Using Your Playstation 4 Controller
DS4Windows works by reading your DualShock 4 as though it were an Xbox 360 controller. By default, it offers a great one-size-fits-all button setup. So now that it’s installed, your DualShock 4 should behave like an Xbox 360 controller, meaning it will work with any game with Xinput supportwhich is to say, most every modern PC game that supports gamepads. That also means you won’t get the correct Square/Cross/Triangle/Circle button icons by default in most games. Some games will give you the option, though. Look for that in settings.
You do not need to remap anything, but if you want to change some buttons or adjust sensitivity without relying on in-game options, you can. Open the Profiles tab in DS4Windows. I do not recommend making a profile from scratch, but if you really want to, click New to start one up. Otherwise, select the DualShock 4 profile and click Edit.
This screen looks complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s say you want to swap your bumpers and triggers. First, find L1/R1 and L2/R2 in the scroll wheel in the Controls section, or just click them on the virtual controller. You want to swap L1 with L2 and R1 with R2, so start by clicking L2.
How To Connect Ps4 Controller To Ps5 Console
Connecting a PS4 controller to a PS5 console is very easy there are just a couple of quick steps you need to follow, and then youll be merrily using your DualShock 4 on your shiny new PlayStation 5. Heres what you need to do
- Use your charging cable to connect the PS4 controller to the PS5 console, using any of the USB ports on the console
- Press the PS button on your controller to turn on the controller
- One the screen, you should be prompted to select which user is using the controller simply select yourself from the profile options presented
It really is that simple! Now you can use your PS4 controller on the PS5 console, but it is worth remembering that you wont be able to use the DualShock 4 with any PS5-only games. Keep on reading to learn more about that!
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How To Sync Additional Ps4 Controllers Wirelessly
Once you have at least one controller synced with your system, you can add more wirelessly:
With your synced controller, locate the Settings option in the row of icons above the PS4 home menu, represented by an icon that looks like a briefcase.
Navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. You should see a list of devices presently synced with your console.
On the PS4 controller, you wish to sync, hold down the PS button and the button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
When the new controller appears in the list of Bluetooth device, select it with the other controller. The new controller will then be synced with your PS4.
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Ps: Pair Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller
Turn on your PS4, connect the controller using a micro USB cable, and then press the PS button on the controller.
Once the controller light turns on, you can remove the cable and use the controller wirelessly.
You can use up to 4 controllers at the same time. When you press the PS button, a color is assigned to the user.
What Happens When The Ps4 Controller Fails
When the PS4 controller begins to malfunction or about to fail, youll get troubles dealing with the PS4 system. A clear sign of PS4 controller defect is when PS4 suddenly freezes/halts during the gameplay. Sometimes it wont freeze, but the PS4 will go very slow, or just behaves eccentrically.
In some cases none of these symptoms will appear, but the PS4 system wont respond to the controllers prompts. You can easily feel that the PS4 controller is not working at all, no matter how many times you press its buttons.
On the other hand, the corrupted PS4 database can also hinder the system from responding to the controllers prompts. In this case, the PS4 controller is healthy and functioning perfectly, but the PS4 system cant properly render the signals coming from the controller due to the corruption in the database.
Lastly, a failing PS4 hard drive can cause the system to not function properly, and thus not responding to the controllers signals. In this case, if youre a savvy/technician, youll have a technical sense and can quickly figure out where the problem is.
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Getting The Gamepad To Work
Connecting the controller is only the start of the process, due to how the DualShock 4 communicates with your PC. Most current Windows games use Microsoft’s XInput, an interface that processes Xbox 360 and Xbox One controller inputs. The DualShock 4 doesn’t send XInput commands, so a wrapper is needed to translate its inputs into something your PC can deal with easier. There are two good options: DS4Windows and Steam’s controller compatibility settings.
Customize Your Ps4 Controller For Steam
Your PS4 pad is now ready to use in Steam, but to really supercharge it, return to the previous menu and play around with both Big Picture Configuration and Desktop Configuration. This will let you customize your controller in some really interesting ways both in game and generally when using Steam.
In addition to remapping every button and adjusting the sensitivity of the thumbsticks, you can also take advantage of the controller’s unique touchpad and gyroscope in a myriad of ways.Want the DualShock 4’s touchpad to behave like a mouse? Go for it. How about controlling the in-game camera by simply moving the controller? You can make that happen. If you like tweaking every possible parameter when setting up your controls for games, Steam’s DualShock 4 features could keep you busy for hours.
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Start Using Your Smartphone
After the devices are linked, the only thing thats left is to use it as a remote. To do so, follow these steps:
The first icon lets you use the remote in-game, but only if the game is compatible with the feature. The second enables you to use your smartphone as a remote to browse through the PS4 menu. The third is a typing keyboard which enables you to type on the console, and the fourth icon allows you to see comments from the viewers while youre streaming.
After youve finished with all these steps, your phone should automatically connect with your PS4 every time you turn on the app. Note that you wont be able to play that many games with your phone, but more games are getting compatible with the app every day.
How To Fix Connection Issues On Your Ps4 Controller
Double-check the controller is actually charged. Thats the first port of call here. After that, and if it doesnt work, you can try repairing your controller.
Just go to Settings, Devices, Bluetooth Devices, and then select the controller, and choose Forget Device. You can then reconnect it via the USB cable and it will hopefully work.
These issues are likely to only affect wireless play, so dont worry too much if youre happy to play with a wired controller anyway. You can even get some nice long USB cables if youre happy to go third-party.
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How To Connect Ps4 Controller
Got your new PS4 controller? Thats wonderful! It makes you the envy of others now. Now are you wondering how to connect your PS4 controller to the console? Dont worry. Its exactly easy to connect.
Lets start.Note: If you just want to sync your PS4 controller, go to this guide then: How to Sync PS4 Controller
When Do You Need To Reset The Ps4 Controller
Many PS4 users would ask that when to decide to reset the PS4 controller? Is there any sign/situation that second this decision? The answer is YES.
You need to reset the PS4 controller when one of these signs appear:
- PS4 Controller does actually work but it behaves weirdly and doesnt work as it should .
- In the middle of playing your game or working on your application, the PS4 controller totally or partly stops responding, while the PS4 app/game you have run seems to be fine.
- There is a power issue with the PS4 controller, such as that the battery doesnt fully charge and it lasts less than 4 hours, or it doesnt charge at all.
- One of your two analog sticks start moving things onscreen when they shouldnt. Although the most likely cause of analog stick drift is dust, dirt and grime working its way into your controller, there are possibly some other reasons for this situation that can be fixed with a reset.
These are the situations that will impel you to seriously consider PS4 controller reset.
Now, lets learn here how to reset the PS4 controller and get it back working just like the time when you first used it.
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How To Sync A Ps4 Controller To A Ps3
Follow the step-by-step guide for syncing your PS4 controller with PS3.
- First Pug in the PS4 controller using the USB cable.
- Now Go to Accessory Settings.
- And then Manage Bluetooth Devices.
- Now Scan for Available Bluetooth Devices.
- Now Unplug the PS4.
- And press the Share and PS buttons at the same time.
- Once you are able to find the device, plug in the PS4 back.
- Now select the Wireless Control.
Congratulations! You are all set to use the PS4 controller on your PS3. Happy gaming!
There is something that you should know that after syncing the PS4 controller with your PS3, it will work as a bit of a generic controller.
So, you will not be able to use all the features of your PS4. Some features like Sixaxis Motion and rumble will not work.
So as now you know how to sync PS4 controller in both ways, with wire, and without wire. Plus, you also get a bonus as I have shared how to sync PS4 controller with PS3. Make sure you are following the guide properly for hassle-free gaming enjoyment.
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How To Charge Your Ps4 Controller
The controllers internal battery will charge while it is connected to the PS4. If the controller remains connected while your PS4 is in rest mode, it will continue charging, and the light on top will turn yellow. The light will also flash yellow when your controller is running low on power, and you should see an on-screen message telling you to plug it in.
When charged, the light bar on the top of the controller will glow different colors depending on which player the controller is assigned to player 1 is blue, player 2 is red, player 3 is green, and player 4 is pink.
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Troubleshooting A Ps4 Controller That Wont Sync Or Connect
Below are the potential solutions that you can try if your PS4 controller wont connect to the console.
When troubleshooting a wireless PS4 controller, make sure that you charge to 100% first. This will make sure that youre not dealing with a possible PS4 controller won’t-turn-on or weak battery issue.
If youre having trouble connecting a controller wirelessly, try using a USB cable instead to resync it. Heres how:-Get a known good working USB cable.-Connect the controller to your PS4 with the USB cable.Press and hold the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller. This will clear the old connection setting and resync this controller to the console again.
If the previous step hasnt helped, you can try to check if re-syncing at startup will do the trick. Heres what you need to do:Shut down your PlayStation 4.Connect your controller to the console using a USB cable.Press and hold the PlayStation or PS button on the center of your controller. This will prompt the controller to re-sync at startup.
How To Personalize Your Controller With Ds4windows
Now that you have your PS4 controller connected, you can also personalize your controller depending on your preferences. All you have to do is head over to the Profiles tab in the DS4Windows application.
Unlike personalizing your PS4 controller on Steam, you can do a whole lot customization with DS4Windows application, such as:
- Naming your controller
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How To Connect A New Ps4 Controller
Good news for all, this isnt a hard thing to do. Its as simple as getting the USB charging cable and connecting one end to the PS4, and the other to the PS4 controller.
Thats all you have to do. Make sure you let the controller fully charge before disconnecting it and then youre free to wander about your house to test the range on it.
If you ever have issues with your current controllers then charging them is often the answer, so always try that before you do anything else. That being said, there are fixes if things go awry too.
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How To Sync A Ps4 Controller To Your Pc
After learning how to pair PS4 controllers, its time to do the same for PC gaming.
Pairing the controller allows some people to play games more effectively. Certain games function awkwardly on the mouse and keyboard but have better controls for controllers.
Before you proceed, make sure your PC has Bluetooth connectivity. Heres how to pair PS4 controllers to your PC:
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Connect The Ps4 Controller To Your Pc Via Usb
Now you’ll be able to connect your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your PC. You can do this in two ways either via a USB cable or via Bluetooth.
To connect the PS4 DualShock controller to your PC via a USB cable you just need a regular micro USB cable the same one that comes with many modern smartphones.
Once you’ve plugged the cable into both the DualShock controller and your PC, Windows should detect it, and you’ll be ready to play PC games using the PS4 controller.
Troubleshooting Problems With Your Ps4 Controller
After the steps on how to pair a PS4 controller, youll eventually play for some time. Consequently, your controller may start to show signs of wear and tear.
Worse, you may find that your Dualshock doesnt work anymore. For example, your controller may not connect with your console despite pushing the buttons.
This could mean the Bluetooth connectivity has problems, so connecting it via cable might work. If the light bar isnt glowing, you may have to replace your USB cable.
Alternatively, you may have to reset your PS4 controller, but it requires another functioning Dualshock 4. It follows similar steps on how to pair a PS4 controller:
Unfortunately, youll have to purchase replacements if these components remain faulty.
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Install Xbox 360 Controller Driver
This step is only for those using Windows 7 or a lower version. If you have Windows 10, directly go to Step 3.
You cant use the PS4 controller with Windows 7 or lower versions by just physically connecting it to your PC. Windows Games cant directly recognize PS4 they need a bit of help in this department. What you need is a third-party application software that emulates Xbox 360 controller.
However, for such applications to work on Windows 7 or a lower version, you will need Xbox 360 controller software. You can download the software from Microsoft website.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the file and install the software
- Reboot Windows when the installation is complete
Useful For Almost Everything
You can now navigate the PS4 with the remote You can go through all the menus, utilize the share and options buttons, and turn the system off by navigating to the power menu .
To turn the system back on with the remote and not a controller, make sure you hit the “PS4” function button, then press the PlayStation button. You’ll notice that the remote also has buttons for “TV,” “Amp,” “and CBL.” Besides controlling your PS4, the remote can also be used to turn your TV on and off, and control a cable box or sound system.
I personally have a Samsung Smart TV, and a Samsung sound bar/sub woofer setup. It’s alright, you can be jealous. Syncing the remote to my TV was really difficult for one very annoying reason: there are typos in the instruction manual! I was told that the auto-sync feature required the device to be on. No matter how many times I tried to do it, I couldn’t get the remote to sync to the sound bar or the TV.
Turns out, the actual process involves turning the device OFF, and then following the instructions to sync the remote to it. This worked perfectly for my TV, but I wasn’t able to get the sound bar synced. Not sure if it was user error, or if I need to manually enter the code, but I did find a cool workaround.
In the end, I was able to go from two remotes and a controller, to one remote and no controller. It took a little trial and error, but I’m happy with the setup because now I only have one remote to keep track of.
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