The PS5 controller, also known as the DualSense, isn’t just for the PlayStation 5 anymore. Thanks to its advanced wireless capabilities and widespread compatibility, you can use it to play games on your PC, iPhone, Android, and more. If you’re serious about gaming across multiple platforms, understanding how to set up the PS5 controller properly is essential.
Here, Get to know how to connect a PS5 controller to PC, iPhone, Android, and PS5. And explain how to pair, reset, and turn off your PS5 controller, and answer whether you can use a PS4 controller on PS5. Let’s get started with everything you need to know to master your DualSense controller.
Why Setting Up the PS5 Controller on Multiple Devices Matters
The PS5 controller stands out in the gaming world due to its advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, ergonomic design, and seamless wireless capabilities. Unlike previous generation controllers, the DualSense can be used on various platforms outside of the PS5 itself. This opens up a world of possibilities for users who want to experience console-quality gaming on PCs, smartphones, or even cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Understanding how to correctly set it up across different platforms ensures you make the most out of your investment. Plus, having one controller that works across all devices is convenient, reduces clutter, and keeps your gaming consistent.
1. How to Connect PS5 Controller to PC (Wired and Wireless)
If you’re a PC gamer, you can easily connect the PS5 controller to your Windows system. Let’s explore both wired and wireless options.
Connect with a USB-C Cable (Wired)
To establish a wired connection:
- Plug one end of a USB-C cable into your PS5 controller.
- Connect the other end to a USB port on your PC.
- Wait for Windows to detect and automatically install the necessary drivers.
- Open Steam or your game launcher. Most modern PC games will recognize the controller instantly.
Using a wired connection gives you low-latency gameplay, which is ideal for competitive titles. Steam’s controller settings also let you customize layouts, vibrations, and button mappings.
Connect via Bluetooth (Wireless)
To set up a wireless connection:
- Press and hold the PS button and the Create button until the light bar starts flashing.
- On your PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices.
- Click Add Device and choose Bluetooth.
- Select Wireless Controller from the list of available devices.
Once connected, the controller will stop blinking and glow steadily. You can now use it wirelessly for most PC games. Steam fully supports the DualSense, including features like button mapping and layout detection.
2. How to Connect PS5 Controller to iPhone or iPad
If you want to game on the go, you’ll need to know how to connect PS5 controller to iPhone. Apple devices running iOS 14.5 or later support the DualSense controller via Bluetooth.
Pairing Steps:
- Hold down the PS + Create buttons until the controller starts flashing.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Wait for “DualSense Wireless Controller” to appear and tap to connect.
Once paired, you can start using the controller with supported iOS games, including Apple Arcade titles and PS Remote Play. You’ll enjoy smoother controls and a better gameplay experience on your iPhone or iPad.
3. How to Connect PS5 Controller to Android Phone or Tablet
Learning how to connect PS5 controller to phone running Android can significantly improve your mobile gaming experience.
Bluetooth Pairing Steps:
- Put the controller in pairing mode by holding the PS and Create buttons until the light bar flashes.
- Open your Android device’s Bluetooth settings.
- Select Pair New Device and tap on Wireless Controller.
- Confirm the pairing when prompted.
After pairing, your DualSense controller works with most Android games that support external controllers, such as Fortnite, COD Mobile, and emulators. Some devices even allow you to remap buttons and adjust sensitivity.
4. How to Use PS5 Controller on PS5 Console
Using the PS5 controller with the PS5 console is easy, but knowing the complete setup process can help you troubleshoot or add new controllers effectively.
Initial Setup:
- Connect the controller to your PS5 using a USB-C cable.
- Press the PS button once the console powers on.
- Wait for the console to sync the controller automatically.
Wireless Use and Additional Controllers:
After the initial sync, you can disconnect the cable and use the controller wirelessly. To add more controllers, go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories. Put the new controller in pairing mode, and select it from the list of available devices on-screen.
If you’ve connected the controller to another device, plug it back into the PS5 and press the PS button to re-pair it.
5. Can You Use PS4 Controller on PS5?
A lot of gamers ask: Can you use PS4 controller on PS5? The answer is yes, but only with some restrictions.
You can use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller to play PS4 games on the PS5 console. However, it won’t work for PS5 games, as they require the DualSense controller’s advanced features.
How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS5:
- Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories.
- Put the PS4 controller into pairing mode by holding PS + Share.
- Select the controller from the available list to pair it.
This setup is great for couch co-op in PS4 games or using a spare controller as a second device.
6. How to Pair PS5 Controller to Any Device
Whether you’re switching between devices or connecting for the first time, you must know how to pair PS5 controller quickly and efficiently.
Pairing Instructions:
- Press and hold the PS + Create buttons for five seconds.
- Open the Bluetooth menu on your target device (PC, phone, or tablet).
- Choose Wireless Controller from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the connection.
Once the controller syncs, the light bar will stop blinking and remain solid. You can now use the controller normally.
7. How to Reset PS5 Controller (Soft and Hard Reset)
If your PS5 controller won’t connect or is acting strange, resetting it can often resolve the issue. Here’s how to reset PS5 controller the right way.
Soft Reset:
To perform a soft reset:
- Unplug the controller from its current device.
- Plug it into the PS5 or PC using a USB-C cable.
- Press the PS button to reinitialize the connection.
Hard Reset:
If a soft reset doesn’t work, use the hard reset method:
- Turn off the controller completely.
- Use a paperclip to press the reset button on the back (near the L2 trigger).
- Hold it for 5–7 seconds.
- Reconnect the controller using a USB-C cable and press the PS button.
This method clears any lingering Bluetooth issues and restores factory settings.
8. How to Turn Off PS5 Controller Manually and Automatically
Knowing how to turn off PS5 controller helps conserve battery life and manage multiple device pairings.
Manual Method on PS5:
- Press the PS button to open the Control Center.
- Navigate to Accessories > DualSense Wireless Controller > Turn Off.
Manual Method on Other Devices:
- Press and hold the PS button for 10 seconds until the light bar turns off.
Set Automatic Power-Off:
Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off. Select an inactivity time limit (e.g., 10, 30, or 60 minutes).
Fixing Common PS5 Controller Issues
Even with its advanced technology and premium design, the PS5 DualSense controller isn’t immune to occasional hiccups. Gaming on your console, PC, or mobile device, encountering issues can be frustrating.
Let’s dive into some of the most common problems users face and how to troubleshoot them effectively.
1. PS5 Controller Won’t Pair with Console or Device
If your DualSense controller refuses to pair or connect, don’t panic. Start by ensuring the controller is fully charged. A drained battery may be the culprit. Use the official USB-C cable or a high-quality third-party cable to connect your controller directly to the PS5 or PC.
If it still doesn’t pair, perform a hard reset. To do this, locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 trigger. Use a paperclip or pin to hold the button for about 5 seconds. Then, reconnect it to the PS5 via USB and press the PS button to initiate pairing.
If you’re pairing with a PC, ensure your system recognizes the device via Bluetooth. Sometimes switching USB ports or restarting the PC can help resolve connection issues.
2. Controller Not Responding on PC
When using the DualSense controller on a PC, especially via Bluetooth, you might encounter unresponsiveness or limited functionality. This usually stems from outdated Bluetooth drivers or improper configuration.
To fix this, first update your Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager. Head to your PC’s Settings > Device Manager > Bluetooth, then right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver. A system reboot afterward often helps.
For gaming through platforms like Steam, enable controller support by going to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings, then check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support. This allows Steam to fully recognize the DualSense and map buttons accurately.
3. Experiencing Input Lag During Gameplay
Input lag, or delayed response between button presses and on-screen actions, can disrupt gameplay immersion. This is especially noticeable when playing wirelessly via Bluetooth.
To reduce input lag, it’s best to switch to a wired USB-C connection. Wired connections offer faster data transmission and nearly eliminate lag.
If you prefer staying wireless, minimize interference by turning off other Bluetooth devices nearby, such as headphones or smart devices. Placing your console or PC in an open area, away from metal surfaces or obstacles, can also improve signal clarity.
4. Battery Drains Too Quickly
The DualSense controller is packed with features like haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in speaker—all of which can consume battery life quickly. If you find your controller running out of juice sooner than expected, consider adjusting some of the power-hungry settings.
Head to Settings > Accessories > Controllers on your PS5, where you can reduce or turn off vibration intensity and adaptive trigger effects. Additionally, dimming the light bar can help save energy during longer play sessions.
When not in use, manually power off the controller or set a shorter idle-time auto-off setting to conserve battery. Also, avoid leaving the controller plugged in overnight frequently, as overcharging may shorten its battery lifespan over time.
With these skills, you’ll be ready for smooth gaming sessions, no matter where you play. Use this guide as your go-to reference, and take full advantage of what the DualSense controller offers.
FAQs
1. How do I connect a PS5 controller to my PC?
You can connect your PS5 controller to a PC via USB-C cable for a wired connection or through Bluetooth for wireless use. For Bluetooth, hold the PS + Create buttons until the light blinks, then pair it in your PC’s Bluetooth settings.
2. Can I use the PS5 controller on an iPhone or iPad?
Yes, the PS5 controller is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 14.5 or later. Put the controller in pairing mode, then connect via the Bluetooth menu in your device’s settings.
3. How do I connect the PS5 controller to an Android phone?
To connect the controller to Android, enable Bluetooth on your device, then hold the PS + Create buttons on the controller until the light blinks. Select “Wireless Controller” from the Bluetooth list to complete pairing.
4. Can I use a PS4 controller on the PS5 console?
You can use a PS4 controller on the PS5, but only for playing PS4 games. It does not work with PS5-exclusive games due to the lack of adaptive triggers and haptic feedback support.
5. How do I reset my PS5 controller?
To hard reset the PS5 controller, locate the small reset button on the back near the L2 trigger. Use a pin to press it for about 5 seconds, then reconnect it to your console or device via USB.
6. How do I pair a PS5 controller to a new device?
Hold down the PS and Create buttons until the light bar flashes. Open the target device’s Bluetooth settings and select “Wireless Controller” from the available devices.
7. How do I turn off the PS5 controller manually?
Hold the PS button for about 10 seconds until the light turns off. On PS5, you can also turn it off via the Control Center under Accessories > Turn Off.
8. Why isn’t my PS5 controller connecting via Bluetooth?
This could be due to interference, outdated drivers, or the controller needing a reset. Try resetting the controller, updating your device’s Bluetooth drivers, or using a different cable to test a wired connection.
9. Can I connect a PS5 controller to multiple devices?
Yes, but you need to re-pair the controller each time you switch devices. For example, if you pair it with a PC after using it on PS5, you’ll need to re-pair it with the PS5 before it works there again.
10. Does the PS5 controller work with Steam games?
Yes, Steam supports the PS5 DualSense controller for most games. It works via USB or Bluetooth, and you can customize controls in Steam > Controller Settings.
