How to Connect a Controller to an Android Phone or Tablet?
Learn how to connect any game controller to your Android device (PS4, PS5, Xbox, etc.).
Mobile game touch controls aren’t always ideal. Maybe they’re not well-implemented…
…or maybe your device can’t support multitouch. Instead, you can use a controller to play Android mobile games.
A wired controller can be connected to an Android phone or tablet through USB.
Bluetooth can also be used to connect a wireless controller to an Android device.
Joy-Con controllers from the Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch all operate with Android devices.
You can also transmit your screen to an Android TV after they’re synced for a big-screen experience.
Here’s how to connect a game controller to an Android phone…
…as well as a list of controllers that work with Android phones.
This is what Karen said…
I’m not sure how many people are aware of it.
Consider keeping your old controllers if you’ve been lucky enough to get a PS5 and are trading in your PS4s.
You can use Bluetooth to link a DualShock 4 to your iPhone or Android phone and gain a massive…
…free increase in touch controls.
Best Game Controller for PC on Work Rift
Controller Gamepad Android Wireless Joystick Product
In addition, it’s a wireless controller, which means you don’t have to worry about connecting it to your phone or tablet.
You can just play games with the controller.
The Controller Gamepad Android Wireless Joystick Product is an Android-based Bluetooth gamepad that works…
…with all phones and tablets running on Android 4.0 or higher. It has a rechargeable battery.
If you are a gamer, you must have a controller for your gaming console.
A controller can be the difference between winning and losing in a game.
You can play games like Assassin’s Creed Unity, Call of Duty, GTA, Fifa or other games with a controller.
But sometimes you may face problems while playing games with a controller.
It is because of the controllers used in the games are not good enough to handle the latest games.
So, you need to buy a good quality controller.
Controller Gamepad Android Wireless Joystick is a wireless gamepad for android devices.
It has a touchpad, D-pad, 8 action buttons and 2 analog sticks.
It has a rechargeable battery, which can be charged through USB port.
It has 2 modes: one is to connect with your Android device using Bluetooth and the other is to connect…
…with your Android device using cable. It also has a micro USB cable included in the package.
Wireless versions of many popular controller types (joypads, mice, keyboards) exist, and wireless motion controls are an emerging class for virtual reality.
Wireless Game Controller according to Wikipedia
Data Frog Wireless Game Controller
Pros
- Responsive
- Super comfortable
- Able to work for most emulators
Cons
- Need to map controls for games with an app such as Octopus (not really the manufacturer’s fault)
- Not very durable compared to other controllers
- Abysmal packaging
HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 Overview
HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 is a wireless Bluetooth gamepad controller with a full QWERTY keyboard.
It is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows devices. The HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600…
…has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged using the USB cable.
The HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 features four control buttons…
…two analog sticks, two action buttons, two shoulder buttons and a directional pad.
Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 is one of the best wireless gamepad available in the market.
With two built-in vibration motors, this gamepad is designed to offer ultimate gaming experience.
It also features up to 8 hours of battery life and has a long range of up to 30 feet.
Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 is the best gamepad for PC and PS4. With high-end technology…
…this Bluetooth wireless gamepad is capable of playing PC games and PS4 games on your PC.
It is a great choice for gamers who want to enjoy the best gaming experience.
The HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 is a wireless gamepad for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC.
It’s designed to connect to your PlayStation via Bluetooth and let you play games on your console from your PC.
The S600 is designed to be easy to use, and it works with any PC that has a USB port.
Let’s hear the story about HOME Bluetooth Wireless Gamepad S600 needs.
How to Connect a Controller to an Android Phone or Tablet Using USB or Bluetooth
With the help of a controller, you can improve your Android gaming experience.
A controller gives better steadiness than touch controls when playing Fortnite on your phone…
…or even something slower-paced like Minecraft.
A USB cable or Bluetooth can be used to connect a controller to your phone.
The following are the particular controllers for Android phones and tablets:
- USB controllers that are generic
- Bluetooth controllers that are generic Xbox One controller
- PS4 controller
- PS5 controller
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
Controllers that aren’t developed for a certain console are known as generic controllers.
High-quality game controllers for your Android handset may be found from GameSir…
…Redgear, and Motorola, to name a few. Through Bluetooth or USB connections…
…Android phones and tablets can connect to controllers.
We’ll take a look at each type of controller separately in a bit.
Due to out-of-date apps and changes to Android’s Bluetooth support…
…we’re bypassing older console controllers (such as the Xbox 360 controller).
It’s also possible that generic controllers meant for use with a PC won’t function.
Finally, if the game you’re playing doesn’t have built-in controller compatibility, the controller won’t work.
Let’s examine how to set up a game controller on Android.
How to Connect a Controller to an Android Phone or Tablet: Connect a Wired USB Controller to Android
A USB OTG cable is required to play games on Android with a USB controller.
This is a unique equipment that allows you to use a conventional USB connector with your phone or tablet.
The OTG-USB cable, on the other hand, offers a lot more, allowing you to connect all kinds…
…of USB devices and drives to Android. More information on USB-OTG can be found in our USB-OTG guide.
You’ll need to get a USB OTG cable first. Amazon has them for a reasonable price.
Depending on your phone, make sure you utilize a USB-C or micro-USB port.
Simply insert the USB OTG adapter into your Android phone and connect…
…the USB game controller to the adapter’s other end.
Connect an Android device to a standard Bluetooth controller You can almost always count…
…on a generic Bluetooth game controller to operate with your Android handset.
It’s almost as easy as plugging in a USB controller, though you won’t need any extra adapters.
To begin, make sure your phone can be found by Bluetooth devices.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Settings > Connected devices > Connection options > Bluetooth.
Select Pair new device from the same menu, then follow the on-screen directions…
…to make your controller discoverable. If there isn’t a specific Bluetooth button…
…check the handbook for the correct button combination.
The controller should be detected by your phone; tap its name to connect.
Games that support controllers, like USB, will recognize them when you start the game.
Other games may support controllers, but they will require additional Google Play software.
You already have a terrific way to handle Android games if you have an Xbox One.
But how easy is it to connect an Xbox One controller to your Android phone or tablet?
With a newer model Xbox One controller, you don’t need any additional gear to connect it to your Windows PC.
To connect the controller to your phone or tablet, all you need is Bluetooth compatibility on your Android device.
Before you begin, ensure sure the controller is completely charged and that your Xbox One is turned off.
If you don’t, the controller will stay attached to it, meaning you won’t be able to pair it with an Android device.
Begin by turning on discoverable mode on Android, as described in the preceding section.
Next, press and hold the Xbox One controller’s Sync button.
When your phone detects the controller, choose it and follow the pairing instructions.
It’s worth noting that this will only function with Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers.
The first Xbox One models used radio frequency (RF), which Android can not support.
The lower controller (with the darker Xbox button) in the image below supports Bluetooth.
You can use USB OTG instead of wireless if your controller won’t connect
If you want to connect an old wired Xbox 360 controller, follow the same steps.
Most Android smartphones should function, albeit the Guide button may flash while you’re playing.
For years, Sony has included Bluetooth in their controllers, making it simple to play Android games…
…with a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 gamepad. Both consoles have the same instructions.
After making your Android device discoverable, sync the controller by simultaneously…
…pressing the PlayStation and Share buttons. When the controller light flashes…
…your Android device should display a Wireless Controller entry.
To finish pairing, select this option. After that, your phone or tablet will ask you to confirm the pairing..
…which you should do. The PlayStation controller’s solid light indicates that it has been successfully connected.
You may also connect a Nintendo Switch controller to your Android phone or tablet.
You may sync one Joy-Con on its own or both as a full two-handed controller, as shown in the video above.
You’ll need a wireless adapter and a USB OTG adapter compatible with your phone…
…to sync both Joy-Cons hooked to the Joy-Con Grip.
What Is the Best Android Game Controller?
With varied degrees of success, you can link any of these controllers to your Android phone or tablet.
While connection is usually straightforward, certain games just do not perform well with a controller.
The ideal controller is the one that suits your needs.
Despite the high quality of the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch controllers…
…a controller made exclusively for mobile gaming may be more suitable for you in the long run.
In any case, as long as the games you’re playing support console controllers, you’ll be OK.
Connecting a game controller to your Android device isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
You can use a wired controller, a wireless controller, or even a controller that uses Bluetooth.
You can also pair a controller with your Android device using Bluetooth.
With a few steps, you’ll be playing games on your smartphone or tablet using a game controller.
Sum Up
A game controller works with a mobile phone or tablet by connecting to the USB port.
You need to plug the cable into your computer before you turn on the mobile device.
This guide explains how to do this.
Conclusion
And, that is for How to Connect a Controller to an Android Phone or Tablet
How do you connect a controller to an android?
Let us know your experience on the comment section!
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I’m Roselyn T., a self-proclaimed tech geek on a mission to unravel the wonders of the digital realm. As a dedicated reviewer of computers and laptops, I share my insights and expertise on the latest tech trends and innovations on my blog, workrift.com. With a passion for demystifying the tech landscape, I not only offer in-depth reviews but also provide practical tips to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. I’m also an author of the book “AP Computer Science A Premium, 2024: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron’s AP)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me as we explore the exciting intersection of form and function in the realm of gadgets and gear.