Learn how to connect an Anki Remote to your iPad and use it to make Anki flashcard reviews easier and more comfortable.
Anki has rapidly become a cornerstone tool for students, transforming the way we study with its efficient flashcard method. Yet, despite its effectiveness, extended Anki sessions can sometimes become tiresome.
Enter the Anki controller — a game changer that makes studying with Anki not just more enjoyable but also significantly more efficient.
By integrating an Anki controller into your study sessions, you can enhance your focus, increase your recall speed, and make the overall learning experience more interactive and fun.
Does the Anki Remote work with iPad and iPhone?
Short answer: yes, on both.
The Anki Remote (now StudyRemote and often called the Anki Controller) connects to iPad and iPhone over standard Bluetooth. No cables, no third-party apps, no Karabiner or key-remapping software required — everything runs natively through iOS.
Here's what you need to know before you start:
iPad and iPhone models: Any iPad or iPhone running iOS 14 or later. That covers basically every model from the last several years, including all current iPads (Pro, Air, standard, mini) and iPhone models from the iPhone 6s onward.
The Anki app: You'll need AnkiMobile installed on your iPad or iPhone. This is Anki's official iOS app — it's a one-time $25 purchase from the App Store. There's no free tier on iOS. If you're unsure whether to buy it, see the section below on AnkiMobile.
Bluetooth version: Any modern iPad or iPhone has more than enough Bluetooth capability. The remote uses Bluetooth Low Energy, which is standard on iOS.
One connection at a time: The Anki Remote can only be actively paired with one device at a time. If it's currently connected to your Mac or another device, you'll need to disconnect it there before pairing with iPad or iPhone. See the reconnect steps in the troubleshooting section below.
Setting it up on Mac too? Here's the 3-minute Mac setup guide.
Does it work with Quizlet or other flashcard apps? No — the Anki Remote is designed specifically for Anki. Some buttons may register as generic keystrokes in other apps, but the full functionality (navigate cards, mark Again/Hard/Good/Easy, undo) only works inside Anki.
If your iPad or iPhone is running current iOS and you have (or are willing to buy) AnkiMobile, you're set. Read on for the setup steps.
Benefits of Using an Anki Controller
Using an Anki controller offers a plethora of advantages for avid learners:
1. Increased Efficiency Navigate through flashcards faster and streamline your study sessions.
2. Enhanced Engagement Keeps your study sessions interactive, reducing the monotony of long study periods.
3. Ease of Use Simple buttons and intuitive controls make it easy to use, even for beginners.
4. Portability Compact and wireless, it's easy to carry around, allowing you to study on the go.
5. Reduced Screen Time Minimizes the need to constantly touch your screen, giving your eyes a much-needed break.
The Best Anki Controller: Study Remote (formerly Anki Remote)
When it comes to choosing an Anki controller, Study Remote (formerly Anki Remote) emerges as the top contender. Its user-friendly design, compatibility with various devices, and reliable connectivity make it a favorite among students.
It's designed to seamlessly integrate with your study routine, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their Anki experience.
How to Connect an Anki Controller to iPad via Bluetooth
Connecting Study Remote to your iPad is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here's how:
Step 1 — Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled on Your iPad Go to your iPad's settings, tap on 'Bluetooth,' and make sure it's turned on.
Step 2 — Power On the Study Remote Turn on your Study Remote by pressing the power button. Wait for the LED indicator to start blinking, signaling it's in pairing mode.
Step 3 — Pair the Devices On your iPad, under the list of available Bluetooth devices, select 'Anki Remote.'
Step 4 — Launch Anki Open the Anki app on your iPad. The app should automatically recognize the Study Remote.
Step 5 — Start Using You're now ready to use Study Remote! Use the buttons to navigate through your flashcards easily.
How to connect the Anki Remote to iPhone (same steps as iPad)
Setting up the Anki Remote on iPhone follows nearly the same process as iPad. If you just walked through the iPad steps above, this will feel familiar.
Step 1 — Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone
Open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure the toggle is on. Leave the Bluetooth screen open so you can see nearby devices.
Step 2 — Power on the Anki Remote
Press and hold the power button until the LED starts blinking. Blinking means the remote is in Pairing Mode. If the LED is solid instead of blinking, the remote is already paired to another device — hold the power button to turn it off, then back on to enter Pairing Mode fresh.
Step 3 — Pair with your iPhone
Under "Other Devices" in your iPhone's Bluetooth settings, tap "Anki Remote" when it appears. Your iPhone will pair with it within a few seconds. Once paired, you'll see it listed under "My Devices."
Step 4 — Open AnkiMobile
Launch AnkiMobile on your iPhone. The app automatically recognizes the remote as a keyboard input — no extra setup inside the app is required. If you haven't bought AnkiMobile yet, download it from the App Store first ($25 one-time).
Step 5 — Start reviewing
Press any button to test. Show Answer should reveal the answer; the four rating buttons should mark cards Again/Hard/Good/Easy. If nothing happens, jump to the troubleshooting section below.
A few iPhone-specific notes
- Smaller screen, bigger remote payoff. On iPhone, the flashcard UI is more cramped than on iPad — which is exactly why a physical remote helps. You don't have to tap tiny answer buttons on a small screen.
- Landscape or portrait works. AnkiMobile responds to remote input the same way regardless of orientation. Most iPhone users prefer portrait for one-handed reviewing.
- Recommended AnkiMobile settings for small screens: Under Preferences, increase "Card Text Size" and turn on "Show Answer Timer" so you can see review pace without squinting. Tap-to-play audio still works — the remote doesn't interfere.
- Sleep behavior. If your iPhone screen locks during a session, the remote will disconnect. Wake the phone and either turn the remote off/on or wait 5–10 seconds for auto-reconnect. Longer sessions may benefit from raising your iPhone's auto-lock timeout in Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock.
Everything else — mode switching between Key Mode and Game Mode, button customization, battery life — works identically on iPhone and iPad. The rest of this guide applies to both.
Anki Controller Setup
Setting up Study Remote with your iPad is designed to be hassle-free. With its plug-and-play functionality, you don't need to be tech-savvy to get started.
Once connected, the intuitive layout allows you to effortlessly control your Anki app, letting you focus more on studying and less on managing your device.
For a complete walkthrough, visit the Quick Start Guide.
Get Your StudyRemote
Anki Controller iPad Setup Layout
Study Remote includes two pre-programmed modes. Here's how to access and differentiate between them:
To switch between modes:
- Locate the mode labels on the back of the device.
- If the mode bar is positioned upwards, the remote is in GAME mode.
- If the mode bar is positioned downwards, the remote is in KEY mode.
KEY MODE KEY mode is set up for visual learners who would like their answer keys to roughly resemble the spatial location of Anki's answer buttons on screen.
GAME MODE GAME mode is for users who want their answer choices to go clockwise. In both Game and Key mode, the Spacebar and Good buttons are closest to the center — this is intentional, designed to shorten TDT (thumb distance traveled).
Bottom Line
Incorporating an Anki controller into your study routine can significantly enhance your learning efficiency and make studying an enjoyable experience.
Study Remote, with its easy Bluetooth connection to iPad and user-friendly design, stands out as the perfect companion for any Anki user looking to maximize their study sessions.
Whether you're preparing for a big exam or just learning something new, Study Remote is an invaluable tool that promises to make your study time both productive and pleasurable.
So why wait? Connect your Study Remote to your iPad today and experience a seamless, efficient, and engaging study session like never before.
"The Anki Remote is working wonderfully. It works great to take my iPad to the gym, set it on the treadmill, and just be able to run normally while I do cards. Thanks!" — Aidan, Med Student
