How To Play Ps5 Games On Apple Devices With A Dualsense Controller

Well, now it is. Curious to know how to hook everything up and play games on Apple devices with your DualSense? Read on.

You Can Now Play Games on Apple Devices With a PS5 DualSense

Sony released a DualSense controller update in April 2021 which shook things up, allowing players to pair their DualSense wireless controller with Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

This means PS5 owners who want to play PS5 games via their Apple devices can now ditch the old DualShock 4 gamepad and enjoy most of the benefits of the DualSense controller.

Besides being able to play PS5 games, many Apple Arcade games can lose their novelty and fun factor when using an Apple TV remote. With tvOS 14.5, players can indulge in more enjoyable gameplay using their DualSense controller.

Which Apple Devices Are Compatible?

Not all Apple devices are compatible with the DualSense wireless controller. Here’s an overview of which operating systems the DualSense supports:

macOS Big Sur 11. 3 iOS 14. 5 iPadOS 14. 5 tvOS 14. 5

Certain features of the DualSense controller may not be available depending on the Apple device you are using and the game you are playing.

Some missing features are certainly disappointing. These include:

Haptic feedback. Built-in microphone, headphone jack, and speaker.

Sony can’t guarantee that all supported Apple devices are compatible.

How to Connect Your DualSense Controller to Your Apple Device

Before you start, we recommend you update the operating system on any device you plan to connect with your PS5 DualSense controller. You can do this by navigating to your device’s settings and selecting the Software Update option.

Step 1: Enable DualSense Wireless Controller Pairing Mode

You will need to ensure your Apple device can discover the PS5 DualSense by putting the controller into Pairing Mode.

Make sure the power is off on your DualSense controller. Hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons. Wait a few seconds until the lights surrounding the touchpad flash.

Step 2: Connect DualSense Wireless Controller via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the connectivity option to allow your Apple device to pair with your DualSense controller. You can only pair your controller with one device at a time.

Enable Bluetooth on your Apple device. Select the DualSense controller from the list of devices. Wait for the touchpad to blink. The player indicator will light up when pairing is successful.

How to Connect Your DualSense Controller to an iPhone or iPad

Now that iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 supports DualSense controllers, you can connect your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth.

Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth. With your controller in pairing mode, you will see it under Other Devices. Select DualSense Wireless Controller. When it has successfully paired, you will see the controller under My Devices.

How to Connect Your DualSense Controller to a Mac

Connecting your DualSense controller to a Mac or MacBook comes with a couple of different options.

As the DualSense controller has a USB-C port, you can easily plug it into your Mac with a cable. When you plug the controller in, your Mac should recognize the connection.

If you want to play your games wirelessly, you can connect your DualSense controller to your Mac via Bluetooth.

Navigate to System Preferences. Open the Bluetooth Control Panel. Put your DualSense controller into pairing mode as per the instructions above. Select your controller from the list.

How to Connect Your DualSense Controller to Apple TV

If you want to enjoy playing games on the big screen from the comfort of your couch, you can connect your DualSense controller to your Apple TV.

Navigate to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Other Devices > Bluetooth. Put your DualSense controller into pairing mode as shown above. Select your controller from the list of available devices.

How to Use Your Paired Controller

Now that you’ve paired your DualSense controller with your Apple device, you can use it like you would any other MFi certified controller.

Apple Arcade games support controllers, as do many other games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG. Using a DualSense controller can offer enhanced gameplay and more responsive feedback when it’s needed.

Each game will map the buttons on your controller differently, but the Share button on the PS5 DualSense controller will always work the same. You can press it to take a screenshot of your Apple device.

Customizable Options

With iOS 14.5, users can customize the controls of any connected controller including the DualSense controller.

Navigate to your iPhone Settings > Game Controller.

Here you can select which options you want to enable/disable on your game controller, including Customizations.

You can customize individual DualSense controller settings via your iOS device, allowing you to re-map buttons on a per-app basis.

Get Your Game On

The ability to connect PS5’s DualSense controller to your Apple device may seem like a novelty, but it can definitely offer gameplay enhancements for more casual gamers.

While the entire DualSense experience may not be available, and some games won’t be able to use certain features, the future is open to more potential updates.

For now, players can enjoy this latest addition without scrambling to find their old DualShock 4 gamepad.