The fastest way: use the USB cable that came in the box

Plug the USB-C cable into the controller's charging port on the bottom, then plug the other end into any USB port on the PS5 itself. The controller will power on and connect automatically — you'll see the light bar on top turn on. This takes about 10 seconds and works whether the PS5 is on or off.

Once it's connected by cable, you can unplug it and use it wirelessly. The PS5 remembers the controller and will reconnect it the next time you turn the system on, as long as the controller is charged and within about 30 feet of the console.

Key Takeaways

  • A wired connection using the USB-C cable is the simplest first step and works when ready without any menu navigation.
  • After the first wired connection, the controller stays paired to your PS5 and reconnects wirelessly each time you power on the system.
  • If the controller won't connect, hold the reset button on the back for three seconds, then try the USB cable again.
  • You can connect up to four controllers to one PS5 at the same time for multiplayer games.

Connecting wirelessly after the first time

Once you've plugged in the controller with the USB cable at least once, it's paired to your PS5. The next time you turn on the console, press the PS button (the large center button) on the controller. It will connect wirelessly within a few seconds.

If the controller doesn't wake up, make sure it's charged. A low battery won't prevent connection, but a completely dead controller won't respond at all. Plug it in for a few minutes and try again.

What to do if the controller won't connect

If you plug in the USB cable and nothing happens, the controller may need to be reset. On the back of the controller, you'll see a small hole. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin tool to press and hold the button inside that hole for about three seconds. The light bar will flash briefly, which means the reset worked.

After resetting, plug the controller back in with the USB cable. It should connect when ready. If it still doesn't work, try a different USB port on the PS5, or try the cable in a computer to make sure the cable itself isn't broken.

Connecting multiple controllers for multiplayer

You can connect up to four controllers to one PS5. Each one connects the same way: plug it in with the USB cable, or press the PS button if it's already been paired before. The PS5 will recognize each controller separately and assign it a player number on the screen.

If you're setting up controllers for different people, each person can create their own user account on the PS5. When they press their controller's PS button, the system will ask which account they're using. This keeps game saves and settings separate for each player.

Using a controller from a PS4 on your PS5

PS4 controllers will not work with PS5 games. They can only be used with PS4 games that you're playing through backward compatibility. If you try to use a PS4 controller with a PS5 game, the system will ask you to switch to a PS5 controller.

PS5 controllers work fine with PS4 games, so if you have both systems, you only need PS5 controllers. The PS5 controller is called the DualSense, and it's the only controller designed for the PS5.

Charging your controller between uses

The PS5 controller charges through the same USB-C port you use to connect it. You can charge it while playing by plugging the cable into the PS5 itself, or you can charge it separately using any USB-C power adapter — the kind that comes with most modern phones works fine.

A full charge takes about two hours. The light bar on top will turn off when the controller is fully charged. You can also check the battery level by pressing the PS button and looking at the top of the screen, where it shows the controller's remaining power.

Troubleshooting a controller that keeps disconnecting

If your controller connects but then drops the connection during play, move closer to the PS5. The wireless range is about 30 feet in open space, but walls and other electronics can reduce it. If you're far from the console or there are many obstacles between you and it, the connection may be unreliable.

If you're close to the PS5 and it still disconnects, the controller may have a low battery. Plug it in and try again. If disconnections happen even with a full battery, reset the controller using the button on the back, then reconnect it with the USB cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless controller without connecting it with a cable first?

No. Every controller must be connected with the USB cable at least once so the PS5 can recognize it. After that first wired connection, you can use it wirelessly. This pairing only needs to happen once per controller.

What if I lose the USB cable that came with my PS5?

Any USB-C cable will work to connect the controller to the PS5. You can use the cable from a phone charger, a tablet, or any other device with USB-C. Once the controller is paired, you won't need the cable again unless you need to reset it.

Can I connect a controller to my PS5 if it's turned off?

Yes. Plug the USB cable into the controller and the PS5, and it will connect even if the console is off. The controller will power on and pair with the system. This is useful if you want to charge and set up a controller before you start playing.

How do I know if my controller is connected?

The light bar on the top of the controller will be on and steady when it's connected. If the light is off or flashing, the controller is either not paired or the battery is dead. Press the PS button to wake it up, or plug it in to charge.

Can I use the same controller on a PS5 and a PS4?

A PS5 controller works with PS4 games on the PS5, but it won't work with a PS4 console itself. If you have both systems, you'll need separate controllers for each one. PS4 controllers don't work with PS5 games.