To turn off a gamepad, you need to stop it from sending input to its host device, which you can do by disconnecting it via Bluetooth, unplugging its USB cable, or using the controller's own power button. The quickest way to turn off a gamepad is to cut its connection to the device it is paired with, whether that is a phone, tablet, or computer.
Turn off your gamepad: the quickest ways
Turning off a gamepad usually means disconnecting it from its host device, because most gamepads do not have a dedicated power switch. The three universal methods to stop a gamepad from sending input are disconnecting Bluetooth, unplugging USB, or using the controller's own power button. These steps work whether you want to save battery, prevent accidental presses, or troubleshoot a connection issue.
Disconnect a gamepad from your iPhone or iPad
To stop a gamepad from sending input to an iPhone or iPad, you can disconnect it quickly using Control Center or remove it permanently through Settings. Apple documents these Bluetooth steps for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad in Control Center, and for iPhone in Settings > Bluetooth.
- Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Bluetooth button; the icon dims and the device disconnects from all connected Bluetooth accessories immediately.
- Note that this disconnect lasts only until the next day unless Bluetooth is turned back on sooner, and it does not affect Apple Watch, Instant Hotspot, Apple Pencil listed in Accessories, or Continuity features such as Handoff.
To remove a specific gamepad permanently, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info button next to the gamepad, then tap Forget This Device and confirm with Forget Device. To turn Bluetooth off completely, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth.
Disconnect a gamepad from your Android phone
On an Android phone, you can disconnect or forget a gamepad through the Bluetooth settings.
- Open the notification shade and touch and hold the Bluetooth icon.
- Tap the accessory’s Settings button.
- If the gamepad appears under Media devices, tap Settings next to it; if not, tap See all first.
- Tap Disconnect to end the current connection while keeping the pairing saved, or tap Forget to remove the device from the phone completely.
The exact menu depth can vary by device version and interface, so look for the gamepad under Media devices or Saved/Previously connected devices.
Unplug a wired gamepad or disconnect from PC Bluetooth
For a wired gamepad, simply unplug the USB cable from the computer to disable it immediately. For a wireless gamepad connected to a PC via Bluetooth, open the Windows Bluetooth settings, find the gamepad device, and select Disconnect or Remove device. This stops the gamepad from sending input and effectively turns it off. Disabling Gamepad through Device Manager on Windows: Open Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, right-click gamepad, select Disable device.
Use the gamepad's power button
Many wireless gamepads turn off by holding the power or guide button for a few seconds. However, no single power-off sequence is documented across all manufacturers, so check the manufacturer's manual for the exact sequence. If the gamepad does not have a visible power button, the Bluetooth or USB disconnect methods above will work instead.
Frequently asked questions about turning off a gamepad
Does turning off my gamepad prolong its battery life?
Yes, turning off your gamepad when not in use helps conserve battery power. By disconnecting it from its host device, you prevent the controller from draining its battery while idle.
Does turning off the gamepad affect game progress or settings?
No, turning off your gamepad does not affect your game progress or settings. Game progress and settings are saved on the gaming device itself, not on the controller, so you can safely disconnect or power off the gamepad without losing data.
Can a disconnected gamepad still turn on a console?
Some consoles can be powered on by pressing the gamepad's guide button even when the controller is disconnected from the console. To prevent this, you may need to fully power off the controller using its own power button or remove its batteries, depending on the manufacturer's design. For specific instructions, consult the console's user manual for gamepad setup and troubleshooting.
