How to use your Backbone controller with compatible cases

Welcome to the world of gaming with your new Backbone controller! Your controller comes with adapters that let you dial in the fit for your phone, with or without a case.

First, which adapters do you have?

Take an adapter off your controller and look at the back of it:

Backbone One controllers purchased on or after August 1, 2026 have the rubber adapter. Backbone One controllers purchased before that date, and all Backbone Pro controllers, have the magnetic sets.

*Please note that adapters are not included with Gen 1 Backbone One controllers.

Backbone One with rubber adapters

(Backbone One purchased on or after August 1, 2026)

Your Backbone One comes with one pair of rubber adapters, already installed — one for each side of the controller. 

The rubber adapters are designed to fit your phone with or without a supported case, so most people can leave them installed and start playing.

If your phone doesn't fit — usually because of a thick case or a large camera bump — you can remove the adapters and connect your phone to the controller directly. The adapters are optional.

Removing the rubber adapters

1. Insert your fingernail into the notch on the bottom of the adapter
2. Peel the adapter away from the controller — it will pop free
3. Remove the adapters from both sides

Reinstalling the rubber adapters

1. The adapter with the gap in the middle always goes on the right side of the controller, where the phone connector is located
2. The adapter without the gap goes on the left side of the controller
3. Seat each adapter into the recess on the controller and press until you feel a small click
4. Insert your phone, and you're ready to play!

Controllers with magnetic adapters

(All Backbone Pro controllers, and Backbone One purchased before August 1, 2026)

Inside your controller box you'll find two types of adapters: small ones pre-installed and larger ones tucked away in a box under the lid or under the tray. These adapters are magnetic and easily attach to your controller, so you can switch them out whenever you like.

Here's the breakdown:

• Small Adapters: Play with a supported case.
• Large Adapters: Play with just your phone.
• No Adapters: Play with larger phones or phone cases.

Each set of adapters comes in a pair — one for each side of the controller. Look for the "S" or "L" label on the back to tell the small and large sets apart. Feel free to mix the adapter sizes to find the best fit for your phone.

Removing the magnetic adapters

1. Insert your fingernail into the notch on the bottom of the adapter
2. Rotate the adapter toward the middle of the controller
   1. This will release the adapters from their magnetic lock
3. Remove the adapters from both sides

Installing the magnetic adapters

1. If you want to switch adapters, first remove any existing adapters from the controller
2. The adapter with the gap in the middle always goes on the right side of the controller, where the phone connector is located
3. The adapter without the gap goes on the left side of the controller
4. Align the three magnetic pins (the three circles on the back of the adapters) with the circles on the controller, and insert the adapters
5. Insert your phone, and you're ready to play!

If your device does not fit into the controller with either adapter installed

If your device does not fit into the controller with either adapter installed, it may be due to the size of your phone case or camera bump. In such cases, try removing the adapters. The adapters are optional. Connect your phone directly to the controller without the adapters.

If your device does not fit with a phone case (with or without an adapter) your phone case may not be compatible. You can remove your phone case and install the large-sized adapters to play without a phone case.