The fastest way: use the USB cable that came with your controller

Plug the micro-USB cable into the port on the back of your PS4 controller and the other end into any USB port on the front or back of your PS4 console. The controller will connect when ready — you do not need to press anything or wait for a pairing screen. The light bar on the controller will turn white or blue, which means it is connected and ready to use.

This method works every time and takes about ten seconds. It is the most reliable way to connect a new controller or reconnect one that has lost its wireless connection. You can keep the cable plugged in while you play, or unplug it once the controller is connected and switch to wireless mode.

Key Takeaways

  • A wired USB connection is the fastest and most reliable way to pair your PS4 controller to your console for the first time.
  • Once connected via USB, your controller will remember your PS4 and connect wirelessly the next time you turn it on.
  • If your controller will not connect wirelessly, plug it in with the USB cable and hold the reset button on the back for three seconds to force a fresh pairing.
  • The PS4 can remember up to seven controllers at once, but only four can be used in the same game at the same time.

Connecting wirelessly after the first time

After you have plugged in your controller once with the USB cable, it learns your PS4's wireless signal and will connect on its own the next time you turn the controller on. straightforward press the PS button in the center of the controller — the light bar will flash, then turn solid white or blue within a few seconds. Your controller is now connected wirelessly.

Wireless connection works best when you are sitting within 20 to 30 feet of your console. If your controller keeps disconnecting, move closer to the PS4 or check that nothing is blocking the signal between the controller and the console — thick walls, metal objects, or other wireless devices like routers can interfere.

What to do if your controller will not connect at all

If pressing the PS button does not work and the light bar does not turn on, the controller battery may be dead. Plug the controller into your PS4 with the USB cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. The light bar will glow orange while charging and turn white or blue once it has enough power.

If the controller still will not connect after charging, hold down the small reset button on the back of the controller (you may need a paperclip or small tool to reach it) for three seconds while the USB cable is plugged in. This erases the controller's memory of your PS4 and forces it to pair fresh. After you release the reset button, wait ten seconds and the controller should connect automatically.

Connecting multiple controllers to the same PS4

Your PS4 can remember up to seven different controllers. To add a second, third, or fourth controller, plug each one into the PS4 with a USB cable in the same way you connected the first. Each controller will pair when ready and remember your console from then on.

Once paired, all controllers will connect wirelessly when you press their PS buttons. During gameplay, you can use up to four controllers at the same time on most games — the PS4 assigns each one a player number (1, 2, 3, or 4) based on the order they connected. If you want to switch which controller is Player 1, straightforward press its PS button first before the others.

Why your controller might disconnect during play

A wireless controller can drop its connection if the battery is low, if you move too far from the console, or if something is blocking the signal. The easiest fix is to plug the controller back in with the USB cable while you keep playing — the PS4 will use the wired connection instead and you can charge at the same time.

If disconnections happen often even when you are close to the console, try moving your router or other wireless devices away from your PS4, or move the PS4 itself to a more open location. Interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, or cordless phones can weaken the controller's signal. Resetting the controller with the button on the back (as described above) also fixes persistent connection problems.

Using your controller on other devices

A PS4 controller can connect to a PC, Mac, or mobile phone using the same USB cable or through Bluetooth wireless. On a PC or Mac, plug in the controller and it will usually be recognized as a game controller without any setup. On a phone or tablet, you may need to go into Bluetooth settings and search for the controller, then select it to pair.

Once paired with another device, the controller will try to connect to that device when you press the PS button. If you want to switch back to your PS4, plug the controller into the PS4 with the USB cable again — this resets its wireless connection to your console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS5 controller on my PS4?

No. PS5 controllers use a different wireless protocol and will not connect to a PS4 console. You must use a PS4 controller with your PS4. However, a PS4 controller will work on a PS5 console, though some games designed for PS5 may not support it.

Why does my controller keep flashing and not connect?

A flashing light bar usually means the controller is searching for your PS4 but cannot find it. Try plugging the controller in with the USB cable for a full connection, then hold the reset button on the back for three seconds. This clears the old pairing and lets the controller search fresh.

Do I need to charge my controller before I use it for the first time?

New PS4 controllers come with some charge, but plugging it in for 30 minutes before your first use ensures the battery is full. A fully charged controller lasts about 8 to 10 hours of play before it needs charging again.

What if I lost the USB cable that came with my controller?

Any micro-USB cable will work to connect your PS4 controller to your console — you do not need the original cable. Micro-USB cables are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores or online. Once you plug in with any micro-USB cable, your controller will pair and remember your PS4.