In this paper, we consider controllability of nonlinear fractional delay dynamical systems with prescribed controls. We firstly give the solution representation of the fractional delay dynamical systems using Laplace transform and Mittag–Leffler functions. Then we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the controllability criteria of linear fractional delay dynamical systems with prescribed controls. Further, we use a fixed point theorem to establish the sufficient condition for the controllability of nonlinear fractional delay dynamical systems with prescribed controls. In particular, we determine several sufficient conditions on the nonlinear function term so that if the linear system is controllable, then the nonlinear system is controllable. Finally, we give two examples to demonstrate the applicability of our obtained results.