How to Use Your Phone as a Nintendo Switch Controller
With some tinkering you can actually use your phone as a controller for Nintendo Switch. Here’s how.
Nintendo Switch handily comes with two controllers as standard though given the party-play mentality behind the hybrid console you’ll likely end up needing more. Both Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers can be pretty pricey however so it’s no doubt a relief that you can actually use your phone as a controller. All you need to do is download an app, and pair your phone to the Switch console. Let’s take a look at how to do so.
How to Use Your Phone as a Switch Controller
In order to connect your phone to a Nintendo Switch as a controller you’ll need to download an app. Head to the Play Store or Apple Store and download JoyCon Droid. The app is only in public alpha at the moment, so can be a little finicky but we managed to get it to work. Download the app and follow these steps:
- Download the app
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch and head to ‘Controllers’
- Now to ‘Change Grip/Order’
- Hold ‘-’ to pair
- On the app, press the Sync button. Allow your phone to be discovered.
- Wait for the connection to be established, on the Switch the controller icon will appear grey.
- Press buttons on the app to make the icon solid, ensuring the connection has paired.
- You can now use your phone as a controller
Phone Not Pairing
There is a known bug in this app that prevents the phone from pairing correctly and controlling the Switch after you exit the Pairing screen. Here’s a fix from the developer:
‘There is a workaround for this issue. When Switch asks for pairing in Change Order/Grip screen do not accept or reject pairing request. Simply leave Change order/grip screen to upper menu on Switch then accept pairing request.’Can You Use This On iPhone/iOS?
Unfortunately, this is an Android only affair. There is currently no reliable way to use your iOS device as a Nintendo Switch controller. We’ll be sure to update this page if we hear more.
You Can Use Your Phone As a JoyCon or Pro Controller
The cool thing about this app is that it allows you to choose the kind of controller you are using. For example, you can use a left or right JoyCon, or a Pro Controller by selecting them on startup.
That’s all of the info we have right now on using your phone as a controller for Nintendo Switch. For more on the console check out our top 25 Switch games article.