To connect a Nintendo controller to your phone, you need a compatible controller like a Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Con, a phone running Android 10+ or iOS 16+, and a charged controller. This lets you play mobile games with physical buttons instead of touch controls.
What you need to connect a Nintendo controller to your phone
Before starting, ensure you have everything ready. You will need a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or a pair of Joy-Con controllers. Your phone must be running Android 10 or later, or iOS 16 or later. Finally, make sure the controller is charged.
How to connect a Pro Controller to an Android phone
Pairing a Pro Controller to an Android device is straightforward. First, put the controller into pairing mode. Locate the small, round SYNC button on the top edge of the Pro Controller, next to the USB-C charging port. Press and hold this SYNC button until the four green LED lights along the bottom edge of the controller start flashing back and forth. This indicates the controller is in pairing mode.
- On your Android device, open the "Settings" app.
- Navigate to Bluetooth from 'Connected devices settings' or search for 'Bluetooth'.
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned on, then tap "Pair new device" if available.
- Look for "Pro Controller" or "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller" in the list of available devices under "Other Devices".
- Tap on the "Pro Controller" to pair it with your device. A confirmation message may appear; select "Pair".
Once connected, the lights on the controller should stop blinking and settle into an assigned player slot, though they may remain flashing on some Android connections.
How to connect Joy-Cons to an Android phone
Each Joy-Con connects as a separate controller on Android, so you will need to pair them individually. Before starting, ensure the Joy-Cons are charged and disconnected from your Nintendo Switch console or Comfort Grip.
- On one of the Joy-Cons, locate the small, round SYNC button on the black edge (inner side) between the bumper buttons.
- Press and hold the SYNC button for at least one second (some sources suggest around 3-5 seconds) until the green LED lights flash rapidly.
- On your Android device, open "Settings" and go to "Connections", then select "Bluetooth". Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
- Your phone will start scanning for available devices. Look for "Joy-Con (L)" or "Joy-Con (R)" in the list under "Other Devices".
- Tap on the Joy-Con you wish to connect to initiate pairing.
- Repeat the process for the second Joy-Con if you want to use both.
Note that on Android, each Joy-Con is typically recognized as a separate controller. Some games may not support both Joy-Con controllers simultaneously, requiring you to use only one.
How to connect a Pro Controller to an iPhone
Connecting a Pro Controller to an iPhone is similar to the Android process. Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later.
- On the Pro Controller, press and hold the round pairing button on the top until the four green pairing LEDs begin shifting left to right and right to left.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to "Settings" and then "Bluetooth". Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Wait for "Pro Controller" to appear under "Other Devices" and tap on it to pair.
- The controller's lights will stop flashing, and one light will illuminate, signifying successful pairing.
How to connect Joy-Cons to an iPhone
Pairing Joy-Cons to an iPhone is easy, and iOS 16+ offers a useful feature that automatically combines them into one unified controller for games. Ensure your Joy-Cons are charged and slide them off the Nintendo Switch console.
- On one of the Joy-Cons, press and hold the black pairing button (also called SYNC button) on the top until the green light starts flashing rapidly.
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Scroll down to the "Other Devices" section and tap on "Joy-Con (L)" or "Joy-Con (R)" to pair it.
When two Joy-Cons are paired to an iOS device running iOS 16 or later, they will appear as a single unified MFi controller to games.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If you encounter issues, start by ensuring the controller is still in pairing mode and not currently paired with another device. Before connecting, turn off any devices the controller was previously paired to, such as a Nintendo Switch, as this can interfere with the setup process. If the controller does not appear in your phone's Bluetooth list, try resetting the connection by turning Bluetooth off and on again, then re-entering pairing mode. For connection dropping or input lag, check that your controller is charged and that your phone is running the required operating system version. Not all mobile games support external controllers, so verify that your game has controller support and check for any in-game settings that need to be enabled. A wired connection for the Pro Controller to Android is possible with an adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Nintendo Switch controller with any phone?
Older operating systems may not recognize the controller.
Can I connect multiple Nintendo controllers to my phone at once?
Yes, but it depends on your phone and the game. On Android, each Joy-Con connects as a separate controller, and some games may not support using both simultaneously. On iOS 16+, two paired Joy-Cons are recognized as a single unified controller.
Do all mobile games work with a Nintendo controller?
No, not all mobile games support external controllers. Compatibility varies by game, and some may require you to enable controller input in the settings. Check the game's description or developer information to confirm support.
Can I use a wired connection instead of Bluetooth?
Yes, a wired connection for the Pro Controller to Android is possible but requires an adapter or a USB-C to USB-C cable. Bluetooth pairing is the natively supported method.
How do I disconnect my controller from my phone?
You can also turn off Bluetooth or turn off the controller itself.
Why is my controller not appearing in the Bluetooth list?
Ensure the controller is in pairing mode (LEDs flashing) and not connected to another device. Also, verify your phone meets the operating system requirements and that Bluetooth is enabled.
For the wider topic, see phone as a controller.
