The PS5 controller connects to phones, tablets, and computers through Bluetooth, but the pairing process differs from connecting to a PS5 console
The DualSense controller — the standard PS5 controller — has built-in Bluetooth and can pair with any device that supports Bluetooth connectivity. When you connect it to a PS5 console, the pairing happens automatically through a proprietary connection. Connecting to other devices requires you to put the controller into pairing mode and select it from your device's Bluetooth settings, much like pairing wireless headphones or a keyboard.
The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on Android phones, iPhones, Windows PCs, and Mac computers. Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically when you turn it on and your device's Bluetooth is active. You can pair the same controller with multiple devices, though it can only connect to one device at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the PS button and the Create button together for three seconds to enter pairing mode; the light bar will flash white when ready.
- On your phone, tablet, or computer, open Bluetooth settings and select "Wireless Controller" from the available devices list.
- Once paired, the controller will automatically reconnect to that device whenever both are turned on and in range.
- The same controller can pair with multiple devices, but it connects to only one device at a time.
- If pairing fails, restart both the controller and your device, then try again from pairing mode.
How to put your PS5 controller into pairing mode
Press and hold the PS button (the large button in the center) and the Create button (the button to the left of the touchpad) at the same time. Hold both buttons for about three seconds. The light bar on the back of the controller will begin flashing white, which signals that the controller is now in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to.
The controller will stay in pairing mode for about one minute. If the light bar stops flashing and turns off, the controller has exited pairing mode and you'll need to repeat the button combination. This is normal — it just means no device found it within that window.
Pairing with an Android phone or tablet
Open your device's Settings app and navigate to the Bluetooth section. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your phone or tablet will show a list of available devices. Look for "Wireless Controller" in that list — this is the PS5 controller. Tap it to connect.
Your device will confirm the connection within a few seconds. The light bar on the controller will stop flashing and settle into a steady glow, indicating the pairing is complete. You can now use the controller with games and apps that support gamepad input on Android.
Pairing with an iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and go to Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth on if it isn't already. Wait for the list of available devices to appear. Select "Wireless Controller" when you see it. iOS will pair the controller and show a confirmation message.
Not all iPhone and iPad games support external controllers — check the app's description in the App Store to confirm gamepad support before pairing. Once connected, the controller works with compatible games and some streaming apps like Xbox Game Pass.
Pairing with a Windows PC
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and select Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure Bluetooth is on. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select Bluetooth from the menu. Your PC will scan for nearby devices and display "Wireless Controller" in the list. Click it to pair.
Windows will complete the pairing in seconds. The controller is now ready to use with games on Steam, the Microsoft Store, or any other platform that recognizes gamepad input. You can check that the controller is working by opening Settings > Devices > Connected devices and confirming "Wireless Controller" appears in the list.
Pairing with a Mac computer
Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Go to Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Your Mac will display available devices — select "Wireless Controller" from the list and click Connect.
The pairing completes automatically. The controller works with Mac games on Steam, the App Store, and other platforms that support gamepad input. Some older Mac games may not recognize the controller, so check the game's system requirements if you encounter issues.
What to do if the controller won't pair
If the controller doesn't appear in your device's Bluetooth list, first make sure you're holding the PS and Create buttons for the full three seconds — a quick press won't trigger pairing mode. Check that the light bar is actually flashing white. If it's not flashing, try the button combination again.
If the controller still doesn't show up, restart both devices. Turn off the controller by holding the PS button for ten seconds until the light bar turns off completely. Turn off your phone, tablet, or computer. Wait 30 seconds, then turn both devices back on. Put the controller into pairing mode again and try selecting it from your device's Bluetooth settings.
If pairing still fails, the controller's Bluetooth module may need a reset. Connect the controller to a PS5 console or a computer using a USB-C cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. This sometimes clears temporary connection issues. After charging, disconnect the cable and try pairing again.
Reconnecting after the first pairing
Once you've paired the controller with a device, you don't need to repeat the pairing process every time. straightforward turn on the controller by pressing the PS button. If your phone, tablet, or computer has Bluetooth enabled, the controller will automatically reconnect to the last device it was paired with.
If you want to connect the controller to a different device, turn on Bluetooth on that new device and press the PS button on the controller. The controller will connect to whichever device is actively searching for it. If both devices are searching at the same time, the controller may connect to the wrong one — in that case, turn off Bluetooth on the device you don't want to use, then reconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the PS5 controller on my PC for games other than PlayStation games?
Yes. Once paired over Bluetooth, the controller works with any PC game or process that supports gamepad input, including games on Steam, Epic Games, and other platforms. Some older games may not recognize it, but most modern games do. You can also use it for streaming services and media apps.
Will the controller drain its battery faster over Bluetooth than when connected to a PS5?
Bluetooth uses slightly more power than the PS5's proprietary connection, so battery life is marginally shorter — typically a few hours less per charge. The difference is small enough that most users won't notice it in daily use. Charge the controller the same way: connect it to a USB-C cable and plug into any standard power adapter.
Can I pair one PS5 controller with multiple devices at the same time?
No. The controller can be paired with multiple devices in your Bluetooth settings, but it only connects to one device at a time. If you want to switch between devices, you'll need to disconnect from one before the controller will connect to another.
What's the range of the Bluetooth connection?
The PS5 controller's Bluetooth range is typically 20 to 30 feet in open space, though walls and other obstacles reduce that distance. If you're sitting on the same couch or at the same desk, range is never an issue. If you're in another room, the connection may drop.
Do I need to pair the controller again if I reset my phone or computer?
Yes. Resetting your device clears all Bluetooth pairings. After a reset, you'll need to put the controller back into pairing mode and select it from your device's Bluetooth settings again, just as you did the first time.