PS4 controllers work on PS5, but with limits

You can use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on your PS5, but only for PS4 games — not for PS5 games. The PS5 will recognize the controller when you plug it in with a USB cable or pair it wirelessly, but Sony restricts PS4 controllers from playing the newer titles built for PS5. This matters if you have extra PS4 controllers lying around or want to play backward-compatible PS4 games without buying a new PS5 controller.

The connection process takes less than a minute. You can pair the controller permanently so it connects automatically, or use it temporarily by plugging in a USB cable. Either way, the PS5 detects the controller right away.

Key Takeaways

  • PS4 controllers connect to PS5 via USB cable or wireless pairing, but work only for PS4 games, not PS5 games.
  • To pair wirelessly, hold the PS and Share buttons together until the light bar flashes, then select the controller in PS5 settings.
  • A USB cable connection works when ready without pairing and is the fastest way to use a PS4 controller once.
  • You need a PS5 DualSense controller to play PS5 games, even if you have multiple PS4 controllers paired.

Wireless pairing with the PS5

To pair a PS4 controller wirelessly, first make sure your PS5 is on and you are at the home screen. Pick up the PS4 controller and hold down the PS button (the center button with the PlayStation symbol) and the Share button together for about three seconds. The light bar on the back of the controller will start flashing white, which means it is in pairing mode.

On your PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Connection. The PS5 will search for nearby controllers. When your PS4 controller appears in the list, select it. The light bar will stop flashing and turn solid, which means the pairing is complete. The controller will now connect automatically whenever you turn it on near the PS5.

If the controller does not appear in the list, try holding the PS and Share buttons again for a few more seconds. Sometimes it takes a second attempt. If it still does not work, restart your PS5 and try again.

Using a USB cable for a quick connection

If you only want to use the PS4 controller once or twice, plug it directly into your PS5 with a USB-C to USB-A cable. The same cable that charges your PS5 DualSense controller works here. The PS5 will recognize the PS4 controller when ready — no pairing needed.

This method is useful if the controller battery is dead or if you do not want to pair it permanently. Once you unplug the cable, the controller disconnects. You can plug it back in anytime without repeating any steps.

What games work with a PS4 controller

PS4 controllers work for any PS4 game you play on your PS5, including games you own physically or digitally. This includes older PlayStation titles and any backward-compatible game in your library. You can play the entire PS4 version of a game with a PS4 controller if you own it.

PS5 games built specifically for the new console will not recognize a PS4 controller. If you try to launch a PS5 game with only a PS4 controller connected, the PS5 will ask you to connect a DualSense controller instead. Games like Astro's Playroom, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Spider-Man 2 require the DualSense because they use features the PS4 controller does not have, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Checking your controller battery and updating firmware

Before pairing, make sure your PS4 controller has enough battery. If the light bar does not light up at all when you press the PS button, plug it in with a USB cable for at least 30 minutes. A dead controller will not enter pairing mode.

The PS5 may ask to update your PS4 controller's firmware when you first connect it. This is normal and takes a few minutes. Keep the controller connected during the update — do not unplug it or turn off the PS5. Once the update finishes, the controller is ready to use.

Disconnecting or removing a paired PS4 controller

If you want to stop using a paired PS4 controller, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and find the controller in the list. Select it and choose Forget. The pairing is removed and the controller will no longer connect automatically.

You can also just turn off the controller by holding the PS button for about 10 seconds until the light bar goes dark. The controller will not connect again until you pair it again or plug it in with a cable. This is useful if you have multiple controllers and want to make sure only certain ones are active.

Why you might want a PS5 DualSense controller instead

The PS5 DualSense controller has features that PS4 controllers do not support. Haptic feedback creates detailed vibrations that change based on what is happening in the game — you feel the difference between running on grass and concrete. Adaptive triggers add resistance to the buttons so pulling a trigger feels like drawing a bow or firing a gun. PS5 games are designed around these features, and a PS4 controller cannot replicate them.

If you play mostly PS5 games, a DualSense is worth having. If you mainly play PS4 games or older titles, your PS4 controllers will work fine. Many people keep both types on hand — one DualSense for new games and PS4 controllers for backward-compatible titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS4 controller to play PS5 games?

No. PS5 games require a DualSense controller because they use haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that PS4 controllers do not have. The PS5 will not let you start a PS5 game with only a PS4 controller connected.

Do I need to pair a PS4 controller every time I use it?

No. Once you pair it wirelessly, it connects automatically whenever you turn it on near the PS5. If you use a USB cable, it connects when ready without any pairing step.

What cable do I need to connect a PS4 controller with USB?

A standard USB-C to USB-A cable works. The cable that came with your PS5 DualSense controller is the same type and will work with a PS4 controller.

Can I use multiple PS4 controllers at the same time on PS5?

Yes. You can pair up to four PS4 controllers wirelessly, or plug in additional controllers with USB cables. They all work together for PS4 games that support multiple players.

Why is my PS4 controller not connecting to my PS5?

Check that the controller battery is not dead — plug it in for 30 minutes and try again. Make sure you held the PS and Share buttons long enough to enter pairing mode. If it still does not work, restart your PS5 and attempt the pairing once more.