A Complete Guide to Connecting Your PS5 Controller

The PS5 DualSense controller comes loaded with advanced features, but connecting it properly to your PS5 or other devices at times can feel like a task. 

I’ve written this guide so that you’ll learn everything there is to know about connecting your PS5 controller.

I’ll include wireless and wired connections, connecting secondary controllers, and even connecting it to other devices like PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Let’s get started.

Connecting Your PS5 Controller to Your Console

The simplest way to connect your PS5 controller to your PlayStation 5 is by using a USB-C cable. You can even connect it wirelessly to your PS5 for better range and a more relaxed gameplay experience.

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller via USB-C

1. Power on your PS5 console by pressing the power button.
2. Take the USB-C cable that comes with your controller.
3. Plug one end of the cable into the controller and the other end into the console.
4. Press the PS button on the controller. The Player Indicator lights on the controller will start blinking, and once the lights stop blinking and remain on, the controller is paired.

Using a USB-C connection not only pairs the controller but also charges it while playing.

If the controller doesn't connect, there could be an underlying issue which could possibly be the USB cable. Simply reconnect the controller to the console using another cable and it should connect.

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller via Bluetooth

If you prefer a wireless setup, you can follow these steps:

1. Power on your PS5 console by pressing the power button 
2. Press and hold the PS button and the Create button at the same time. The Indicator lights will start blinking, which means the controller is in pairing mode.
3. Now on your PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories. You should see your controller listed under available devices.
4. Select your controller from the list to complete the pairing process.

How to Connect Multiple PS5 Controllers to the Console?

If you’re into local multiplayer gaming and you have a second PS5 controller, you can pair the second controller to the console too. For this, follow these steps:

1. Power on your PS5 console.
2. For each new controller, connect it to the PS5 via a USB-C cable and press the PS button.
3. Once the Player Indicator lights stop blinking and remains constant, the controller is connected.
4. You can now remove the cable and use the controller wirelessly.
5. Repeat these steps for any additional controllers you want to connect.

Just make sure all controllers are charged before playing as it can ruin your gameplay.

How to Connect Your PS5 Controller to Other Devices?

The biggest advantage of the PS5 controller is that it isn’t designed just for the PlayStation 5. It can be connected to other devices like your PC, Android and iOS phone, tablet, or other consoles if you have an older PS4 lying around. 

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller to a PC

• Wired: Simply plug the controller into your PC using a USB-C cable. Your PC should recognize it immediately, especially if you're playing on Steam, which natively supports DualSense.
• Wireless: Turn on Bluetooth on your PC and put the controller into pairing mode by holding the PS button and the Create button. On your PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add Bluetooth and select the controller from the list of available devices.

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller to an iPhone/iPad

1. Put the controller in pairing mode by holding down the PS button and the Create button.
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
3. Look for “DualSense Wireless Controller” under the list of available devices and tap to connect.
4. Once connected, the light bar on the controller will turn a solid color, indicating a successful connection.

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller to an Android Phone

1. Enable Bluetooth on your Android device.
2. Put the controller into pairing mode.
3. In the Bluetooth settings of your Android, select the controller from the available devices.

Steps to Connect Your PS5 Controller to a PS4

Though the PS5 controller is made for the PS5, you can still use it on a PS4 with some limitations. Just connect it via a USB cable to the PS4, and the console should automatically recognize the controller. 

The controller will respond like a PS4 controller and all advanced features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, may not work.

Switching Off Your PS5 Controller

1. Via the Control Center: Press the PS button to open the Control Center, then navigate to Accessories. Select your controller and choose the “Turn Off” option.
2. Manual Turn off the Controller: Press and hold the PS button for 10-15 seconds until the light bar turns off.
3. Automatic Turn Off the Controller: You can set your controller to power off after a period of inactivity by going to Settings > System > Power Saving.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues with the PS5 Controller

While the PS5 controller is a sleek and advanced device, it does tend to have a couple of issues from time to time. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve the most common issues.

• Make sure your controller is charged. You can charge it via USB-C while playing.
• A simple reboot can often fix connection problems.
• If the controller isn’t connecting or responding, you can reset it. There’s a small reset button on the back of the controller. Use a pin or paperclip to press it for a few seconds, then try connecting again.
• Ensure your PS5 system and controller firmware are updated. You can do this through the PS5’s Settings menu.
• Keep other wireless devices like phones or routers away from the console to avoid interference.
• Make sure you’re within a reasonable distance from the console, as the Bluetooth range can affect connection quality.

Takeaway

Connecting your PS5 controller is a straightforward process, and luckily there are different ways to do so. 

If you run into any issues, simple troubleshooting steps like resetting the controller or charging the battery can do the trick.

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