How do I connect a PS4 controller?

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

1. Ensure your PlayStation it off – either powered down entirely or on standby.
2. 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.
3. Press the PS button on the controller until your console beeps.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. Make sure your controller is not connected to USB.
3. Press and hold the SHARE button and, at the same time, press down the PS button until the light bar starts to flash.

4. 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.
5. 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:

• Mac
• Windows PC
• Android phone/tablet
• iPhone or iPad

How to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac

1. Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
2. On your Mac, head into System Preferences -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and your Mac is discoverable.
3. After a while, the controller should appear on the list of devices.

4. Click on the “Connect” button.
5. Once connected, if you’re running on macOS Monterey or later, there will be an “Options” button.

6. 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.

1. Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
2. Now go into Settings -> Devices.
3. Ensure Bluetooth is switched on and then click on “Add Bluetooth or other device”.

4. If you’re prompted to select the kind of device to add, choose Bluetooth.
5. A list of Bluetooth devices should appear, amongst them one named Wireless Controller.

6. Click on that device to connect to it.
7. It should now appear under a list of “Mouse, keyboard & pen” devices.

How to connect a PS4 controller to an Android phone or tablet

1. Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
2. On your Android device, go into Settings -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Look for “Wireless Controller” appearing under the list of available devices.

4. Click on the name to connect it.

How to connect a PS4 controller to an iPhone or iPad

1. Perform the initial instructions listed under “How to connect a PS4 controller to other devices”, above, to put the controller into pairing mode.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, head into Settings -> Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. After a while, the controller should appear on the list of devices.

4. Click on the item “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” to connect it.

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