Each controller brand uses a different button combination to enter pairing mode. The controller must be in pairing mode before your device can discover it.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Turn on the controller by pressing the Xbox button. Press and hold the Pair button, a small button located on the top, between the bumpers, for about three seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing rapidly. This signals the controller is ready to pair.
PS5 DualSense controller
Ensure the controller is off. Press and hold the Create button (top-left front) and the PS button (center) simultaneously until the light bar begins to blink. This is how you put PS5 controller in pairing mode.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Press and hold the Sync button (located on the top of the controller near the USB-C port) until the indicator lights flash. Important: When connected to a PC via Bluetooth, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller maps its controls using DirectInput, which may make it incompatible with most PC games without additional software. You can still use a game controller to play Pokemon insurgence by pairing it with a tool that translates inputs to XInput. For best results on PC, use a wired USB connection or third-party compatibility software.
Enable Bluetooth and pair on your device
Once your controller is in pairing mode, follow the steps for your specific device to complete the connection.
Windows 11
- Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Ensure Bluetooth is toggled "On".
- Select "Add device", then choose "Bluetooth".
- Select your controller from the list of available devices.
These steps also apply to connecting a Bluetooth game controller to Windows 10, though the menu path may be Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices instead.
macOS
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click "Bluetooth" in the sidebar.
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Hover your pointer over the device in the list, then click "Connect".
iOS/iPadOS
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Tap the name of the accessory when it appears onscreen under "Other Devices" or "My Devices".
Android
- Swipe down from the top of the screen, then touch and hold the Bluetooth icon.
- Tap "Pair new device".
- Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair.
Test the connection and understand feature limitations
After pairing, launch a game that supports controller input and test all buttons, joysticks, and triggers to confirm everything works. Be aware that Bluetooth connections may not support all features of your controller:
| Controller | Known limitations via Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| PS5 DualSense | Adaptive triggers may not work on Android; haptic feedback, built-in microphone/speaker, and headset jack may not function on Mac or mobile devices |
| PS4 DualShock 4 | Touchpad, rumble, motion sensor, and headphone jack are generally not supported on PC; light bar color cannot be changed |
| Nintendo Switch Pro | DirectInput mapping may cause incompatibility with many PC games without additional software |
For the best experience, check your game's controller support settings before assuming all features will work. Connecting a game controller to any device is straightforward, but knowing these limitations helps you avoid frustration.
Troubleshooting common pairing problems
If your controller isn't discovered by your device, try these solutions in order:
- Re-enter pairing mode on the controller, sometimes the controller exits pairing mode after a few seconds of inactivity.
- Check the battery level. A low battery can prevent the controller from broadcasting its signal properly.
- Move the controller and device closer together. Bluetooth range is limited to about 33 feet (10 meters), and obstacles like walls can reduce this.
- Restart Bluetooth on your device by toggling it off and on again in settings.
- If you are trying to connect a PS4 controller via Bluetooth, note that some Android and iOS devices may require the controller to be previously paired with a PS4 console to work correctly.
If none of these steps work, try pairing a different Bluetooth device to confirm your device's Bluetooth is functioning, or restart both the controller and your device completely.
