Touch controls for mobile games aren't always dandy. Peradventure they're poorly implemented, or peradventure your device doesn't handle multitouch well.

The solution? Play Android mobile games with a game controller!

Wired and Bluetooth game controllers tin can be continued to your Android phone or tablet. USB controllers and Xbox 1, PS4, PS5, or Nintendo Switch Joy-Con wireless controllers all work with Android.

Hither's how to connect a game controller to an Android phone or tablet, as well equally an caption of what controllers can be used with Android.

Can I Connect My Controller to My Phone?

You can connect a controller to your phone using either a USB cable or Bluetooth. Hither are the specific controllers that work with Android phones and tablets:

  • Generic USB controllers
  • Generic Bluetooth controllers
  • Xbox Ane controller
  • PS4 controller
  • PS5 controller
  • Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

Generic controllers are those that aren't fabricated for a specific console. GameSir, Redgear, and Motorola are all examples of high-quality game controllers that y'all tin can use with your Android device. Android phones and tablets are both able to sync with controllers through Bluetooth or USB connections.

In a moment, nosotros'll expect at each kind of controller in turn. Notation that nosotros're skipping older panel controllers (such as the Xbox 360 controller) due to out-of-date apps and changes to Android's Bluetooth back up. Generic controllers designed for employ with a PC may not work, either. Lastly, the controller won't work if the game you're playing doesn't have controller back up congenital-in. You can sometimes circumvent this past mapping the controls with a 3rd party Android game controller app.

Let'southward examine how to gear up a game controller on Android.

How to Connect a Wired USB Controller to Android

If y'all want to play games on Android with a USB controller, you'll need a USB OTG cable. This is a special tool that adapts a standard USB connector to fit in your telephone or tablet.

Still, the OTG-USB cable does more than that, even letting you connect all mode of USB devices and drives to Android – controllers also! Our guide to USB-OTG explains this in more detail.

You'll kickoff need to purchase a USB OTG cable. They're available for inexpensive from Amazon. Make sure you lot choose a USB-C or micro-USB connector depending on what your phone uses.

Once you take a USB OTG adapter, just plug it into your Android telephone, and connect the USB game controller to the other end of the adapter. Next, open the game you want to play. Games with controller support should discover the device, and y'all'll be ready to play.

Connect a Standard Bluetooth Controller to Android

Play games on Android with a controller

If yous have a generic Bluetooth game controller, y'all're virtually guaranteed that it volition work with your Android device. It'southward most as simple every bit connecting a USB controller, although of class, you won't demand whatever special adapters.

Start by making sure your telephone is discoverable by Bluetooth devices. Open Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth and brand certain Bluetooth is enabled.

From the same menu, select Pair new device, then follow the specific instructions to make your controller discoverable. Await for a dedicated Bluetooth button, or check the manual for the right push combination if there isn't one.

(If you usually have Bluetooth enabled anyway, you can but go to Settings > Continued devices > Pair new device.)

Your phone should notice the controller; tap its name to establish the connection. Every bit with USB, games that can apply controllers will detect them when you start the game. Other games might support controllers, but require additional software from Google Play.

Can You lot Connect an Xbox 1 Controller to Android?

If you have an Xbox 1, you lot've already got a fantastic way to control Android games. But how uncomplicated is information technology to claw an Xbox One controller upwards to your Android device?

Similar to connecting the Xbox One controller to your Windows PC, y'all don't need any additional hardware with a newer model controller. A typical Android device'south Bluetooth support is all y'all need to connect the controller to your phone or tablet.

Before starting, make certain the controller is fully charged, and y'all've unplugged your Xbox One. If you don't, the controller will remain paired to it, which means you can't pair it with your Android device.

Brainstorm by putting Android into discoverable manner as explained in the previous section. Next, hold the Sync button on the Xbox 1 controller. Upon detection, select the controller on your phone and follow the instructions to pair.

Note that this volition just work with newer Xbox I controllers that use Bluetooth. The original models (released when the Xbox One was starting time released) employ RF, which Android doesn't support. If your controller doesn't connect wirelessly, you tin use USB OTG instead, using the USB charge cable.

Connect a PS5 or PS4 Controller to Android

Sony has used Bluetooth in its controllers for years, which makes it easy if yous want to play Android games with a PlayStation four or PlayStation 5 gamepad. The instructions are the same for both consoles since they both use Bluetooth.

Make your Android device discoverable, and then sync the controller by holding the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously. When the controller light flashes, you should see a Wireless Controller entry listed on your Android device.

Select this to consummate pairing. Your phone or tablet will and so ask you lot to confirm the pairing, so exercise that, and you're done! A solid light on the PlayStation controller means that it'southward successfully connected.

Play Games on Android With Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

You tin also hook upwards a Nintendo Switch controller to your mobile Android device. Yous tin either sync one Joy-Con on its own or, as the video higher up illustrates, sync both as a full two-handed controller.

To sync both Joy-Cons attached to the Joy-Con Grip, you lot'll demand a wireless adapter and USB OTG adapter uniform with your phone.

Check the accompanying video to detect out more almost controlling Android with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. And exist certain to larn how to share your Nintendo Switch gameplay online.

Keep in mind that, in add-on to the Joy-Con, yous can connect the Nintendo Switch Pro controller to your Android device.

What Is the All-time Android Game Controller for Phones?

At present you know how to connect a game controller to your phone, you lot're fix to play.

You can connect any of these controllers to your Android phone or tablet with varying degrees of success. While connecting is generally like shooting fish in a barrel, some games just don't piece of work right with a controller.

The all-time controller option is the one that works for you. Still, despite the quality of Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch controllers, one designed specifically for mobile gaming may work better for yous long-term. Whatever the case, if the games you play support panel controllers, you should be fine.

Of course, some games have such innovative controls, y'all might not even want a controller!