How Do You Pair A Ps4 Controller

The Easy Way To Connect Your Ps4 Or Xbox Controller To Your Iphone

How to PAIR your NEW PS4 Controller to your Playstation (2 Methods)

Using a controller from your PlayStation or Xbox makes playing Apple Arcade games so much better. Here’s how to pair it with your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and AppleTV.

Patrick Holland

Senior Editor

Patrick Holland has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing and fast-paced world of phones. He also is one of the hosts of CNET’s I’m So Obsessed podcast.

Apple Arcade brings nearly 200 games that you can play on your iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. But tapping and dragging on a glass display isn’t always the most satisfying way to play titles like Shinsekai: Into the Depths or Sneaky Sasquatch — using a wireless controller is a million times better. Luckily, iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and TVOS 14 added support for DualShock 4 and Xbox One S wireless controllers, which means you’ll be able to use them to play scores of games on your Apple device.

Apple made the process of connecting your controller to an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV simple and easy. PS4 and Xbox One controllers should work with most games. There’s no word whether Apple will bring support for the Nintendo Switch Pro wireless controller.

Using Your Playstation 4 Controller With Your Pc

One of the most common reasons you might want to use a DS4 controller with your PC is PlayStation Now, the streaming game service that delivers PS3 and PS4 games to your computer. Once the DS4 is connected, all you have to do is install the PlayStation Now app and follow the setup instructions.

If you’d rather use your DS4 in a number of other scenarios, including those usually reserved for an Xbox controller, I suggest trying out DS4Windows. Before downloading and installing DS4Windows, I paired my DS4 controller with my PC using Bluetooth, although any pairing method will work.

Click Step 1: Install the DS4 Driver.

At this point I had to restart DS4Windows in order for my controller to appear in the list of connected devices. Once recognized, you’ll likely see a notification pop up letting you know that an Xbox controller is being set up. This is good news, as it means that your PC has been successfully tricked. You can now use your DS4 in any place where you’d normally use an Xbox controller, though the on-screen buttons will remain relevant to the Xbox hardware.

How To Resync A Ps4 Controller

Controller giving you problems by not syncing up to your PlayStation correctly? Luckily, DualShock 4 controllers are made so that players can resync their controllers with extreme ease, thanks to a tiny hole on the back of the controller. So if your controller isn’t connecting, this is the best way to try and fix it, barring the use of a USB cable all of the time because no one wants to be tethered to their console when they don’t need to be.

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Ps4 Controller Not Working How To Fix The Most Common Issues

If your PS4 controller isn’t responding or keeps disconnecting, here are troubleshooting steps to fix PS4 controller problems.

Most of the time, your DualShock 4 controller probably works fine. But when your PlayStation 4 controller isn’t responding or disconnects randomly, it’s frustrating.

Let’s look at fixes for when your PS4 controller is not working, so you can get back to playing.

Connect Your New Ps4 Controller To Ps4 With Usb Cable

If youre using a wired PS4 controller, follow these:

1) Press the power button on your PS4 console to turn it on.

2) Plug the other end of your PS4 controller wire into the USB port of your console.

3) Press the PS button of your controller and hold it down for around 3 seconds.

4) Your wired PS4 controller should then be connected to the console.

If youre using wireless PS4 controllers, follow these:

1) Press the power button on your PS4 console to turn it on.

2) Connect the micro connector of your USB cable to your PS4 controller. You can find the mini USB port on the back of your controller.

3) Plug the other end of your USB cable into the console.

4) Press the PS button of your controller and hold it down for around 3 seconds.

5) Your wired PS4 controller should then be connected to the console. You can unplug the USB cable and enjoy your games wirelessly now.

6) If you want to add a second or more wireless controllers, just use the same USB cable follow these same steps, and set it to be the New User on your dashboard.

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How To Sync A Ps4 Controller To A Ps4

To sync a controller with the system, especially for the first time, you’ll need a USB cable any USB 2.0 Micro-B cable can connect the DualShock 4 to the console, and although there are only two USB ports on the system, you can sync up to four controllers per player account.

Before turning on your PS4, plug the small end of your USB cable into the port on top of the controller plug the other end into one of the USB ports on the front of the console.

Turn on your PS4 by pressing the console’s power button. It should automatically detect your connected controller and assign it to the first available player slot.

Press the PS button in the center of the controller and youll see the login screen where you can choose a player account or create one.

Lifewire / Robert Earl Wells III

From now on, pressing the PS button on the controller will automatically turn on the console so long as it has a charge.

Using Your Playstation 4 Controller With Steam

Steam added built-in support for the DS4 awhile ago, and some PC games even come with further support and settings that can be tweaked from the in-game menu.

In the case of Steam, you can select the DS4 as the default controller through the Settings menu.

Launch Steam from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

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How Do You Use A Ps4 Controller With Nintendo Switch

Best answer: With the help of a wireless adapter, you can successfully connect your PS4 controller to your Nintendo Switch and get to gaming!

The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons are clever little devices with impressive haptic feedback and sweet motion controls. However, their small size means they can quickly become uncomfortable while playing your favorite Switch games. Sure, you could purchase the Pro Controller, but that’s pretty expensive. If you already happen to have a PS4 controller lying around, here’s how to use your DualShock PS4 Controller with your Nintendo Switch.

Put Your Playstation 4 Controller Into Pairing Mode

How to Pair PS4 Controller to PC Using Bluetooth

Pressing and holding these two buttons at once will put the device into pairing mode, making it discoverable by any supported Bluetooth device

With your PlayStation 4 controller turned off, press and hold the PS button and until the light panel on the top of the controller begins to rapidly flash white. This means the controller is now in pairing mode and ready to connect. We’ll be going back to the iPhone for step 3.

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Use The Controller In Wired Mode

Before you give up on your PS4 controller, you should try playing with it permanently connected via a USB cable and telling your PS4 not to use the wireless Bluetooth connection. However, keep in mind that this only works for the revised model of the PS4 controller. You’ll know you have this model if the light bar is visible inside the touchpad on the front of your controller. If not, you have an older controller and can’t force wired communication.

To force your PS4 to connect controllers over USB with a compatible DualShock 4, head to Settings > Devices > Controllers > Communication Method and choose Use USB Cable. This will prevent the DualShock 4 from using Bluetooth when it’s connected via a USB cable.

If this works, you should get a long USB cable so you can still enjoy gaming from the couch even when wired in. Ailun’s three-pack of 10-foot micro-USB cables is a good cost-effective option.

Ps4 Controller Keeps Disconnecting

If your DualShock 4 disconnects randomly while playing, there are a couple of remedies you can try.

First, make sure your controller battery is charged. It sounds simple, but if the battery in your controller is almost dead, it may disconnect. To check your controller battery life, hold the PS Button to bring up the Quick Menu on the left side of the screen. You’ll see a controller icon with battery life displayed at the bottom.

Plug your controller into your PS4 and visit the Quick Menu again to make sure you see the battery charging animation. After your controller charges for some time, try using it as normal.

If the battery wasn’t causing your PS4 controller issue, make sure you aren’t trying to use your controller too far away from your system. The typical range for Bluetooth is around 30 feet depending on your setup, you may be able to use your controller further than this, or be restricted to using it closer.

Speaking of this, you should try to minimize interference between your controller and console. Remove any metal objects between the two, like shelving or laptops, that could inhibit the signal. You should also take your PS4 out of enclosed spaces, if applicable, for better signal transmission and reception.

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How To Connect Ps4 Controller To Another Ps4

If you are using wireless PS4 controllers, follow these steps,

Turn on your PS4 console by pressing the power button.

Connect your USB cable’s micro connector to your PS4 controller. The tiny USB port is located on the back of your controller.

Insert the USB cable’s opposite end into the console.

Press and hold the PS button on your controller for about 3 seconds.

Finally, attach your wired PS4 controller to the console. You can now disconnect the USB cable and play your games wirelessly.

If you wish to add a second or more wireless controller, simply use the same USB cord and repeat the instructions above, making sure to set it as the New User on your dashboard.

How To Connect A Ps4 Controller To Steam With A Usb Cable

Before connecting your PS4 controller to Steam, ensure that all nearby PlayStation consoles are unplugged. By first unplugging them, youll eliminate the possibility of the controller attempting to sync with the consoles instead of your computer.

To connect your PS4 to Steam using a USB cable, follow the instructions below:

In the upper-left-hand corner, click Steam and select Check for Steam Client Updates from the drop-down menu.

Install any updates if available, and restart the app if necessary.

Plug your PS4 controller into a USB port on your laptop or PC.

From the top window, choose Steam and select Settings. from the drop-down menu.

Go to General Controller Settings.

Youll now see your controller listed under Detected Controllers. Click the box next to PS4 Configuration Support.

Name the controller, change the controller light color, and toggle the rumble feature on and off as needed.

Youve now connected your PS4 controller to Steam using a USB cable.

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How To Pair Your Playstation 4 Controller With A Wired Connection

Connecting the DS4 to your PC with a USB-A to Micro-USB cable is by far the easiest way to start gaming with the PS4’s pointer. Just plug it into your PC and let the drivers install themselves.

Hitting the PS button in the middle of the controller at this point won’t do anything unless you have Steam installed and running. If so, you’ll notice that Big Picture mode launches when you hit the button. At this point, you can make some tweaks inside Steam.

Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller Support

Find out how to pair and charge a DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller with your PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console, and how to change controller settings.

How to pair your controller with a PS4 console or PS5 console

Make sure that your console is on.

Connect the controller to your console using the included USB cable.

If your controller is turned off, press the PS button. After the light bar blinks, the player indicator lights up.
When your controller has enough battery life, you can disconnect the USB cable and use your controller wirelessly.
Please note, your controller can pair with only one console at a time. When you want to use your controller on another console, you’ll need to pair it with that console.
You can use up to 4 controllers at the same time. When you press the PS button, a color is assigned to each player.
If youre having issues pairing your controller with your console, please visit PlayStation Repairs.

How to connect a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller with other devices

You can use your controller away from your console. Find out more about compatible devices, applications, and feature support by visiting the guide below.

How to charge a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller in rest mode

To charge your controller while your console is in rest mode:

Go to Settings > Power Save Settings> Set Features Available in Rest Mode.

Select your console below.

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How To Connect Ps4 Controller To An Android Phone Or Tablet

Play mobile games with console-level comfort.

Using your touchscreen isnt the only way to enjoy mobile games on your phone or tablet. Most Android 10 and above titles also support controller inputs and provide a relatively more comfortable way to enjoy gaming on your mobile device.

Using a controller is more comfortable than touchscreen controls in certain games since your hands will have a more ergonomic posture. Though many controllers are specifically designed to work with mobile devices, you may not need one if you already have a PlayStation 4.

PS4 controllers are compatible with Android devices, and you can get yours working with your Android in a matter of minutes.

Heres how you can connect a PS4 controller to an Android device.

The first thing youll need to do is turn on the Bluetooth feature of your Android device. Make sure that its ready for the pairing process.
Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on your PS4 controller to turn it on in pairing mode.
If done correctly, the light on the back of your controller will start flashing.

Most devices should be able to detect the presence of your PS4 controller when scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.

If your device doesnt detect your controller automatically, navigate to your Bluetooth settings. You should see a list of all the known and nearby devices.

After selecting your controller, a confirmation will pop up. Your controller should start working on your phone after tapping on OK.

How To Pair An Xbox Controller With Your Iphone

Various ways to Connect a PS4 Controller & Fix Pairing Faults

Now, let’s pair an Xbox One controller. Here’s where things get, to quote Gollum from Lord Of The Rings, “Tricksy.” Not all Xbox One controllers will work with your iPhone, iPad or AppleTV. Specifically, you need a model 1708 controller, aka the one that came with the Xbox One S.

To check which model of Xbox One controller you have:

Open the controller’s battery compartment.

Pull out the batteries.

On the label inside you’ll see the model number listed right below Redmond, Washington.

If you have trouble seeing the tiny number, use your phone’s camera and flash to take a photo and zoom in after the fact.

To pair your Xbox 1708 controller:

Open Bluetooth settings on your Apple device.

Next, turn the controller on by pressing the Xbox logo button.

Then press the Connect button at the top/front of the controller.

You’ll see the Xbox logo blink quickly, indicating that it’s in pairing mode.

Check your Apple device Bluetooth list and tap on Xbox Wireless Controller to pair and connect.

The controller should automatically be listed under devices already paired to your device.

Occasionally when we tried it, a window would pop up to ask me if I wanted to pair the controller. If this happens, tap Pair.

Apple’s support for PS4 and Xbox controllers is a smart move in helping you enjoy your games. And if you want that same gaming experience on your Mac, read about how to pair your Xbox or PS4 controller with a Mac.

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Steam Doesnt Detect My Ps4 Controller What Should I Do

A few things could cause Steam not to detect your PS4 controller. Try these common fixes listed below if you are having issues connecting.

Remove the USB cable or Bluetooth dongle and clean your USB port.

For wireless use, ensure that Bluetooth on your computer is enabled. From your computers settings, toggle Bluetooth off and on a few times.

Check if youre PS4 controller needs charging. If the battery is low, recharge and try again.

Update the Bluetooth drivers that are not current.

Pair A Secondary Dualshock 4 Controller To Your Playstation 4

Your PS4 lets you connect up to four controllers at a time. To add a secondary controller to your console, you dont need the USB cable.

Using your paired controller, from PS4s main screen, select Settings.

Scroll down the Settings page and choose Devices.

Select Bluetooth Devices.

On your new controller, press and hold down the PS and Share buttons for about five seconds. Your controller will appear on your PS4s screen. Select it to pair it.

Your new controller is now paired with your PS4, and you can use it to play your games and perform other tasks on your console.

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