- Connect your PS4 controller to your console
- Connect your PS4 controller to your PC
- Connect your PS4 controller to your smartphone
PS4 controllers have the unique feature of being compatible with other devices beyond the PlayStation 4, such as PCs and smartphones. Wondering how to connect a wireless DualShock 4 controller to your various devices? This article provides a step-by-step guide. Follow along!
Connect your PS4 controller to your console
Steps for connection
Connecting a new PS4 controller to your PlayStation 4 console is relatively simple:
1. Turn on your PS4 console;
2. Connect your DualShock 4 controller to the console with a micro-USB cable;
3. Press the central button (PS button) on the controller;
4. The light bar on the controller will light up: you can unplug the cable.
What to do if the connection fails?
If there is an issue connecting the PS4 controller, check the functionality of the micro-USB cable and the controller’s charge level. If the problem persists, reset the controller by pressing the RESET button, located at the back near the L2 trigger, for 3 to 5 seconds (using a paperclip, for example).
Connect your PS4 controller to your PC
Steps for connecting to a Windows PC
Connecting the controller via Bluetooth
To pair your PlayStation wireless controller to a PC via Bluetooth, follow these steps:
1. Go to your Windows system settings;
2. Select the “Bluetooth and other devices” tab in the Devices menu;
3. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device”;
4. On your controller, switch to Pairing mode by holding the Share and PS buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds, until the light bar blinks blue;
5. On your PC, click on the controller’s name in the list of available devices, then enter the PS4 controller’s PIN (0000) if necessary.
Connecting the PS4 controller to the PC via USB
If you prefer a wired connection, connecting your PS4 controller to a PC is even simpler:
Connect your controller to the PC with a micro-USB cable;
Press the PS button.
What to do if the connection fails?
Does your PC lack the necessary drivers to recognize your PlayStation controller? DS4Windows is a very useful software to overcome connection difficulties of a PS4 controller to a PC. It tricks your computer into thinking the PS4 controller is an Xbox 360 controller, which is more easily recognized by Windows. After installation, this software must be opened each time the controller is connected for automatic recognition by the PC.
Connect your PS4 controller to your smartphone
Steps for connecting to an Android smartphone
Here’s how to connect a PlayStation 4 controller via Bluetooth to your smartphone:
1. On your controller, hold down the Share and PS buttons for about 3 seconds, until the light bar blinks blue;
2. On your smartphone, open the Bluetooth settings.
3. Look for the controller in the list of nearby devices and select it.
Steps for connecting to an iPhone
Here’s how to connect a controller in Bluetooth mode to your iPhone:
1. Put your controller in pairing mode by holding the Share and PS buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds, until the controller blinks blue;
2. On your iPhone, open the Bluetooth settings.
3. Look for the controller in the list of nearby devices and select it.
Now you know how to connect a PS4 controller to any device. Remember these two essential elements to sync your wireless controller with all your gaming devices: the wired connection with the micro-USB cable, and the Bluetooth pairing process by holding the PS and SHARE buttons on the controller!
