Minecraft Java Edition has always been designed for keyboard and mouse. Players who wanted to use a controller often had to rely on mods that were either unstable or incomplete. Controlify changes that. It gives Java Edition players a smooth, console-like controller experience. How? Here is a closer look at what it is, how to download, install and use it in Minecraft!

What is the Controlify Mod?

Controlify is a Minecraft Java Edition mod that brings complete controller support. It allows players to use different gamepads, including Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and Steam Deck. The goal is to create a controller experience that is as comfortable as Bedrock Edition.

The mod supports both Fabric and NeoForge loaders. It works on Minecraft versions 1.19.4 and newer, and you can download it safely from Modrinth or CurseForge. It has become one of the most popular controller mods due to its stability, ease of use, and rich feature set.

Just like other Minecraft modes like ProjectE, Waifucraft, or Werewolves, Controlify adds various features on top of the main focus of controller support. Here are some of those features:

• Full Controller Support: Works with Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch controllers.
• Vibration Feedback: Controllers vibrate when you mine blocks, take damage, or interact with the world.
• Gyroscope Aiming: Adds motion-based camera control for supported controllers.
• Menu Navigation: You can move through menus, inventories, and settings without using a mouse.
• On-Screen Keyboard: Lets you chat or rename items with your controller.
• Radial Menu: Quickly access tools, commands, or emotes.
• Deadzone Calibration: Adjusts stick sensitivity for accurate movement.
• Controller Detection: Shows correct button icons based on your controller type.

These features make Controlify feel like an official controller mode rather than an add-on. It helps players switch from console to PC easily and improves accessibility for everyone.
 

How to download and install the Minecraft Controlify mod

Installing Controlify is simple, but you must follow the correct steps.

1. Check your Minecraft version: It must be version 1.19.4 or newer.
2. Install a mod loader: Use Fabric or NeoForge.
3. Download the mod: Visit Modrinth or CurseForge.
4. Add dependencies: Some versions require Fabric API and YetAnotherConfigLib (YACL).
5. Place the files: Copy the mod .jar files into your Minecraft mods folder.
6. Launch Minecraft: Use the Fabric or NeoForge profile in your launcher.
7. Check installation: Open the Mods menu and confirm that Controlify appears.

If the mod does not load, check that your Minecraft version and mod loader match.

How to set up and use the Minecraft Controlify mod

Once you install Controlify, connect your controller and configure your settings.

• Connect your controller through USB or Bluetooth before opening Minecraft.
• Open Options → Controls → Controlify Settings in the game.
• Adjust stick sensitivity and deadzones to prevent drift.
• Customize button layouts for actions like jump, sprint, and crouch.
• Turn on vibration and gyroscope control if your device supports them.
• Use the on-screen keyboard for chat or item naming.
• Try the radial menu to access quick tools or commands.

After saving changes, test your setup in a new world to see how the controls feel. You can always return to the settings menu to make further adjustments.

How to fix Controlify errors

Since this is not an official mod, you may encounter some issues while playing or installing. Here are some of the common problems and how to fix them:

Controller not detected

If Controlify does not detect your controller, check the connection first. Plug it in before launching Minecraft, or re-pair it if using Bluetooth. Updating drivers can also help. Restarting Minecraft after reconnecting often solves the problem.

Input delay or lag

Lag usually occurs when other programs or background mods consume system resources. Close unnecessary applications and limit active mods. If the issue continues, reduce the game’s render distance or frame rate settings.

Unresponsive GUI

When menus or buttons do not react, disable other mods temporarily. Some mods modify interfaces, which can interfere with Controlify’s navigation system. Re-enable them one by one to identify the conflict.

Steam Deck control issues

If you play on Steam Deck and inputs feel duplicated or ignored, disable Steam Input from the settings menu. Steam Input can override Controlify’s built-in mapping, but turning it off restores full functionality.

Anti-cheat warnings on servers

Certain anti-cheat systems misread analog stick motion as automated movement. If this happens, ask the server owner for a whitelist or explain that you use Controlify. Most servers will approve it once they understand the cause.