Connecting Joy-Cons to an iPad might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps. By pairing your Joy-Cons via Bluetooth, you’ll be able to use them for gaming on your iPad with ease. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to get your Joy-Cons connected and ready to use.
Connecting Joy-Cons to iPad
In this section, we’ll walk you through each step required to connect your Joy-Cons to an iPad. Following these instructions will have you gaming in no time.
Step 1: Ensure Your iPad’s Bluetooth is On
First, go to your iPad’s settings and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Open the Settings app, find the Bluetooth option and toggle it to the “on” position. Your iPad should start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Step 2: Activate Pairing Mode on Joy-Con
Next, press and hold the sync button on the Joy-Con until the lights start flashing.
The sync button is a small round button located on the side of each Joy-Con, near the SL and SR buttons. Holding this button will put your Joy-Con into pairing mode, making it detectable by your iPad.
Step 3: Select the Joy-Con on Your iPad’s Bluetooth List
On your iPad, find the Joy-Con in the list of available Bluetooth devices and select it to pair.
Your iPad should display a list of available devices. Look for “Joy-Con (L)” or “Joy-Con (R)” depending on which one you’re pairing. Tap the name to connect.
Step 4: Repeat for the Second Joy-Con
If you want to use both Joy-Cons, repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other Joy-Con.
Remember that each Joy-Con is a separate Bluetooth device, so you’ll need to repeat the process to connect the second one.
Step 5: Confirm the Connection
Check that the Joy-Cons are connected by looking for them under My Devices in the Bluetooth settings.
Once paired, the Joy-Cons should appear under “My Devices” in the Bluetooth settings, indicating a successful connection.
After following these steps, your Joy-Cons will be connected to your iPad and ready for use. You can now enjoy gaming with a more tactile experience.
Tips for Connecting Joy-Cons to iPad
- Ensure your Joy-Cons have enough battery before attempting to pair.
- If your iPad doesn’t recognize the Joy-Con, try turning Bluetooth off and on again.
- Keep the Joy-Con close to the iPad during pairing for a stronger connection.
- If using a case on your iPad, remove it to ensure there’s no interference.
- Restart your iPad if you encounter persistent issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect both Joy-Cons to my iPad?
Yes, you can connect both Joy-Cons to your iPad by repeating the pairing process for each.
Do Joy-Cons work with all iPad models?
Joy-Cons should work with iPads that support Bluetooth and are running iOS 13 or later.
Why isn’t my iPad finding my Joy-Con?
Make sure the Joy-Con is in pairing mode and that Bluetooth is turned on. Try resetting the Joy-Con by holding the sync button for a longer period.
Can I use Joy-Cons with any app on the iPad?
Joy-Cons are primarily for gaming apps that support external controllers, so not all apps will recognize them.
Will the Joy-Cons disconnect after some time?
Bluetooth devices may disconnect after periods of inactivity to save battery. Simply reconnect them through the Bluetooth settings if this happens.
Summary of Steps
- Ensure your iPad’s Bluetooth is On.
- Activate Pairing Mode on Joy-Con.
- Select the Joy-Con on Your iPad’s Bluetooth List.
- Repeat for the Second Joy-Con.
- Confirm the Connection.
Conclusion
Connecting Joy-Cons to an iPad is a straightforward process that opens up a world of gaming possibilities. Whether you’re playing action-packed games or cozy puzzles, having a physical controller can enhance your gaming experience significantly. Don’t forget to keep your Joy-Cons charged and your Bluetooth settings optimized for the best performance.
This guide should have made it easier to connect your Joy-Cons to your iPad, but if you still have questions or run into issues, there’s plenty of additional reading available online. So, what are you waiting for? Get those Joy-Cons connected and dive into your favorite iPad games!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.