DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › controller problems

How to Fix Crashes, Lag, and Controller Problems in Saints Row: The Third Remastered on Mobile

By Freedom251 Team · · 10 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If Saints Row: The Third Remastered crashes, stutters, or fails to recognize a controller on mobile, start by confirming that you have the iOS release from Feral Interactive and that the device meets the current listing requirements. Apple’s US App Store listing specifies iOS 18 or later, an A12 Bionic chip or later, and a listed download size of 17.6 GB. Then close background apps, restart the iPhone or iPad, install available game and system updates, and check free storage. For input problems, use a compatible PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi controller or switch to the game’s customizable touchscreen controls. These steps address common device-level causes; they do not prove that every crash or frame-time problem is a game bug.

First, verify which mobile release you have

The evidence available for this title identifies a Feral Interactive release for iPhone and iPad. Apple’s App Store listing describes it as a version tailored for iOS and lists Feral as the developer and publisher. The reviewed material does not verify an Android port of this specific release, so Android requirements, menus, and fixes should not be inferred from this guide.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Before changing settings, open the game’s App Store page and compare your device with the current compatibility information. Apple can change the displayed size or requirements as an app is updated.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Check What the current listing says Why it matters
Operating system iOS 18.0 or later An older iOS version can make the app unavailable or leave you on an unsupported configuration.
Processor A12 Bionic or later This is the minimum chip generation stated by Apple for the listed iOS release.
Download size 17.6 GB in the US App Store listing You need substantial free space for installation and updates. The figure is a storefront specification and may change.
Input methods Customizable touchscreen controls; compatible PlayStation, Xbox, and MFi controllers You can choose on-screen controls or a supported external gamepad.

To check your software version, open Settings > General > Software Update. To identify the iPhone or iPad model, open Settings > General > About. The model name or chip information can then be compared with Apple’s current App Store compatibility panel. Check available capacity at Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage. Keep more free space than the displayed download size so iOS has room to unpack an update and operate normally.

#1 Best Overall
Yojaro 4Pack Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount, Silicon Adhesive Smartphones Stand Sticky, Hands-Free Phone Accessories Holder for Selfies and Videos (Black & White & Translucent & Light Pink)
  • 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
  • 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
  • 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
  • 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
  • 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)

Fix crashes, freezes, and sudden closes

Use this sequence in order. It starts with reversible actions and avoids treating a general mobile troubleshooting step as a diagnosis of a Feral-specific fault.

1. Close the game completely

  1. On an iPhone or iPad without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge and pause. On a device with a Home button, double-click Home.
  2. Find Saints Row: The Third Remastered in the app switcher.
  3. Swipe its preview upward to close it.
  4. Reopen the game and load the same save or mission that previously failed.

If the game only failed once, this may be enough. If it closes again, continue rather than repeatedly launching it while other apps are consuming memory.

2. Close other demanding apps

Remove video editors, games, navigation apps, browser tabs, and other memory-heavy apps from the app switcher. General mobile-game support guidance, including Netflix’s help guidance, recommends closing background apps when a game crashes or performs poorly. That advice is platform-level; it does not establish that a particular background app caused your Saints Row failure.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Restart the iPhone or iPad

  1. Hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. On some iPad models, the top button and a volume button are used.
  2. Wait until the screen is fully off.
  3. Turn the device on with the side or top button and try the game again.

A restart clears temporary app and memory state without removing the game or its saves.

Rank #2
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
  • HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
  • BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
  • COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
  • INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.

4. Install available updates

Open the App Store, tap your account picture, and look under available updates. Install an update for the game if one is offered. Also install any compatible iOS or iPadOS update through Settings > General > Software Update. Retest after both downloads finish. A new app build can change behavior, so record the game version when reporting a problem.

5. Check storage before trying again

Apple’s US listing shows a 17.6 GB size for the app. That number is not a crash statistic and does not prove that low storage caused your particular failure, but a nearly full device can prevent an installation or update from completing. In Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage, remove or offload content you no longer need, empty large downloads, and leave a comfortable margin beyond the listed size. Return to the App Store and confirm that the game is fully updated.

6. Retest with a controlled scenario

After the restart and updates, launch the game with other apps closed. Try the same save, mission, or menu that triggered the close, then try a different save or a new game. Note whether the failure is tied to one location or action, occurs immediately at launch, or happens unpredictably. This distinction gives Feral support useful information and prevents a one-time interruption from being mistaken for a repeatable defect.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When not to assume a fix

  • Do not conclude that a controller will stop crashes; input hardware and app stability are separate issues.
  • Do not label a particular mission, graphics setting, heat level, or battery condition a known bug without a Feral statement.
  • No sourced crash rate, frame-rate target, or benchmark is available for this mobile release.

Reduce lag and stutter on iPhone or iPad

“Lag” can mean delayed touch input, uneven animation, long pauses while loading, or a network-related delay. The available evidence does not identify a Saints Row-specific frame-rate fault, so begin with device-wide conditions and then document what remains.

Rank #3
PopSockets Adhesive Phone Grip, Holder- Black | Anti-Drop, Kickstand, Secure Comfortable Hold, Black, Create a Mobile Phone Outfit
  • Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
  • Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
  • Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
  • Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
  • Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.

Use the low-risk performance sequence

  1. Quit the game from the app switcher.
  2. Close other apps, especially games, video tools, browsers with many tabs, and navigation software.
  3. Check free storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.
  4. Restart the device.
  5. Install pending game and iOS or iPadOS updates.
  6. Launch the game again and test the same scene for several minutes.

General mobile performance guidance says insufficient storage and accumulated background activity can contribute to slowness or crashes. Treat those as practical checks, not proof of the cause in this title. iOS does not expose a Saints Row-specific cache-clear button in the game’s listing, and the reviewed sources do not provide a Feral instruction to clear a cache.

Separate rendering stutter from input delay

What you feel Useful test What to record
Animation pauses or uneven camera movement Walk or drive through the same area with no controller connected and background apps closed. Location, mission, approximate play time, and whether the pause repeats.
Touch or button response arrives late Compare customizable touchscreen controls with a compatible external controller, if available. Input method, controller connection state, and whether the delay affects menus as well as gameplay.
Long loading or abrupt close Check free capacity, restart, and retry after updates. Free storage, iOS version, game version, and the exact point where loading stops.

Keep the device on a stable surface while testing and avoid drawing conclusions from one short hitch. The supplied material contains no laboratory frame-rate measurement for this game, so a precise FPS claim would be misleading.

Heat and battery observations

The reviewed sources do not establish a game-specific heat, battery-drain, or thermal-throttling fault. If the device becomes unusually warm or performance changes as the session continues, stop and let it cool, then record the conditions for support rather than presenting heat as a confirmed Saints Row bug. Do not use a battery percentage or temperature threshold as an official requirement; none is listed.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Fix controller problems in Saints Row: The Third Remastered

Apple’s listing explicitly says the game supports compatible PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi controllers and also offers customizable touchscreen controls. It does not identify a particular controller model as endorsed, publish a Feral-specific Bluetooth procedure, or promise that a controller will cure lag or crashes.

Rank #4
360° Rotating Stainless Steel Phone Tether Tab (Silvery 3-Pack) - Universal for iPhone & Other Phones (Fits Wristbands/Necklaces/Crossbody Straps)
  • [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
  • [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
  • [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
  • [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
  • [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly

Choose the right input path

Input method Best when Limits to keep in mind
Customizable touchscreen controls You do not have a gamepad, need a quick test, or want to determine whether a fault is limited to external input. Virtual buttons and camera controls occupy screen space and may feel less precise for driving or aiming.
Compatible PlayStation controller You already own a model that iOS recognizes and want physical sticks and buttons. The listing confirms the family, not every generation or firmware combination.
Compatible Xbox controller You prefer Xbox-style controls and have an iOS-compatible model. Confirm that your specific model and iOS version are supported by Apple before buying or pairing.
MFi controller You use a controller designed for Apple’s Made for iPhone/iPad program. “MFi” is a compatibility category, not a guarantee that every old model behaves identically.

Pair the controller at the iOS level

The following is the normal iOS Bluetooth flow, not a Feral-published game-specific sequence.

  1. Charge the controller and disconnect it from another phone, tablet, console, or computer.
  2. Put the controller into its pairing mode using the manufacturer’s documented button combination.
  3. On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth and leave Bluetooth on.
  4. Tap the controller’s name when it appears under available devices.
  5. Wait for the status to change to Connected, then launch the game. If the game was already open, close it fully and reopen it so it can initialize the newly connected device.

If the controller does not appear, turn it off and on, return it to pairing mode, and check that it is not still connected elsewhere. If it appears in Bluetooth but not in the game, close and relaunch the game, then test the touchscreen controls. That comparison tells you whether the problem is limited to external input.

When buttons or sticks do not respond

  • Confirm that iOS shows the controller as connected before opening the game.
  • Disconnect other gamepads and unnecessary Bluetooth accessories temporarily.
  • Check for an iOS update and a game update.
  • Try the game’s touchscreen controls. If touch works while the controller does not, record the controller family, exact model, firmware version if visible, and iOS version.
  • Do not assume that a controller listed as compatible by its manufacturer is supported by this particular game; Apple’s listing uses the broader compatible PlayStation, Xbox, and MFi categories.

Mouse and keyboard wording in the listing

The App Store description also says the mobile release supports “gamepads and mouse & keyboard.” That storefront wording is not a detailed compatibility matrix. If your issue concerns a keyboard or mouse rather than a gamepad, test the touchscreen controls first and provide the exact accessory and connection method when contacting Feral. Do not treat the listing sentence as confirmation for a specific model, layout, or shortcut.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Buying a controller without overpromising

If you need a physical input device, choose a compatible iPhone or iPad game controller from a PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi family that Apple recognizes. Confirm the exact model, iOS support, connection method, and return policy before purchase. A controller can improve comfort and control precision; it is not evidence-based treatment for a crash, storage shortage, or rendering hitch.

Best Value
Anteel 2 Pack Silicone Suction Cup Phone Case Mount Double Sided, Hands-Free Silicon Phone Grip with Higher Suction Power for Selfies and Videos, Non Slip Phone Accessories (LightPink&White)
  • 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
  • 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
  • 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
  • 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
  • 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to do when the problem keeps returning

Build a useful problem report

Contact Feral through the support contact associated with the game’s App Store listing when the crash, lag, or controller fault survives the basic sequence. Include:

  • iPhone or iPad model and whether it has an A12 Bionic chip or later.
  • iOS or iPadOS version and the game version shown in the App Store.
  • Available storage at the time of the failure.
  • Whether the failure is a launch crash, a freeze, a sudden close, a repeatable mission failure, animation stutter, input delay, or controller detection problem.
  • The exact steps that reproduce it, including the save, mission, menu, or location.
  • For controller issues, the family and exact model, how it is connected, and whether it appears as connected in iOS Bluetooth settings.
  • Whether touchscreen controls work and whether closing other apps, restarting, and updating changed anything.

Short screen recordings, crash timestamps, and screenshots of error messages can make a report easier to diagnose. Do not include personal account credentials or unrelated private information.

Use the support channel for this release

Feral Interactive is identified as the developer and publisher of the iOS release in Apple’s listing. Use the support route attached to that listing for game-specific diagnosis. General Netflix mobile-game help is useful only for broad steps such as closing background apps, restarting, checking storage, and updating; Netflix is not identified as the publisher or support provider for this Feral release.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Android availability: what is and is not established

The reviewed primary storefront evidence covers iPhone and iPad. It does not verify an Android version of this Feral release, its minimum Android version, processor requirements, download size, controller list, or support workflow. Do not install an unrelated title and assume that its fixes, saves, or controller instructions apply here. If an official Android storefront page or Feral announcement becomes available, use that source for Android-specific requirements before following an Android troubleshooting guide.

A quick decision checklist

Symptom Start here Escalate with
Crashes at launch Verify iOS 18+, A12 Bionic or later, free storage, then close apps, restart, and update. Device model, iOS and game versions, storage, and whether every launch fails.
Freezes during play Close the game and other apps, restart, update, and retry the same save or mission. Repeatable location or action, frequency, and any error message.
Lag or stutter Check storage, close background apps, restart, update, and compare touch input with a controller. Whether the problem is animation, loading, or input delay; scene and duration.
Controller not detected Confirm a compatible PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi family, pair in iOS Bluetooth settings, then relaunch the game. Exact controller model, firmware if available, iOS version, and touchscreen result.
Unsure whether you have the right release Check that the App Store page identifies Feral Interactive and the iOS requirements. App Store link or listing details and the device model.

Limits of the available evidence

There is no sourced crash percentage, average frame rate, target FPS, controller failure rate, or confirmed list of known bugs for this title in the material reviewed. The 17.6 GB figure is a current US storefront specification, not a measurement of performance. Compatibility details can change when Apple or Feral updates the listing, so use the live App Store page as the final authority for requirements and the Feral support contact for unresolved, reproducible faults.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

controller problemsiOS performanceiPad gamingiPhone gamingmobile game troubleshootingSaints Row: The Third Remastered

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.