The basic steps to pair a PS4 controller

A PS4 controller connects to your device through Bluetooth by putting the controller into pairing mode, then selecting it from your device's Bluetooth settings. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're connecting to a PlayStation 4, a computer, a phone, or a tablet.

To start: hold the Share button and the PlayStation button (the one with the PlayStation symbol) at the same time for about three seconds. The light bar on the back of the controller will blink white, which means it's in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to. Leave it in this state while you move to your device's Bluetooth settings.

On your device, open Bluetooth settings and look for a device called "Wireless Controller" in the list of available devices. Select it, and the pairing will complete. The light bar will stop blinking and turn solid blue, which means the connection is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold Share and PlayStation buttons together for three seconds to put the controller into pairing mode; the light bar will blink white.
  • Go to your device's Bluetooth settings and select "Wireless Controller" from the list of available devices.
  • The connection is complete when the light bar turns solid blue instead of blinking.
  • If the controller doesn't appear in your Bluetooth list, try the pairing process again from the beginning.
  • A PS4 controller will stay connected to the last device it paired with until you manually disconnect it or pair it with something else.

Connecting to a PlayStation 4 console

On a PS4 console, the pairing process is slightly different because the console has a dedicated button for it. Plug the controller into the PS4 using a USB cable, or put it in pairing mode and the console will find it automatically. The PS4 will recognize the controller and assign it a player number (Player 1, Player 2, etc.).

Once paired, you can use the controller wirelessly as long as it's charged and within about 30 feet of the console. The PS4 remembers the controller, so you won't need to pair it again unless you reset the console or deliberately unpair the controller.

Connecting to a Windows or Mac computer

On a computer, the process is the same as any other Bluetooth device. Put the controller in pairing mode (Share + PlayStation button for three seconds), then go to your computer's Bluetooth settings and select "Wireless Controller." On Windows, this is usually in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. On Mac, it's in System Preferences > Bluetooth.

After pairing, your computer will recognize the PS4 controller as a standard game controller. Most games that support controllers will detect it automatically. If a game doesn't recognize it, you may need to install a driver or controller software — check the game's documentation for what it requires.

Connecting to a phone or tablet

Android phones and tablets pair with PS4 controllers the same way as computers do. Put the controller in pairing mode, open your phone's Bluetooth settings, and select "Wireless Controller." Once connected, games and apps that support controllers will recognize it.

iPhones and iPads also support PS4 controllers, but only on iOS 14.3 and later. The pairing process is identical: pairing mode, then Bluetooth settings, then select the controller. Not all games support controllers on iOS, so check the app description before assuming your game will work with one.

What to do if the controller won't appear in your Bluetooth list

If you've held Share and PlayStation for three seconds but the controller doesn't show up in your device's Bluetooth settings, try these steps in order. First, make sure the controller is charged — a completely dead battery won't enter pairing mode. Plug it in with a USB cable for at least 15 minutes, then try again.

Second, restart your device's Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Then put the controller in pairing mode again. Third, if the controller still doesn't appear, try a factory reset: hold the small reset button on the back of the controller (you may need a paperclip) for three seconds, then try pairing from the beginning.

If none of these work, the controller's Bluetooth hardware may be damaged. This is rare, but it means the controller cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

Disconnecting a PS4 controller from a device

To disconnect a PS4 controller without unpairing it completely, straightforward turn off the controller or move it out of Bluetooth range. The connection will drop, but the pairing information stays in your device's memory. The next time you turn on the controller, it will reconnect automatically.

To fully unpair a controller so it stops trying to reconnect, go to your device's Bluetooth settings, find "Wireless Controller" in the list of paired devices, and select the option to forget or unpair it. The exact wording depends on your device, but it's usually called "Forget," "Remove," or "Unpair." After you do this, the controller will no longer automatically reconnect to that device.

Why your PS4 controller keeps disconnecting

If your controller connects but then drops the connection after a few minutes, the most common cause is that it's too far from your device. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can reduce that. Try moving closer to your device and see if the connection stays stable.

The second most common cause is a low battery. A PS4 controller with a weak battery will connect but may disconnect frequently. Plug it in and let it charge fully, then test again. If disconnections continue after a full charge, try the factory reset described above. If the problem persists after that, the Bluetooth hardware may be failing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect a PS4 controller to multiple devices at the same time?

No. A PS4 controller can only maintain an active Bluetooth connection to one device at a time. If you want to use it on a different device, you'll need to disconnect it from the first one and pair it with the second. The pairing information for both devices stays in the controller's memory, so reconnecting is faster than the initial pairing.

Do I need a USB cable to pair a PS4 controller?

No, not for most devices. You can pair wirelessly using the Share and PlayStation button method. A USB cable is only necessary if the controller's battery is completely dead and won't enter pairing mode, or if you're pairing with a PS4 console and want to charge it at the same time.

Why does my PS4 controller light bar keep blinking?

A blinking light bar means the controller is in pairing mode and looking for a device to connect to. If it's been blinking for more than a minute, either your device's Bluetooth isn't turned on, or the controller isn't appearing in your device's Bluetooth list. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your device and try selecting the controller again.

Can I use a PS4 controller on a PS5?

Yes, PS4 controllers work on PS5 consoles, but only for playing PS4 games. The PS5's native games require a PS5 DualSense controller. If you're playing a PS4 game on your PS5, you can use either controller, but the PS5 controller offers features that PS4 games won't use.

What's the difference between pairing and connecting?

Pairing is the one-time process of telling your device "I trust this controller and will remember it." Connecting is what happens each time you turn on the controller after it's already paired — it automatically finds the device and establishes the Bluetooth link. Once paired, you usually don't need to pair again unless you reset the device or controller.