Yes, you can connect two PS5 controllers to your PC at the same time over Bluetooth

Your PC will recognize each PS5 controller as a separate device, so pairing two of them works the same way as pairing one — you just repeat the process twice. Both controllers will connect independently and show up in your system as distinct input devices. This means games and applications can detect them as separate gamepads, letting two people play on the same PC without needing extra hardware.

The main catch is that your PC needs Bluetooth hardware built in or connected via USB adapter. Most laptops have Bluetooth already. Desktop PCs usually do not, so you may need to buy a small USB Bluetooth adapter (around $10 to $25) if your computer does not have one. Once that is in place, the pairing process takes just a few minutes per controller.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 controllers pair to PC the same way they pair to a PlayStation 5 — put the controller in pairing mode, then select it from your PC's Bluetooth settings.
  • Your PC needs Bluetooth capability; most laptops have it built in, but desktop computers usually require a USB Bluetooth adapter.
  • Each controller connects as a separate device, so your PC sees them as two different gamepads and games can use both at once.
  • Once paired, the controllers will reconnect automatically the next time you turn them on and your PC's Bluetooth is active.

How to put a PS5 controller in pairing mode

Hold the PS button and the Create button at the same time until the light on the back of the controller starts flashing white. This usually takes about three seconds. The flashing white light means the controller is now discoverable and ready to pair with any Bluetooth device nearby.

Once the light is flashing, open your PC's Bluetooth settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, then select Bluetooth. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click the plus icon. Your PC will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and should show the PS5 controller (it will appear as "Wireless Controller" in the list). Click it to pair.

Pairing the second controller

After the first controller is paired and connected, repeat the exact same process with the second one. Put the second controller into pairing mode using the PS button and Create button, then add it through your PC's Bluetooth settings just like you did the first time. Your PC will treat it as a completely separate device.

Both controllers can be paired at the same time without interfering with each other. If you want to use them together in a game, make sure both are turned on and connected before you launch the process. Some games automatically detect multiple controllers; others require you to configure them in the game's settings menu before you start playing.

What to do if a controller will not pair

If your PC does not find the controller after you put it in pairing mode, the most common reason is that Bluetooth is turned off on your computer. Check your Bluetooth settings and make sure it is enabled. On Windows, also check that Bluetooth is not in airplane mode. On Mac, make sure Bluetooth is switched on in the menu bar.

If Bluetooth is on but the controller still does not appear, try restarting your PC's Bluetooth. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth off, wait five seconds, then toggle it back on. On Mac, turn Bluetooth off in System Settings, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Then put the controller in pairing mode again and try to add it.

If you are using a USB Bluetooth adapter and it is not working, make sure the adapter is fully inserted into the USB port and that your PC recognizes it. You may need to install drivers for the adapter — check the manufacturer's website if your PC does not automatically detect it. Once the adapter is working, the pairing process is the same as with built-in Bluetooth.

Games and software that work with two PS5 controllers

Most modern games that support gamepads will recognize both PS5 controllers automatically. This includes many Steam games, Epic Games Store titles, and games from other platforms. Fighting games, racing games, and party games often work especially well with two controllers since they are designed for local multiplayer.

Some older games or games built for a specific controller may not recognize the PS5 controller at all, or may only see one of them. If a game does not detect your controllers, check the game's settings menu for controller configuration options. You can also use software like DS4Windows (which works with PS5 controllers despite its name) to remap the controllers or make them appear as a different type of gamepad if a particular game needs it.

Connection range and battery life

PS5 controllers connect over Bluetooth, which typically works reliably up to about 30 feet away from your PC, though walls and other obstacles can reduce that range. For gaming on the same desk or in the same room, distance is not usually a problem.

Each PS5 controller has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts roughly 4 to 8 hours of active play, depending on how much you use the vibration and haptic feedback features. You can charge both controllers at the same time using a USB-C cable or a charging dock. The controllers will stay paired to your PC even while they are charging, so you can swap them out if one runs low during a gaming session.

Disconnecting or removing a controller

If you want to stop using one of the controllers, you can straightforward turn it off by holding the PS button until the light goes out. The controller will disconnect from your PC, but the pairing information stays saved. The next time you turn the controller on with your PC's Bluetooth active, it will reconnect automatically.

If you want to completely remove a controller from your PC so it no longer auto-connects, go to your Bluetooth settings and find the paired controller in the list of devices. On Windows, click the three dots next to the controller name and select Remove device. On Mac, click the X next to the controller name. You can always pair it again later by putting it in pairing mode and adding it through Bluetooth settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair the controllers every time I use them?

No. Once you pair a controller to your PC, it stays paired. The next time you turn on the controller with your PC's Bluetooth active, it will reconnect automatically. You only need to go through the pairing process once per controller, unless you remove it from your Bluetooth settings.

Can I use a PS5 controller and an Xbox controller at the same time on my PC?

Yes. Your PC can connect to multiple types of controllers simultaneously. You can pair a PS5 controller, an Xbox controller, and other gamepads all at once, and games that support multiple controllers will recognize them all. This is useful if you have different controllers available and want to use whichever one is charged.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting from my PC?

The most common reason is that the controller's battery is low. Charge it fully and try again. If it still disconnects, move closer to your PC to rule out Bluetooth range issues. You can also try removing the controller from your Bluetooth settings and pairing it again. If the problem continues, restart your PC and your Bluetooth adapter.

Will the PS5 controller work with my PC if I use a USB cable instead of Bluetooth?

Yes. You can connect a PS5 controller to your PC with a USB-C cable, and it will work as a wired gamepad. This eliminates Bluetooth connection issues and ensures the controller stays connected, though you lose the freedom to move around. Some people prefer the wired connection for competitive gaming where lag matters.