To connect wireless PS5 controller to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, you pair the DualSense controller directly via Bluetooth. The exact button combination is holding the Create button and the PS button simultaneously until the light bar flashes, then selecting the controller from your device’s Bluetooth list.
How to connect wireless PS5 controller to iPhone or iPad
- On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings and go to Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Put the DualSense controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Create button and the PS button at the same time until the light bar starts flashing.
- In the Bluetooth device list, tap DualSense Wireless Controller.
- If prompted, tap Pair.
This Apple-documented pairing process works the same way for connecting to a Mac or Apple TV. On a Mac, open System Settings and go to Bluetooth (the specific menu path is System Settings > Bluetooth); on an Apple TV, open Settings, then Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth (the specific menu path is Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth).
Which Apple devices support the DualSense controller
Apple documents support for DualSense wireless controllers on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple Vision Pro is explicitly listed as a supported device for pairing. The required software versions are iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, macOS 11.3, or tvOS 14.5 and later. The controller pairs directly via Bluetooth with any compatible Apple device.
Putting the controller into pairing mode
To put the DualSense controller into pairing mode, press and hold the Create button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) and the PS button (the center PlayStation button) simultaneously. The Create button is identified as the small button to the left of the touchpad. Keep holding both until the light bar on the controller begins to flash. This flashing indicates the controller is discoverable and ready to pair.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If the controller does not appear in your device’s Bluetooth list, first confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your Apple device. Then verify the controller is in pairing mode, the light bar must be flashing. The documented pairing state is the flashing light bar after holding Create and PS together; no other troubleshooting steps are documented in Apple’s official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple devices are supported?
Apple documents support for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro for PlayStation wireless game controller pairing.
What iOS version is required?
Apple documents iOS 14.5 or later for iPhone and iPad support.
What buttons do you press on the controller?
Apple’s support page says to hold the Create button and the PS button together until the light bar flashes.
What if I’m using Android?
Android instructions and limits are not available from Apple’s official pages.
Can I use the controller with multiple Apple devices?
The DualSense controller pairs with one device at a time. The controller pairs with one device at a time and must be re-paired to switch devices. To switch to a different Apple device, put the controller back into pairing mode and select it from the new device’s Bluetooth list.
Does the controller work with all games?
For the wider topic, see wireless gaming controllers.
