Sony’s PlayStation 4 controller, the DualShock 4, can be connected to a number of devices, not only the PS4 itself. In this article we’ll explain how you can connect a PS4 controller to not only the eponymous console, but other devices as well.
How to connect a PS4 controller to a PS4
- Ensure your PlayStation it off – either powered down entirely or on standby.
- Connect a micro USB cable (preferably the one provided with the controller) to the back of the controller and the other end to any of the USB ports on your PlayStation.
- Press the PS button on the controller until your console beeps.
- You can now disconnect the cable and use it wirelessly.
How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices
All other devices have a similar pairing mechanism, which starts as follows:
- Make sure the light bar on the back of the controller is not illuminated. If it is, hold the PS button down until it goes off.
- Make sure your controller is not connected to USB.
- Press and hold the SHARE button and, at the same time, press down the PS button until the light bar starts to flash.
- You will then need to continue using one of the sets of instructions below, depending on the device that you’re connecting the controller to.
- When pairing is complete, the light bar should turn to a solid colour.
6. Now click on the link below to jump straight to the instructions for the device you wish to connect the controller to:
How to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac
- Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
- On your Mac, head into System Preferences -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and your Mac is discoverable.
- After a while, the controller should appear on the list of devices.
- Click on the “Connect” button.
- Once connected, if you’re running on macOS Monterey or later, there will be an “Options” button.
- Pressing this gives you a menu where you can change what various buttons will do with compatible games.
How to connect a PS4 controller to a PC
The following instructions are for Windows 10. If you’re using a different version, your experience may vary.
- Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
- Now go into Settings -> Devices.
- Ensure Bluetooth is switched on and then click on “Add Bluetooth or other device”.
- If you’re prompted to select the kind of device to add, choose Bluetooth.
- A list of Bluetooth devices should appear, amongst them one named Wireless Controller.
- Click on that device to connect to it.
- It should now appear under a list of “Mouse, keyboard & pen” devices.
How to connect a PS4 controller to an Android phone or tablet
- Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
- On your Android device, go into Settings -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Look for “Wireless Controller” appearing under the list of available devices.
- Click on the name to connect it.
How to connect a PS4 controller to an iPhone or iPad
- Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
- On your iPhone or iPad, head into Settings -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- After a while, the controller should appear on the list of devices.
- Click on the item “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” to connect it.
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