Connecting a PS4 controller, also known as a DualShock 4, to your PlayStation 4 console or other devices like PCs and mobile phones is generally straightforward. However, different methods exist, and understanding them can save you time and frustration. This guide will walk you through each method step-by-step, ensuring you can get back to gaming as quickly as possible.
Connecting to Your PS4 Console
The most common use for a PS4 controller is, of course, playing games on your PlayStation 4 console. The initial connection requires a USB cable. Once paired, you can then use it wirelessly.
Using a USB Cable
This is the simplest and most reliable method, especially for the first time you’re connecting a new controller to your console.
First, ensure your PS4 console is turned on. You can either press the power button on the console itself or use another connected controller to navigate to the home screen.
Next, grab a micro-USB cable. This is the standard type of USB cable used to charge many devices, including most Android phones. Make sure the cable is functional and capable of transmitting data, not just power. Some cheaper charging cables only provide power and won’t work for pairing.
Plug the larger, standard USB end of the cable into one of the USB ports on the front of your PS4 console. Then, plug the micro-USB end into the port on the back of your DualShock 4 controller.
Once connected, press the PS button in the center of the controller. This button has the PlayStation logo on it. The light bar on the top of the controller should start flashing.
Wait a few seconds. The light bar should change to a solid color, indicating that the controller has been successfully paired with your PS4. The color will typically correspond to the player number (e.g., blue for player 1, red for player 2).
You can now unplug the USB cable. The controller should remain connected to the PS4 wirelessly. If the controller doesn’t connect, try pressing the PS button again while the USB cable is still connected.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues via USB
Sometimes, even with the USB cable, the controller might not connect. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:
Make sure the USB cable is properly connected to both the controller and the PS4. Try unplugging and replugging it.
Try a different USB cable. As mentioned earlier, some cables are only designed for charging and won’t transmit data.
Try a different USB port on your PS4 console. Sometimes, a particular port might be faulty.
Restart your PS4 console. This can often resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing the controller from connecting. To restart, hold down the PS button on a connected controller until the Quick Menu appears. Select “Power,” and then select “Restart.”
Reset the controller. On the back of the DualShock 4 controller, near the L2 button, there is a small hole. This is the reset button. Use a paperclip or a similar object to gently press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. Then, reconnect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable and try the pairing process again.
Connecting Wirelessly After Initial Pairing
Once you’ve paired your controller with the PS4 using the USB cable method, you can then connect it wirelessly in the future.
Turning on the Controller
To turn on a previously paired controller, simply press the PS button in the center of the controller. The controller should automatically connect to the PS4 console. The light bar will light up in the assigned player color.
Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Problems
If your controller isn’t connecting wirelessly, try these solutions:
Make sure the controller is charged. If the battery is low, it might not be able to connect wirelessly. Connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable to charge it.
Ensure the PS4 console is turned on. The controller can only connect to a powered-on console.
Make sure the controller is within range of the PS4 console. The wireless range of the DualShock 4 is typically around 30 feet, but this can be affected by obstacles.
Check for interference from other wireless devices. Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices can sometimes interfere with the wireless signal.
Go to the PS4 settings and check the Bluetooth devices. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. Make sure your DualShock 4 controller is listed and connected. If it’s not listed, try to pair it again. If it is listed, try forgetting the device and then re-pairing it.
Connecting to a PC
The PS4 controller can also be used to play games on your PC. There are two main methods for connecting it: via USB and via Bluetooth.
Connecting via USB
This is the simplest method and generally provides the most stable connection.
Connect the micro-USB cable to your controller and your PC. Your PC should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers. Windows 10 usually handles this process seamlessly.
If the drivers are not automatically installed, you might need to download and install them manually. Search online for “PS4 controller drivers for Windows” and download the appropriate drivers from a reputable source.
Once the drivers are installed, you should be able to use the controller to play games on your PC. Some games might require you to configure the controller settings within the game.
Connecting via Bluetooth
This method allows you to use the controller wirelessly with your PC. Your PC needs to have Bluetooth capability. Most laptops have built-in Bluetooth, but desktop computers might require a Bluetooth adapter.
Put your PS4 controller into pairing mode. To do this, press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing rapidly.
On your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Click “Add Bluetooth or other device.” Select “Bluetooth.”
Your PC should scan for available Bluetooth devices. Look for “Wireless Controller” or “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” in the list. Select it and click “Pair.”
You might be prompted to enter a pairing code. If so, try entering “0000” (four zeros).
Once paired, the controller should be connected to your PC wirelessly.
Troubleshooting PC Connection Issues
If you are having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your PC, try these troubleshooting steps:
Make sure your PC has Bluetooth enabled (if connecting wirelessly).
Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (if connecting wirelessly). The light bar should be flashing rapidly.
Restart your PC and try the connection process again.
Update your Bluetooth drivers (if connecting wirelessly). Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connection problems.
Try using a different Bluetooth adapter (if connecting wirelessly). Some adapters are more reliable than others.
Install DS4Windows. This is a popular third-party program that allows you to use your PS4 controller with your PC more easily. It emulates an Xbox 360 controller, which is more widely supported by PC games. DS4Windows can significantly improve compatibility with various games. You can download it from a reputable source online.
Connecting to Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)
You can also connect your PS4 controller to mobile devices like Android phones and tablets, and iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, for mobile gaming. This requires Bluetooth connectivity.
Connecting to Android
The process is quite similar to connecting via Bluetooth to a PC.
Put your PS4 controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS button and the Share button until the light bar starts flashing rapidly.
On your Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Tap “Scan” or a similar option to search for available Bluetooth devices.
Your Android device should find “Wireless Controller” or “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.” Tap it to pair.
You might be prompted to enter a pairing code. If so, try entering “0000.”
Once paired, the controller should be connected to your Android device.
Some Android games might require you to configure the controller settings within the game.
Connecting to iOS (iPhone and iPad)
Apple added native support for PS4 controllers to iOS devices with iOS 13 and later.
Put your PS4 controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS button and the Share button until the light bar starts flashing rapidly.
On your iOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Your iOS device should automatically detect “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” under “Other Devices.” Tap it to pair.
The controller should now be connected to your iOS device.
Note that not all iOS games support controller input. Check the game description to see if it supports controllers.
Troubleshooting Mobile Connection Issues
If you’re having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your mobile device, consider these steps:
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.
Confirm the controller is in pairing mode. The light bar should be flashing rapidly.
Restart your mobile device and attempt the connection again.
Verify that the game or app you’re using supports controller input.
Check for any software updates on your mobile device. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Forget the device and repair. In your Bluetooth settings, forget the DualShock 4 controller, and then repeat the pairing steps.
General Tips and Considerations
- Keep your controller charged. A low battery can lead to connectivity issues and a poor gaming experience.
- Update your PS4 console’s system software. Newer software versions often include improvements to controller connectivity.
- Be aware of potential interference. Other wireless devices can interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
- Reset your controller if necessary. The reset button can resolve many connectivity problems.
- Check for driver updates on your PC. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.
- Consider using DS4Windows on PC for enhanced compatibility.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to connect your PS4 controller to your PS4 console, PC, or mobile device with ease. Enjoy your gaming!
Why isn’t my PS4 controller connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth?
There are several reasons why your PS4 controller might not be connecting wirelessly. First, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the device you’re trying to connect to, such as your PC, Mac, or Android device. Also, check if the controller is already paired with another device, like your PlayStation 4. If it is, you’ll need to unpair it from the PS4 or turn off Bluetooth on the PS4 to prevent interference. Furthermore, low battery can sometimes cause connection issues. So, ensure your controller is adequately charged.
Another common problem is interference from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi signals. Try moving away from potential sources of interference or restarting your devices. If you’re using a PC, you might need to update your Bluetooth drivers. You can usually find the latest drivers on the website of your motherboard or Bluetooth adapter manufacturer. Also, try pressing the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 button. This can sometimes resolve connection problems.
How do I pair my PS4 controller to my PC using a USB cable?
Connecting your PS4 controller to your PC via USB is a straightforward process. Simply plug one end of a micro-USB cable into the controller and the other end into a USB port on your computer. Windows should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers. However, you might need to install additional software, like DS4Windows, for full compatibility and customization options.
Once the drivers are installed (either automatically by Windows or manually through software like DS4Windows), the controller should function as a generic gamepad. You can then configure the controller settings within the games you want to play. DS4Windows provides greater customization, allowing you to remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and even emulate an Xbox 360 controller for wider game compatibility.
What is DS4Windows, and why would I need it?
DS4Windows is a third-party software application designed to enhance the compatibility of the DualShock 4 (PS4) controller with Windows PCs. It essentially tricks your computer into thinking your PS4 controller is an Xbox 360 controller, which is natively supported by most Windows games. This workaround ensures broader game compatibility and allows for customization options not available with the default Windows drivers.
Without DS4Windows, some games might not recognize your PS4 controller, or certain features like the touchpad, light bar, and motion sensors might not function correctly. DS4Windows allows you to remap buttons, adjust the light bar color, control touchpad sensitivity, and even use the controller’s motion sensors for gameplay. It also offers profiles that can be customized for different games, providing a more tailored gaming experience.
Can I use my PS4 controller with my Android phone or tablet?
Yes, you can connect your PS4 controller to your Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth. First, put your controller in pairing mode by holding down the PlayStation button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing rapidly. On your Android device, go to the Bluetooth settings and scan for available devices. The DualShock 4 controller should appear in the list.
Select the DualShock 4 controller from the list to pair it with your Android device. Once paired, you can use the controller to play games that support gamepad input. Keep in mind that not all Android games support controllers, and some might require additional configuration. Also, certain features of the controller, such as the touchpad, might not be fully functional on Android.
How do I check the battery level of my PS4 controller?
On your PlayStation 4 console, you can check the controller’s battery level by navigating to the Accessories section in the Quick Menu. Press and hold the PlayStation button on the controller to bring up the Quick Menu, then select “Sound/Devices” and then “Controllers.” You’ll see a battery indicator next to the controller icon showing the remaining charge.
On a PC connected via USB, DS4Windows usually displays the controller’s battery level. For Bluetooth connections on PC and other devices, the operating system may provide a battery indicator in the Bluetooth settings or device management. However, the accuracy of the battery level display might vary depending on the operating system and the software used.
What should I do if my PS4 controller is drifting?
Joystick drift, where the character moves without input, can be frustrating. The first thing to try is cleaning around the base of the joysticks with compressed air or a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Debris and dust can often interfere with the joystick’s sensors and cause drift. Ensure the controller is powered off during cleaning.
If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem might be more serious. Some users have reported success by slightly pulling up on the joystick while blowing compressed air underneath. If the problem persists, consider disassembling the controller (after watching some tutorials) and carefully cleaning the internal components. If you’re not comfortable with disassembly, professional repair services are also an option, or the controller might need replacing.
How do I reset my PS4 controller?
Resetting your PS4 controller can often resolve minor connectivity or functionality issues. Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 button. It’s a tiny hole that requires a thin object, like a paperclip or SIM ejector tool, to press the button inside.
With the controller powered off, insert the paperclip or similar tool into the reset hole and gently press the button for a few seconds (around 5 seconds should suffice). After resetting, reconnect the controller to your PS4 console using a USB cable. You may need to re-pair the controller with your console if it was previously connected wirelessly.