How to turn your iPhone into a Bluetooth controller

Now everyone knows how versatile our pocket’s best friend has become. An iPhone can single-handedly and perfectly do the job of a calculator, a flashlight, a compass, and a camera, just to name a few. But today the million dollar question is: can you turn your iPhone into a Bluetooth game controller?

The simple answer is yes, you can, and you don’t have to be a master technician to do it. All it takes is a few minutes, the right setup, a fast enough Wi-Fi connection, and the right app, and you can turn your iPhone into a Bluetooth controller for playing games on your PC. This tip can be very useful when there aren’t enough controllers at a friend’s house, or you just don’t want to spend a lot of money on a controller just to play a few games. For this guide, we’ll be using the Remote Gamepad app, and it works on Mac, Windows 10 and 11, and Linux. Just to be clear, we’ll be using this app to replace a Bluetooth controller used for PC gaming, but this connection works over Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth pairing.

First, download the Remote Gamepad app from the App Store. Next, download and install the companion software on your PC (link is in the app).

Next, make sure your PC and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app on both devices and make sure the connection type is set to Wi-Fi on your iPhone. On your PC, it will display a QR code that you can scan using the Remote Gamepad app on your phone. And just like that, your iPhone is now a gamepad. The connection process is the same on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

By default, you will get three layouts, but you can add custom layouts and set them however you want. In the app settings you can adjust the haptic feedback, steering sensitivity and steering range.

While the app is free to download and use, you’ll need the $3 premium version to use the controller beyond the 20-minute limit, or you can watch ads to extend that limit. And yes, the app shows ads to free users from time to time.

The short and simple answer is NO. Using your iPhone to replace a Bluetooth controller works well as a one-time solution, but it can’t completely replace a proper Bluetooth game controller. The physical buttons on actual controllers provide a much better experience than any iPhone app replacement currently can or ever will. Buttons aside, the overall feel of a controller when gaming is simply a better experience because it was designed specifically for this task, unlike your iPhone. So if you can afford it, get a real controller.

It’s worth noting that moving controller functions to an app opens some doors when it comes to accessibility, so people who have difficulty using a physical controller might find this solution interesting. The ability to customize the layout makes this app particularly interesting for the disability community.

You don’t need a high-end, expensive Bluetooth controller like the HyperX Clutch Talon to enjoy a great gaming experience. Most console controllers also double as Bluetooth controllers and can easily connect to a Mac or PC, including older ones like the PS4 and Xbox One controllers. Note that older Xbox One controllers do not support Bluetooth. So if you already have a compatible controller, use it for your PC gaming instead.