This article is part of a directory: Console Game Controllers On Android

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How to use a PS4 controller on an Android phone or tablet

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How to use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with an Android phone or tablet

When it comes to comfortable Bluetooth controllers, there's no better match than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. The sturdy and well-designed ergonomics make the Pro Controller one of the best for long gaming sessions. Its impressive design helps overcome the awkward B/A/Y/X button layout that perplexes many gamers accustomed to the Xbox controller layout.

Most Android users will look to the Xbox Core controller as one of the go-to options for Android controllers. But you can use the Pro Controller similarly. So, if you find you have one lying around, it's a complete breeze to set up on your Android phone or tablet (if you are running Android 10 or later). To help you get started, we've created a handy guide to teach you how to pair a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to any Android device. It's time to bring comfort to your gaming sessions with some of the most engaging Android titles around!

How to pair a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with an Android device

Since the release of Android 10, devices have been able to support the pairing of a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller natively; it is a matter of pairing it by Bluetooth, which we walk you through the steps below. Alternatively, you can try it wired, but that method requires an adaptor or a cable to connect USB-C to USB-C on your device.

  1. On your Android device, locate Settings.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth from connected device settings; search Bluetooth in your settings to find the page.
  3. Turn on Bluetooth; if you see the option to pair a new device, tap it before proceeding to the next step.
  4. Grab the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, and locate the small pairing button topside.
  5. Hold the button down until the four green lights along the bottom edge of the controller start flashing back and forth, signaling that the pairing process has begun.
  6. Return to the Bluetooth page located in your device's settings.
  7. Tap the plus sign on Pro Controller; you may need to refresh the page for the available device to become listed.
  8. Tap pair to confirm the pairing. Once the pairing process finishes, it should be listed as connected in your Bluetooth device list.

If you fail to pair the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with your Android device. Check that the lights on the controller are still blinking; you may need to press and hold the button down (on the controller) to reset the process.

If you tried and tested the method above, and you're still running into pairing issues, ensure your device's software is up-to-date; we tested four Android phones with these steps, and all phones operating at Android 12 and 13 paired successfully, whereas the device running Android 11 ran into some consistency issues.

Mileage may vary while using the Nintendo Switch Pro controller on Android

Unfortunately, not all Android games have controller support. But as more PC and console games port over to mobile, the list for compatibility keeps on growing. For popular cloud gaming platforms like xCloud, mileage will vary (since the Switch Pro Controller isn't officially supported), but it seems to work reliably while plugged in through USB. Eventually, you can test which games feel the best with controller input, and hopefully, that becomes enough to level up your enjoyment of Android games.