To connect joy cons to phone, you pair them directly via Bluetooth on an iPhone running iOS 16 or later. This lets you use the familiar Nintendo Switch controllers for mobile gaming, turning your phone into a portable console.
How to connect joy cons to phone: what you need
Before you start, confirm your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later. Your Joy-Cons need to be charged, and Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone. For example, third-party apps like 'Joy-Con Enabler for Android' and 'Joy-Con Droid' exist, but these are not official solutions.
Step-by-step: pair Joy-Cons to iPhone via Bluetooth
- Open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- On the Joy-Con, press and hold the small round sync/pairing button until the light starts flashing.
- On your iPhone, look under Other Devices for Joy-Con (L) or Joy-Con (R) and tap it.
- Repeat these steps for the second Joy-Con if you want both connected.
iPhone limits and what to expect
Joy-Con pairing requires iOS 16 or later; earlier versions are not supported. The official documentation does not state a limit on how many Joy-Cons can be paired to your iPhone. There is no menu path beyond Settings > Bluetooth. Button mapping varies by game, so you may need to adjust controls within each app.
Troubleshooting Joy-Con connection problems
- Verify your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later.
- Confirm Bluetooth is enabled in Settings > Bluetooth.
- Make sure the Joy-Con is in pairing mode by holding the sync/pairing button until its light flashes.
- Check that the Joy-Con is charged.
- Turn off other Bluetooth devices that may interfere.
- Reset the Joy-Con by pressing and holding the sync button for a few seconds until the lights flash, then try pairing again.
- Restart your iPhone and attempt the pairing process from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Joy-Cons connect to iPhone?
Yes, with the iPhone on iOS 16 or later and Bluetooth enabled in Settings > Bluetooth.
Which button do I press to pair Joy-Cons?
Use the small sync/pairing button on the Joy-Con until the indicator light flashes.
Does it work on Android?
Which phones are compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons?
Compatibility is officially supported on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. For Android, while not officially supported, users report functionality on models like Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy series, and OnePlus phones via Bluetooth.
Can I use a single Joy-Con as a controller?
Yes, each Joy-Con pairs independently and can be used on its own for games that support single-controller input.
Can I use both Joy-Cons simultaneously on my phone?
Yes, you can pair both Joy-Cons at the same time for multiplayer or games that support dual-controller setups.
Will motion controls work on iPhone?
Motion control support depends on the game you are playing; not all iOS games utilize the Joy-Con's gyroscope or accelerometer.
How do I disconnect Joy-Cons from my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" icon next to the Joy-Con, and select "Forget This Device."
Is there an adapter or accessory required to connect Joy-Cons to my phone?
No adapter is needed for a standard Bluetooth connection. If you encounter compatibility issues, a Bluetooth adapter or a third-party controller adapter may help, but these are not required for supported devices.
For the wider topic, see phone as a controller.
