How do I Check My PS4 Controller Battery on My Phone?

The quickest way is to add the "Batteries" widget to your iPhone or iPad‘s Home Screen. This displays current battery levels for all connected devices, including DualShock 4 wireless controllers. Android users can view battery percentage in Bluetooth settings for paired controllers.

As a hardcore gamer who relies on PS4 remote play, keeping my controller battery topped off is a must. Nothing kills an intense gaming session faster than suddenly losing power just as you enter a crucial boss battle.

So whether you‘re a pro gamer or casual player, monitoring your PS4 controller‘s battery level on mobile is important. Below I cover several convenient ways to check battery on both iOS and Android phones.

Monitoring Battery Drain with iOS Widgets

The Batteries widget on iPhone and iPad offers the simplest no-fuss way to glance at your PS4 controller‘s juice.

To add the Batteries widget:

1. Long press on empty space on your Home Screen
2. Tap the "+" icon
3. Search for and select "Batteries"
4. Choose a widget size and tap "Add Widget"

Once added, you‘ll see current battery percentages for all connected devices. This includes:

• DualShock 4 wireless controllers
• Bluetooth headphones & speakers
• Apple Pencils and other styluses
• Supported mice, keyboards, and gamepads

The widget consolidates all batteries in one view, updating levels in real time. This allows noticing drain over a play session.

I prefer the medium widget size – large enough to quickly parse, but compact enough to not dominate home screen space.

Pros

• Simple one-tap view
• Displays levels for multiple devices
• iOS built-in – no extra apps needed

Cons

• Only available on iPhone/iPad
• Doesn‘t show battery over time
• Doesn‘t work for unpaired controllers

Verdict: Expert gamers recommend keeping the Batteries widget on your main Home Screen. This tiny yet mighty iOS widget is perfect for on-the-fly battery checks. No more guessing whether you‘ll have enough power for your next mobile gaming marathon!

Monitoring Battery Drain from Bluetooth Settings

Both iOS and Android also allow viewing controller battery levels from Bluetooth settings.

To check:

1. Launch Settings app
2. Select "Bluetooth"
3. Locate your controller in the "My Devices" list
4. Battery percentage displayed beside name

This method provides an exact reading without needing to open extra apps or widgets. However, it does require briefly leaving your game.

I try avoiding mid-gameplay distractions, so typically only use this technique right before starting up PS Remote Play. If battery seems low, I can switch to a freshly charged controller instead.

Pros

• Works on both iOS and Android
• Gives exact battery percentage
• Confirms controller is paired/connected

Cons

• Need to leave app/game to view
• Only shows battery for that controller
• Can‘t track battery drain over time

Verdict: While fine for a quick pre-game check, frequent players should use Bluetooth settings in conjunction with the Batteries widget. This covers both instant checks and continuous drain monitoring.

Third Party Apps for Advanced Monitoring

hardcore mobile gamers can also utilize specialized Bluetooth controller apps:

• DS4 for Android – Made specifically for DualShock 4 with advanced battery features
• Controller for All for iOS – All-in-one gamepad tool with battery stats

Both display controller battery info without needing an active connection. So you can easily check level before firing up PS Remote Play.

These apps provide additional perks like customizing controller settings, keys, and sensitivity on the fly. However, the advanced profiles and configurations may prove overwhelming for casual users.

Pros

• Check battery without active connection
• Advanced customization options
• Extra features like macro recording

Cons

• Can be overly complex for average user
• Must download separate app(s)
• iOS version isn‘t DS4 specific

Verdict: Pro gamers can benefit from tailored DS4 and gamepad apps. But casual mobile players are likely better served by simpler built-in tools.

Viewing Battery During Remote Play Sessions

PS Remote Play allows streaming PS5/PS4 games directly to phones and tablets. The on-screen overlay prominently displays controller battery in the top-right corner while playing.

This offers easy visibility without adding widgets or changing settings. However, you must already be using Remote Play rather than checking battery ahead of time.

I rely on Remote Play‘s battery indicator while traveling. It guarantees I won‘t run out of juice midway through slaying epic beasts in Horizon Forbidden West!

Pros

• Easy to monitor battery while playing
• Doesn‘t require extra apps/widgets
• Indicates rate of battery drain

Cons

• Only visible while using Remote Play
• Can‘t check battery in advance
• Small icon easy to miss during intense action

Verdict: Use PS Remote Play‘s built-in battery indicator as your go-to for uptime estimates mid-gameplay. Pair with widgets and Bluetooth settings for complete pre/post monitoring.

Comparing PS4 Controller Battery Checking Methods

No matter your platform or experience level, utilizing a combination of these battery checking techniques is best. Personally I keep the Batteries widget handy for quick checks, peek at Bluetooth settings before longer play sessions, and rely on PS Remote Play‘s overlay to monitor status mid-game. This covers all my DualShock power needs!

What battery level triggers you buying backup controllers? For me, once the PS4 hits 50% battery, I start considering grabbing another from my charging dock. Let me know your battery best practices in the comments!

Bonus Tips for Maximizing PS4 Controller Battery

• Fully charge between sessions
• Turn off vibration feedback
• Dim or deactivate LED light bar
• Disable background mic input
• Use wired connection when possible

Following these battery saving tips helps wring the most gaming time possible out of my DualShock 4 controllers. They may seem like small adjustments, but can add hours of playtime over the long run.

Trust me – no one wants their epic Fortnite Victory Royale run cut short by sudden controller death! What good is a #1 Solo win if your squad can‘t see your slick finishing moves?

The Bottom Line

Checking PS4 controller battery life on your smartphone is simple using built-in tools like iOS widgets and Bluetooth settings. Pro gamers can further optimize uptime using specialized apps and PS Remote Play‘s running battery indicator.

Hopefully these mobile battery monitoring techniques let you game on safely knowing of any impending power peril! Never let your fellow fireteam down mid-strike thanks to the ease of on-the-go battery checks.

Now get out there, guardians – I‘ll see you at the top of those Warzone leaderboards!