Call of Duty Mobile: Use DS4 or Xbox One Controller Guide

Updated Guide for 2024 and 2025

Call of Duty Mobile has quickly become one of the most popular free-to-play mobile games on both Android and iOS platforms. The game's fast-paced action and competitive gameplay make it an ideal experience for those who prefer the precision and comfort of a physical controller. Whether you're looking to level up your game or simply enjoy a more immersive experience, using a controller can significantly enhance your CoD Mobile sessions.

In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to connect both DualShock 4 (DS4) and Xbox One controllers to your mobile device, whether you're playing on Android or iOS. We’ll also cover the latest compatibility updates and troubleshooting tips to ensure a seamless experience.

Controller Compatibility

Before diving into the connection process, let’s talk about compatibility. Call of Duty Mobile officially supports both DualShock 4 (PS4) controllers and Xbox One controllers, but there are some conditions and limitations to keep in mind:

1. Android:

   • Android devices running Android 10 or higher support Bluetooth controllers, including DS4 and Xbox One controllers.
   • CoD Mobile offers full support for external controllers, giving players the option to use these controllers for a console-like experience.

2. iOS:

   • iOS 13 and later supports DualShock 4 and Xbox One controllers, so you’ll need to make sure your device is running iOS 13 or higher to enable this functionality.
   • CoD Mobile is optimized for iOS controllers, but bear in mind that the controller configuration in CoD Mobile can vary slightly depending on the platform.

How to Connect a DualShock 4 (DS4) Controller to Android and iOS Devices?

The PS4 DualShock 4 controller is one of the most popular controllers for gaming on mobile devices, thanks to its ergonomic design and responsive buttons. Here’s how you can pair your DS4 controller with both Android and iOS devices:

Connecting DS4 to Android Devices

1. Prepare Your Android Device:

   • Ensure your Android device is running Android 10 or later.
   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

2. Put the DS4 Controller in Pairing Mode:

   • Turn off your DualShock 4 controller if it’s already on.
   • Press and hold the PS button (the circular button with the PlayStation logo) and the Share button (located next to the D-pad) simultaneously.
   • Hold these buttons for around 3-5 seconds until the light bar on the controller starts flashing. This means the controller is now in pairing mode.

3. Pair the DS4 with Your Android Device:

   • On your Android device, navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu.
   • You should see the "Wireless Controller" appear in the list of available devices.
   • Tap it to pair your DS4 controller with the Android device.

4. Test the Connection:

   • Launch Call of Duty Mobile, and the game should automatically recognize the controller, allowing you to use it in-game. You can now adjust your control settings if needed.

Connecting DS4 to iOS Devices

1. Ensure Your iOS Device is Updated:

   • Your iPhone or iPad should be running iOS 13 or later.
   • Open Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

2. Put the DS4 Controller in Pairing Mode:

   • Similar to Android, press and hold both the PS button and Share button until the light bar starts flashing.

3. Pair the DS4 with Your iOS Device:

   • In your iOS Bluetooth settings, you should see "DualShock 4 Wireless Controller" listed under available devices.
   • Tap on it to pair the controller with your iOS device.

4. Test the Connection:

   • Launch Call of Duty Mobile, and you should now be able to use the DS4 controller to play the game. If the controller doesn't connect right away, you may need to unpair it and try again.

How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Android and iOS Devices?

Using an Xbox One controller with CoD Mobile is just as easy, but there are a few things to check before pairing it with your device.

Connecting Xbox One Controller to Android Devices

1. Check Your Xbox One Controller Version:

   • To connect via Bluetooth, your Xbox One controller must be version 1708 or later. This version has a Bluetooth symbol on the front of the controller next to the Xbox button.

2. Prepare Your Android Device:

   • Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device and that it’s running Android 10 or later.

3. Put the Xbox One Controller in Pairing Mode:

   • Turn off the Xbox controller.
   • Press and hold the Pairing button (located just below the Xbox button, next to the USB port) for a few seconds until the Xbox button starts flashing.

4. Pair the Xbox One Controller with Your Android Device:

   • In your Android device's Bluetooth settings, search for "Xbox Wireless Controller" in the list of available devices.
   • Tap to pair the controller.

5. Test the Connection:

   • Once paired, launch Call of Duty Mobile, and the controller should be recognized automatically. Adjust the settings as needed.

Connecting Xbox One Controller to iOS Devices

1. Ensure iOS Version:

   • Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 13 or higher.
   • Open Settings > Bluetooth to ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

2. Put the Xbox One Controller in Pairing Mode:

   • Turn off the controller.
   • Press and hold the Pairing button until the Xbox button flashes.

3. Pair the Xbox One Controller with Your iOS Device:

   • On your iOS device, look for "Xbox Wireless Controller" in the Bluetooth settings.
   • Tap it to connect.

4. Test the Connection:

   • Open Call of Duty Mobile, and the controller should be ready to use. If you run into issues, try unpairing and re-pairing the controller.

Troubleshooting Tips

While pairing controllers with CoD Mobile is usually straightforward, some users may run into issues. Here are a few tips to resolve common problems:

1. Controller Not Pairing:

   • Ensure that your device's Bluetooth is turned on and that it’s in pairing mode.
   • Try restarting both the controller and your device before attempting to pair again.
   • If using an Xbox One controller, make sure it’s the Bluetooth-enabled version (model 1708 or later).

2. Controller Not Responding in CoD Mobile:

   • After pairing, ensure that you’ve launched CoD Mobile before checking for input.
   • You may need to check the game’s controller settings and ensure that it’s set to recognize external controllers.

3. Lag or Input Delay:

   • If you experience input lag or delayed response, make sure no other Bluetooth devices are connected to your phone, as this could interfere with the connection.
   • Try turning off any background apps that may be consuming your device’s resources.

4. Reconnecting the Controller:

   • If the controller disconnects mid-game, try manually reconnecting it via the Bluetooth settings. You may need to unpair and repair the device if the issue persists.

Conclusion

Using a DualShock 4 (DS4) or Xbox One controller with Call of Duty Mobile can enhance your gaming experience by offering more precise controls and a more comfortable layout for extended play. The process of pairing these controllers is simple, especially if you follow the updated steps for both Android and iOS devices. Whether you're using an Android smartphone or iPhone, you can easily connect your controller and start playing right away.

With CoD Mobile's growing popularity, Activision continues to improve the mobile gaming experience, making it more enjoyable for players who prefer using physical controllers. If you're a fan of the series, there’s no better time to dive in and dominate the battlefield with your controller of choice! Happy gaming!