Controller Compatibility for ‘Zenless Zone Zero’: What Android Gamers Need to Know

This article explains whether or not you can use a controller to play Zenless Zone Zero on an Android device, and how to set it up if you can.

Can You Use a Controller to Play ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ on Android?

While plenty of Android games on the market offer controller support, it’s not always a guarantee. So what of Zenless Zone Zero, Cognosphere’s most recent release as part of the Hoyoverse (which also includes Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail)?

The short answer is that, yes, you can use a controller to play Zenless Zone Zero. It’s not strictly necessary, as the built-in touch controls work quite well, but if you prefer something more tactile—or like to use a larger screen, like a tablet, and want a controller in your hands—it’s something you can set up fairly easily.

That said, the process for getting a controller working with the frenetic action title can differ slightly, depending on what kind of controller you plan to use.

Connecting a Mobile Controller

Most mobile controllers, such as the Backbone One, don’t require any special steps to get them working.

Many wraparound controllers provide optional attachments that you can use to change the spacing and get a more snug fit. You may need to take a few moments to figure out which ones (if any) you’ll need to use, but once you do, you shouldn't need to make any more adjustments.

After that, plugging the controller into the Android device is all that’s required. The controller should then start working as soon as you fire up a compatible game—almost like magic.

How to Play ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ With a PlayStation Controller

Modern game console controllers are often wireless, and most of them can pair with an Android device without the need for any extra hardware or accessories. This includes controllers for the PlayStation 4 and PS5, which can both wirelessly connect via Bluetooth.

1. Open Settings on your Android device of choice and select Bluetooth.

2. Make sure the Use Bluetooth toggle is turned on. If it’s not (i.e. it appears grayed out), tap it so that the toggle turns blue.

3. Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons on the PlayStation controller at the same time. Continue to hold the buttons until the lights on the front of the controller start to flash.

4. Look for the PlayStation controller under Available devices in your Android device’s Bluetooth menu. Once it appears (the name of the controller depends on the model you’re using), tap the name of the controller to pair it.

5. With the controller paired, open Zenless Zone Zero and wait for the title screen to load.

6. Tap the Options icon (it looks like a gear) in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select Input.

7. In the UI Layout option, tap Touch to open a drop-down menu, then select Controller.

8. You can now start using the PlayStation controller to play the game.

How to Play ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ With an Xbox Controller

Setting up an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller is very similar to using PlayStation hardware, but the steps to turn on pairing are a little different.

1. Press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the controller until the button lights up.

2. Press and hold the Sync button on the back of the controller until the Xbox button start to blink. This light indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.

3. Open Settings on your Android device and tap Bluetooth.

4. Tap the toggle next to Use Bluetooth if it’s grayed out. If the toggle is already turned on (i.e. blue), you don’t need to touch it.

5. Look for the Available devices section in the Bluetooth menu and tap Xbox Wireless Controller once your Android device recognizes it.

6. Open Zenless Zone Zero and wait for the title screen to load, and then tap the Options (i.e. gear) icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

7. Select Input, then find the UI Layout option at the top of the menu.

8. Tap Touch (next to UI Layout) to open a drop-down menu and choose Controller.

9. Exit to the title screen and start using the controller to play.

How to Play ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ With a Nintendo Joy-Con or Pro Controller

You can also pair Switch Joy-Con or Pro Controller through Bluetooth.

1. For a Joy-Con, turn the Joy-Con on its side so that the SL and SR buttons are facing up.

2. Locate and press the Sync button, located between SL and SR. Once you see the Joy-Con’s indicator lights begin to cycle, it’s in pairing mode.

3. Open Settings on your Android device and open the Bluetooth menu.

4. Make sure the toggle next to Use Bluetooth is on (i.e. blue), or tap the toggle to turn it on.

5. Once the device finds the Joy-Con you should see either Joy-Con L or Joy-Con R appear under Available devices (depending on which Joy-Con you’re pairing). Tap the Joy-Con’s name to pair it.

6. For a Pro Controller, press and hold the Sync button located at the top of the controller (near the USB-C port) until the lights along the bottom of the controller begin to cycle.

7. In your phone's Bluetooth settings, select the Pro Controller from the Available Devices section to pair it.

8. Open the Options menu (the gear icon) on the Zenless Zone Zero title screen and select Input > UI Layout > change Touch (the default) to Controller.