How to Pair an Xbox Series Controller With Apple Devices

Pair your Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller with an Apple device over Bluetooth in a few steps. Apple confirms Xbox Series X and Series S controllers work with its devices.

🎮 Put Your Xbox Controller in Pairing Mode

Start with your Xbox controller:

1. Press the Xbox button to turn on the controller.
2. Press and hold the small Connect button near the USB-C port.
3. Wait for the Xbox button to start flashing quickly.

A quickly flashing Xbox button means the controller is discoverable and ready to pair. Apple gives the same pairing process for supported Xbox controllers.

Pair an Xbox Controller With iPhone or iPad

Once the Xbox button is flashing:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
4. Find Xbox Wireless Controller under nearby devices.
5. Tap it to connect.

Once connected, the controller works with games and apps that support game controllers. Check the game’s App Store page for a controller icon, as Apple recommends. Apple highlights controller-supported games in the App Store.

Pair an Xbox Controller With a Mac

Put the Xbox controller into pairing mode, then:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Find the Xbox Wireless Controller.
4. Select Connect.

On supported macOS versions, open System Settings > Game Controllers to change the available controller settings. Apple explains its controller customization options.

Pair an Xbox Controller With Apple TV

Apple TV 4K makes connecting a controller especially quick.

Put the Xbox controller into pairing mode, then open Control Center on Apple TV and select the Game Controllers button. Choose the Xbox controller when it appears. You can also use Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth to manage Bluetooth devices. Apple explains both Apple TV connection methods.

Apple TV supports up to four Bluetooth game controllers at once, or one when a Bluetooth audio accessory is also connected. Apple explains the Bluetooth controller limit.

If you use a PlayStation controller too, our DualSense on Apple TV pairing guide covers that setup.

Pair an Xbox Controller With Apple Vision Pro

Pairing with Apple Vision Pro also uses Bluetooth.

Put the controller into pairing mode, then open Bluetooth settings on Vision Pro and select the controller from the nearby devices. Apple includes the Xbox Series X and Series S controllers on its official list of supported Xbox controllers for Apple devices.

Which Xbox Controllers Work With Apple Devices?

Apple currently names these Xbox controllers as supported:

• Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, Model 1708
• Xbox Wireless Controller Series S
• Xbox Wireless Controller Series X
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
• Xbox Adaptive Controller

The full compatibility list comes directly from Apple’s Xbox controller support page.

Customize Your Xbox Controller

You can customize the controller on supported Apple devices.

Apple says customization requires iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, tvOS 16 or later, macOS Ventura 13 or later, or any version of visionOS. The controller and device determine which settings are available. Apple explains where to find the Game Controller settings on each platform.

On iPhone and iPad, open Settings > General > Game Controller, then select the Xbox controller to see which controls you can customize.

Games and apps can support different controller features, so specific buttons, lights, and other hardware features may not work everywhere. If something does not work correctly, Apple recommends updating your Apple device and controller firmware.

Once the controller is connected, open a controller-supported game and start playing.