How to use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with iPhone or iPad

There are so many games to play on iPhone or iPad, but having a separate controller to play with can make the experience much more comfortable while giving you better control. It was only recently with iOS 16 that iOS users can finally use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with their Apple mobile devices. However, this operating system is currently in beta. We'll go over the risks before explaining how to download the iOS 16 beta and how to connect the Switch Pro Controller to iPhone or iPad.

WARNING: Apple occasionally offers updates to iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS as closed developer previews or public betas. While the betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs that can prevent the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. That's why we strongly recommend staying away from developer previews unless you need them for software development, and using the public betas with caution. If you depend on your devices, wait for the final release.

Things to note

Currently, iOS 16 is in beta and is only accessible through the Apple Developer App. However, this version will have bugs and other issues. Apple will usually fix these problems over time, but there's a chance updating to the beta now can cause problems for your device. It's best to use a secondary device and to backup your information before making the change just in case.

Note that only some iOS devices, the best iPhones for gaming will be able to download iOS 16 beta. Additionally, the process will take almost an hour to complete.

iOS 16 beta requirements:

• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X, XR, and XS series
• iPhone 11 and 11 Pro series
• iPhone 12 and 12 Pro series
• iPhone 13 and 13 Pro series
• iPhone SE (second generation) and newer

How to download iOS 16 beta

Remember, the iOS 16 beta will have bugs and might cause problems on any device you install it on. Only do this after you've backed up your iPhone or iPad data and only if you understand the risks of updating and are ok with them. Additionally, get ready because this process can take up to 45 minutes to complete.

1. Open Safari.
2. Go to www.beta.apple.com
3. Scroll down and click Sign up.

4. Get the Apple ID Verification Code, enter it, and then tap OK. 
5. Tap Accept.
6. If this page comes up, select Trust.

7. Enter your Apple ID username and password.
8. Select Done.
9. Tap Allow.

10. You should now find yourself on beta.apple.com if you aren't already on the page go there now.
11. If the iOS tab isn't highlighted do so now. 
12. Scroll down and select enroll your iOS device. 

13. Tap Download profile.
14. Select Allow.
15. Tap Close.

16. Open your Settings. 
17. Tap Profile downloaded.
18. Select Install.

19. Enter your passcode.
20. Select Install
21. Select Install again. 

22. Your device will need to restart now. Select Restart. 
23. After restarting, open Settings. 
24. Scroll down and tap General.

25. Tap Software Update.
26. Tap Download and Install.
27. Enter your passcode.

28. Select Agree.
29. Tap Agree again. 
30. Wait while the installation process does its magic. 

Once the iOS 16 developer beta is installed, you can connect the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Continue reading for instructions on how to pair the controller with your iOS device.

How to use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with iPhone and iPad

You'll need to pair the controller to your device before you can start playing the best iOS games with it.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Tap the slider to turn Bluetooth on. You'll know it's active if the slider is green.

4. Now turn to your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Hold down the pairing button on the top of the controller until the green LEDS at the bottom of the controller react.

5. Now on your iPhone or iPad, wait for Pro Controller to appear under Other Devices.
6. Tap Pro Controller to pair with your device.
7. When the controller's lights stop flashing and the iOS device says Connected then you're ready to play.

Now you're ready to play Apple Arcade or other iOS games using your Switch Pro Controller.

Customize your controller

You can also customize your controller settings. To do so, follow these steps.

1. While the Pro Controller is connected, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap General.
3. Then tap Game Controller.

4. Select Pro Controller.
5. Select Default Controls to make general remapping changes.
6. Select any control that you'd like to change.

7. If you want to change the controls in a specific game, select Add Game Controls
8. Select the game you'd like to adjust controls for.
9. Now select Default to get to the list of remappable buttons. Make any changes you'd like.

You can re-map any button you'd like and even adjust feedback settings, disable screenshots, and disable video clips.

Can I use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)?

You sure can. Microsoft has gone to great lengths to make its Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) service available for many accessories and devices. So if you have xCloud and have upgraded your device to iOS 16 beta, you can play any games that are compatible with controllers.

Ready Player 1

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offers a comfortable, ergonomic grip and all of the standard joysticks and buttons you need for playing any games on iPhone or iPad. Thankfully, with iOS 16, you can finally start playing iOS games using a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for this improved experience. Just remember to consider the risks of installing this beta and backup your device before making the switch to be safe.