macOS · Apps
Pair and configure game controllers
Game Controllers settings let you pair Bluetooth controllers such as PlayStation DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and MFi controllers with your Mac, and customize button mapping for supported games.
How to open Game Controllers
- Open System Settings → Game Controllers
- Pair a new controller via Bluetooth settings if not already listed
- Select the controller to view battery status and options
- Adjust button remapping under the controller's settings if supported
What you should know
- Bluetooth pairing management for supported controller models
- Per-controller button remapping for compatible games
- Battery level display for paired controllers
- Home Button and Menu Button behavior customization
Why it matters
Native game controller support means Mac gaming does not require third-party drivers or workaround software just to get a controller recognized, since macOS handles pairing and button mapping directly at the system level. This matters increasingly as more games ship with full controller support on Mac, and consistent system-level remapping means preferences carry across every compatible game rather than needing per-game configuration.
Best practices
- Charge the controller before extended use, since Bluetooth game controllers can draw more power than typical accessories
- Remap buttons here rather than per-game when a mapping preference applies across your whole library
- Keep controller firmware updated through the manufacturer's companion app when available
- Unpair controllers you no longer use to keep the Bluetooth device list manageable
Common problems and fixes
- Controller will not pair
- Put the controller into pairing mode per its manual, then pair it from Bluetooth settings rather than Game Controllers directly.
- Controller disconnects during gameplay
- Move closer to the Mac to reduce Bluetooth interference, and check the controller's battery level.
- Button mapping does not apply in a specific game
- Confirm the game supports macOS controller remapping; some games use their own independent control scheme.
Tips and tricks
- Use the Game Overlay, accessible via a controller button combination, to check controller status without leaving a game.
- Pair the controller directly through Bluetooth settings first if it does not appear immediately in Game Controllers.
Frequently asked questions
Which controllers are supported?
Most MFi-certified controllers, along with recent PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controllers, are supported natively.
Can I use a wired controller?
Yes, many controllers also support a wired USB connection in addition to Bluetooth.
Does remapping work in every game?
Only in games that use the system's standard controller framework; some games implement their own separate control mapping.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- Game CenterGame Center settings control your public gaming profile, friends list, and social features like leaderboards and achievements that sync across Apple devices for supported games.
- MouseMouse settings control tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary-click behavior for any connected mouse, including Apple's Magic Mouse, which also supports its own set of swipe gestures.
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