To invert the Y-axis on your joystick, the quickest and most universal first step is to check the game’s own settings menu for an "Invert Y-Axis" option. If the game does not offer that, you can use a system-wide setting on iPhone and iPad, or controller-specific software on PC.
How to invert y-axis on joystick: the quickest ways
There are three main methods to invert the Y-axis: in-game settings, system-wide settings on Apple devices, and controller software on PC. Always start by looking inside the game you are playing, as this is the most common and easiest path. If the game supports input remapping, you will find the option in its controller or controls menu. For a global solution that applies to all games, Apple devices offer a dedicated setting, while PC users must rely on their controller’s companion software.
Invert Y-axis on iPhone and iPad (system-wide)
On iPhone and iPad, Apple provides a verified system-wide setting to invert the Y-axis for any supported game controller. Connect your controller via Bluetooth, then navigate to Settings > General > Game Controller. Tap your connected controller, then go to Customizations > Left Stick and switch on Invert Vertically. This feature is available in iOS 14 and tvOS 14 and applies globally to all game controller apps on your device.
Invert Y-axis in a game's own settings
Many games allow you to invert the Y-axis inside their own controller remapping UI. Look for a "Controls," "Gamepad," or "Joystick" section in the game’s settings menu. The option may be labeled "Invert Y-axis" or "Invert Vertically." The game must support input remapping for this to work, as noted in Apple’s documentation. If you don’t see the option, the game likely does not offer in-app inversion. Some games store configuration files that can be edited manually to enable Y-axis inversion or adjust other control settings.
Invert Y-axis using controller software on PC
There is no single official Windows path for inverting the Y-axis on all joysticks. Instead, open the specific companion software for your controller, such as software from Logitech, Thrustmaster, or other vendors, and look for axis inversion options. This is especially relevant when using joysticks for PC gaming, as the software often provides calibration or axis reversal settings. For example, if you need to set up controls for joystick on war thunder, you would adjust inversion within that game’s controller menu or your joystick’s own software.
What about inverting the Y-axis on Android?
No documented, system-wide consumer setting exists in official Android sources for inverting the joystick Y-axis. The Android Open Source Project describes axis inversion at the input-mapping level for developers, but there is no user-facing menu path on an Android phone. Android users must rely entirely on in-game settings to invert the Y-axis.
Troubleshooting: when Y-axis inversion doesn't work
If inversion does not work on an Apple device, first check the game’s own controller settings, as the global setting can be overridden by game-specific controls. If the setting does not change in device Settings, Apple community guidance says to check the game’s own settings first and then verify controller compatibility, software updates, and any needed firmware updates. Next, confirm your controller is compatible with the iPhone or iPad, update iOS or iPadOS, re-pair the controller, and check for controller firmware updates. Occasionally, you may experience conflicts between the Y-axis inversion settings in your joystick software and the game's built-in settings. To resolve this, ensure that the Y-axis inversion options in both the joystick software and the game are aligned. If necessary, disable the Y-axis inversion in one of the settings to prevent conflicts. If you need to enable joystick arma or fix a controller joystick that moves by itself, these same steps apply: verify compatibility and update software before assuming the inversion feature is broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every controller be inverted on iPhone?
Only supported game controllers connected via Bluetooth can use Apple’s system-wide inversion setting. Not all third-party controllers are supported.
Does the Apple setting apply to all games?
Yes, Apple states that global customizations apply to all game controller apps on the device. However, a game’s own remapping can override the system setting.
Can iPhone invert the left stick?
Yes, Apple’s documented path explicitly uses the Left Stick and the Invert Vertically option.
Is there an Android system setting?
No. You must use in-game settings.
What if a game doesn’t support remapping?
If the game lacks its own remapping UI and you are on an Apple device, the global system setting should still apply. On Android or PC, no universal workaround exists beyond using controller software.
