How to connect a game controller to iPad

Thursday October 15, 2026 10:34 pm EAT by Stacey Butler

You can connect a compatible game controller to your iPad through Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons, add a second controller to get help from a friend, and use your controller to navigate the Apple Games app on iPad.

With Buddy Controller, two controllers work together to control the same player character. A wired controller may need an adapter, depending on your iPad model. You can also customize controls for a specific game in the Apple Games app.

Pair a Bluetooth game controller

Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Tap the name of the device.

Connect a wired game controller

You can connect a compatible wired game controller to your iPad. Depending on your iPad model and controller, you may need an adapter (sold separately). Follow the instructions that came with your controller.

Customize the game controller buttons

After you pair or connect a compatible game controller, the Apple Games app is where you can customize the buttons for supported games.

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
Select the controller you want to customize and then do any of the following:
- Customize default controls: Tap Default.
- Customize controls for a specific game: Tap Add Game and select the game. Tap Default for the selected game.
Select the actions and gestures you want to use with your controller.

Add a second game controller and get help from a friend

Buddy Controller lets two controllers on iPad team up to control the same player character, which means a friend can help you get through challenging parts of a game. It works with any game that supports game controllers.

Connect two compatible game controllers to iPad through Bluetooth or a wired connection.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
Tap Buddy Controller.
Choose the primary controller and choose the secondary controller.