How to Use JoyCon Droid on Android: A Comprehensive Guide
The prospect of using your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons on your Android device opens up a world of mobile gaming possibilities. JoyCon Droid, a popular Android app, makes this connection possible, but it’s not as straightforward as pairing a standard Bluetooth controller. This article provides a detailed guide on how to use JoyCon Droid, along with frequently asked questions to address common concerns and challenges.
How to Use JoyCon Droid on Android: Step-by-Step
Using JoyCon Droid involves several key steps, and understanding each is essential for a successful connection. Here’s a breakdown:
- Install JoyCon Droid: First, download and install the JoyCon Droid app from a reliable source (often an online forum or community since it’s not typically available on the Google Play Store). Be cautious about downloading from unofficial sources and always scan for malware before installing.
- Root Access Requirement: It’s crucial to understand that JoyCon Droid generally requires root access on your Android device. Rooting allows the app to modify system settings necessary for Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) profile emulation and other advanced functions. Without root access, many features of JoyCon Droid won’t work correctly.
- Prepare Your Joy-Cons: Detach your Joy-Cons from the Nintendo Switch console. Ensure they have some charge. Locate the small, circular sync button on the side of each Joy-Con (the one typically used to pair with a Switch).
- Enable Bluetooth and Grant Permissions: Open the JoyCon Droid app. The app will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth. Grant any requested permissions, including the ability to make your phone visible to other Bluetooth devices for a short period (typically 60 seconds).
- Saving Your Joy-Con’s MAC Address: When prompted in JoyCon Droid, you may need to input or save your Joy-Con’s Bluetooth MAC address. This is unique to each controller.
- Select the Left Joy-Con: In most setups, JoyCon Droid treats the left Joy-Con as the “primary” or “host” controller. Always select the left Joy-Con when the app asks which controller you want to use. This is key for the system to recognize both as a single unit.
- Pairing: In JoyCon Droid, select the left Joy-Con, then initiate the pairing process. Press and hold the sync button on your left Joy-Con until the four lights start flashing. Your phone should detect the Joy-Con. Follow the on-screen prompts in JoyCon Droid to establish the connection.
- Testing: Once paired, test the connection by using the Joy-Cons with a compatible game or app that supports Bluetooth controllers. Both Joy-Cons should function as a single controller.
- NFC for Amiibo (Optional): If you intend to use amiibo functionality through JoyCon Droid (on rooted phones), navigate to the app settings and enable NFC. Please note that this feature is often experimental, particularly on non-Samsung devices or custom ROMs, and may not work consistently. The app will prompt you to select an .bin file of your desired Amiibo once you try to use it in a game.
Important Considerations
- Rooting Risks: Rooting your Android device can void your warranty and expose it to security threats. Be sure to research the potential risks and benefits before proceeding.
- Bluetooth HID Profile: Your Android device must support the Bluetooth HID profile for JoyCon Droid to work. Older phones may not have this profile.
- Android Version: JoyCon Droid typically requires at least Android 9.0 or higher to function properly.
- Controller Selection: Always prioritize selecting the left Joy-Con as the primary controller.
- Experimental Features: Some features, such as NFC amiibo support, are experimental and may not work on all devices or ROMs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that cover common concerns and challenges related to using JoyCon Droid on Android:
1. Can I use Joy-Cons with Android without root access?
Generally, no. While basic Bluetooth pairing is possible, JoyCon Droid typically requires root access for proper functionality because it needs to modify the Android’s Bluetooth settings and HID profile support. Without it, you’ll face limitations and likely an unusable experience.
2. What are the minimum Android requirements for JoyCon Droid?
JoyCon Droid typically requires Android 9.0 or higher, and your device must have Bluetooth HID Profile support. Older versions of Android may encounter issues.
3. Do I have to select the left Joy-Con every time?
Yes. In most instances, JoyCon Droid is designed to treat the left Joy-Con as the primary or “host” controller. Selecting this ensures both Joy-Cons act as a single combined controller.
4. How do I find my Joy-Con’s MAC address?
Usually, this information is not directly accessible on the Joy-Con itself. The app may guide you on how to find the MAC address when it’s needed, or through external applications that scan Bluetooth devices on your network.
5. Is using JoyCon Droid safe? Can I get banned from my Nintendo Switch?
Using JoyCon Droid has not been known to cause bans on the Nintendo Switch. The Switch console cannot typically distinguish between a real Joy-Con and an emulated one through JoyCon Droid. However, always avoid using macros or cheat features that may violate the terms of service of online games.
6. Can I use amiibo with JoyCon Droid?
Yes, but it’s a more complicated, experimental feature that requires a rooted device. You need to enable NFC in the app’s settings and select an appropriate .bin file for the amiibo you want to use. This feature may be unstable and not work on all Android devices.
7. What are some alternatives to JoyCon Droid for Android?
If you’re looking for alternatives, some popular options are dedicated Bluetooth controllers from brands like 8BitDo, Razer, and others. These controllers offer a more stable experience without needing root access. Some apps allow the use of PlayStation or Xbox controllers through bluetooth as well.
8. Can I use Joy-Cons on my PC directly through Bluetooth?
Yes, you can connect Joy-Cons to your PC via Bluetooth. Make sure your PC has a Bluetooth adapter. Go to Bluetooth settings on your PC and then hold the sync button on the side of the Joy-Cons to initiate pairing.
9. Why are my Joy-Cons not connecting to Bluetooth on my Android?
Several factors can cause connection issues:
* Incorrect pairing procedure. Always start pairing with the left Joy-Con, and make sure to press the sync button on the Joy-Con until it is flashing.
* Bluetooth conflicts: Ensure no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.
* Lack of Bluetooth HID support on your phone.
* Joy-Con is low on battery or is malfunctioning.
10. Is rooting my phone illegal?
No, rooting an Android device is generally not illegal. However, it can void your warranty and introduce security risks.
11. What happens if I root my Android phone incorrectly?
Incorrect rooting can brick your phone, meaning it becomes unusable. It also increases vulnerability to malware. Proceed with caution and follow reliable guides if you decide to root your device.
12. Are Joy-Cons cheaply made? Why do they break so easily?
Joy-Cons are not cheaply made but are expensive to manufacture. Their perceived fragility often stems from the inherent complexity and small components involved in their construction, which can make them prone to problems like stick drift.
13. How long does a Joy-Con battery last on a single charge?
Joy-Cons take about three and a half hours to fully charge, and they can last approximately 20 hours depending on usage.
14. Is there a version of Joy-Con that doesn’t have the “drift” issue?
Some third-party replacement joysticks use Hall effect sensors that are designed to be drift-proof. These controllers operate using a magnetic field that makes the controls less susceptible to wear and tear.
15. How can I use my Android phone as an amiibo?
You can use your Android phone as an Amiibo via JoyCon Droid, or by using another app specifically dedicated to amiibo emulation. With these apps, you’ll use a .bin file to emulate the specific amiibo you want to use.