You’ve spent hours perfecting your PUBG Mobile control layout — tweaking button sizes, adjusting sensitivity, and fine-tuning that claw grip. But what happens when you switch devices, reinstall the game, or want to share your masterpiece with a friend? If you don’t know how to export your control codes, all that effort can vanish in a second. That’s why we put together this guide. We’ve tested every method, consulted pro players, and rounded up the 8 most reliable ways to export and back up your layouts. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive grinder, these tips will keep your controls safe and portable.
1. Use the Built-In Export Feature (The Obvious One)
PUBG Mobile has a native export function hidden in the control settings. Head to Settings > Controls > Custom Layout, tap on the layout you want, and you’ll see a small ‘Export’ button (or a share icon depending on your version). Tapping it generates a unique alphanumeric code that represents your entire layout — button positions, sizes, opacity, and even gyro settings. Copy that code and paste it somewhere safe. This is the simplest method and works on both Android and iOS. But remember: codes have expiration dates. We’ll cover that later.
- Open Settings > Controls > Custom Layout
- Select your active layout
- Tap Export to generate a code
- Copy the code and store it
- Use the code to import on another device
2. Export via Code Sharing to Your Own Device
A lesser-known trick is to use the ‘Share’ option within the game. When you export a layout, you can choose to share via QR code or a link. If you’re on the same device, sending it to yourself via a messaging app (like WhatsApp or Telegram) creates a backup you can retrieve later. Just open the link on the same phone and it’ll automatically import. This is great for creating a local copy without relying on the in-game code which might expire. Plus, you can also share control codes with friends this way.
3. Sync with Your PUBG Account (Cloud Backup)
PUBG Mobile offers cloud sync for control layouts if you’re logged in with your account (Facebook, Google, or Twitter). Go to Settings > Account and look for ‘Cloud Sync’ or ‘Sync Data’. When enabled, your control layouts are saved to the cloud. The next time you log in on a new device, they’ll be downloaded automatically. This is the most hands-off method, but it only works if you use the same account on both devices. Also, be aware that some players report sync issues after major updates, so it’s smart to have a manual backup too.
Cloud sync is convenient, but I always keep a manual export code as a backup — updates can break things.
Pro player ‘ShadowClaw’, PUBG Mobile tips forum
4. Take Screenshots of Your Layout (Old School but Works)
If you’re worried about codes expiring or sync failing, a screenshot of your control layout is a simple backup. Go to your custom layout screen, arrange everything as you like, and take a screenshot. Later, you can manually re-create the layout by matching button positions. It’s not as fast as importing a code, but it’s foolproof and doesn’t rely on any in-game feature. Many pro players use this as a secondary method. You can even annotate the screenshot with button sizes and sensitivity values.
5. Export to a Notepad App (For Long-Term Storage)
When you export a layout via the in-game code, copy that code immediately to a secure note-taking app like Google Keep, Notion, or even a simple text file. Codes can be 20+ characters long, and you don’t want to rely on memory. Create a dedicated folder named ‘PUBG Layouts’ and label each code with the device, number of fingers, and date. This is especially useful if you have multiple layouts for different scenarios (e.g., assault rifles vs. snipers). If you need to import later, just paste the code back into the import field.
6. Export for Specific Devices (iPad vs. Phone)
Layouts are not always cross-device compatible. A control code exported from a phone may not work perfectly on an iPad due to screen size differences. If you plan to play on multiple devices, export separate layouts for each. For example, many players have dedicated iPad layouts with larger buttons and wider spacing. The export feature works the same, but you should label your codes accordingly. Check out our guide on updated layouts for the latest patch to see which layouts are optimized for different screens.
7. Export via Third-Party Tools (Use with Caution)
Some third-party apps claim to export PUBG control codes as files (like .xml or .json). These are not officially supported and may violate PUBG Mobile’s terms of service. We do not recommend them, but if you’re tech-savvy and want to experiment, tools like ‘PUBG Layout Manager’ (for rooted devices) can extract the layout data from the game files. Be warned: using unauthorized software can lead to a ban. Stick to the official methods unless you really know what you’re doing. For safe alternatives, always use the in-game export or cloud sync.
8. Check Code Expiration and Re-Export Regularly
This is the most overlooked tip: PUBG Mobile export codes expire after a few weeks (or after a major update). If you export a code today and try to import it a month later, it might be invalid. To avoid this, re-export your layout every couple of weeks, especially if you haven’t touched the settings. Keep a note of when you exported each code. When a new patch drops, the game often resets some settings, so you’ll need to export fresh codes anyway. Our article on PUBG mobile control codes invalid code has more details on fixing expired codes.
Mastering the export of your PUBG control codes means you’ll never lose your hard work. Whether you prefer the built-in code system, cloud sync, or good old screenshots, having a backup plan is key. Start with the official export method, complement it with cloud sync, and store codes in a note app. For extra safety, share control codes with a trusted friend or keep a screenshot. And don’t forget to check expiration dates! With these 8 tips, your layouts will survive device swaps, reinstalls, and updates. Now go out there and dominate the battlegrounds with your perfectly tuned controls.
