Connect a new PS5 controller using the USB cable first

The fastest way to connect a new PS5 controller is to plug it into your console with the USB-C cable that comes in the box. Plug the cable into the controller's USB-C port on the bottom, then plug the other end into one of the USB ports on the front of your PS5. The controller will charge and pair automatically — you do not need to press any buttons or change any settings.

Leave the controller plugged in for about two minutes. During this time, the PS5 recognizes the controller and stores its connection information. After two minutes, you can unplug the cable and use the controller wirelessly. The controller will stay paired to your console even after you disconnect it.

This wired method works whether your PS5 is on or in rest mode. It is the most reliable way to pair a controller for the first time, especially if you have never used that particular controller before.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the new controller into your PS5 with the included USB-C cable and wait two minutes for the pairing to complete.
  • After the initial wired pairing, the controller connects wirelessly every time you turn it on.
  • If wireless pairing fails, you can always plug the controller back in with the USB cable to reconnect it.
  • A single PS5 console can pair up to four controllers at the same time.
  • The controller's battery drains over time, so charge it regularly by plugging it in or placing it on a charging station.

Pair a second or third controller wirelessly

Once you have paired one controller using the USB cable, additional controllers can connect wirelessly without the cable. Turn on the new controller by pressing the PS button (the large button in the center). The PS5 will detect it automatically and ask you to confirm the pairing on screen.

If the PS5 does not detect the new controller within 10 seconds, press the PS button again. The console searches for unpaired controllers for a short window, then stops. Pressing the button again restarts the search.

You can pair up to four controllers to a single PS5. Each one stores its pairing information, so they will reconnect wirelessly the next time you press their PS buttons.

What to do if the controller will not pair wirelessly

If a controller does not appear when you press the PS button, the most common cause is that it has never been connected to your PS5 before. Even if you have used that controller on another PS5, it will not pair wirelessly to a new console without the initial wired connection. Plug it in with the USB-C cable for two minutes, then try the wireless pairing again.

If the controller still does not pair after the wired connection, restart your PS5 completely. Hold the power button on the front of the console for 10 seconds until it shuts down, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. After the restart, plug the controller in again for two minutes, then try wireless pairing.

If you have tried both steps and the controller still will not pair, the controller itself may have a hardware problem. Try pairing a different controller to confirm your PS5 is working correctly. If other controllers pair without trouble, the original controller may need replacement.

Charge your controller regularly

A new PS5 controller comes partially charged but will not last long without recharging. The battery typically lasts 4 to 8 hours of active play, depending on how much you use the vibration and haptic feedback features. You can charge the controller by plugging the USB-C cable into the port on the bottom and connecting it to any USB power source — your PS5, a wall adapter, or a computer.

The PS5 controller does not have a removable battery. It charges only through the USB-C port. Charging takes about two to three hours for a full charge from empty. You can use the controller while it is plugged in and charging.

If you play frequently, consider buying a charging station designed for PS5 controllers. These stands hold two controllers and charge them when you are not playing, so your controllers are always ready.

Use the same controller on multiple PS5 consoles

A single PS5 controller can pair to multiple consoles, but it can only connect to one at a time. To move a controller from one PS5 to another, plug it into the new console with the USB-C cable for two minutes. The controller will pair to that console and disconnect from the previous one.

If you want to use the same controller on two different PS5 consoles in the same room, you will need to pair it to each console separately. The controller will remember both pairings and will connect to whichever console you turn it on near. However, it will only work with one console at a time — if both consoles are on, the controller will connect to the one it was most recently paired with.

Reset a controller if it stops responding

If a paired controller stops responding or becomes unresponsive during play, try disconnecting and reconnecting it. Press and hold the PS button and the Create button together for 10 seconds. The controller will vibrate and disconnect from the console. Then press the PS button again to reconnect it wirelessly.

If the controller still does not respond after reconnecting, plug it in with the USB-C cable. A wired connection often restores responsiveness. Leave it plugged in for a few minutes, then unplug it and try using it wirelessly again.

If you need to fully reset a controller to factory settings, locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Use a straightened paperclip or a small tool to press and hold this button for 5 seconds. The controller will reset, and you will need to pair it again using the USB cable method described at the start of this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS4 controller on my PS5?

No. PS5 controllers use a different connection method and are not compatible with PS4 consoles or vice versa. You must use a PS5 controller with a PS5 console. PS4 controllers will not pair to a PS5 even with the USB cable.

Why does my controller disconnect when I walk away from the console?

PS5 controllers use Bluetooth wireless, which has a range of about 30 feet in open space. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can reduce this range. If you are moving far from the console or into another room, the connection may drop. Move closer to the console to reconnect, or use the USB cable if you need to play at a distance.

Do I need to pair the controller every time I turn on my PS5?

No. Once a controller is paired, it stores that information permanently. Every time you press the PS button on that controller, it reconnects automatically. You only need to pair it once using the USB cable method.

What if I lose the USB-C cable that came with my controller?

You can use any USB-C cable to charge or pair your controller. USB-C cables are common and inexpensive. Any standard USB-C to USB-A cable will work, or a USB-C to USB-C cable if your power source has a USB-C port.

Can I pair a controller to my PS5 without the console being turned on?

You can pair a controller using the USB cable while the console is in rest mode or off. However, wireless pairing requires the console to be powered on. If you want to pair wirelessly, turn on your PS5 first, then press the PS button on the new controller.