The Sony DualSense controller for PlayStation 5 is a versatile controller that’s surprisingly compatible with many devices. If you already have a DualSense controller, you can follow a simple process to unlock a wide range of features on pretty much any device, including the best gaming PCs.
While it shines best when used with the PS5, the PS5 controller also works great on PC, Mac, and even mobile Android and iOS devices, allowing for the smooth gameplay you expect from any premium controller.
How to connect a DualSense controller to your PS5
Your PS5 controller will connect seamlessly with your PS5 using the USB-C cable that came with your console.
1. Turn on your PS5
The first step is making sure your PS5 is turned on. You can do this using the power button at the top of your console (found on the far left if your device is positioned horizontally). Once your console is powered on, you can continue to the next step.
2. Plug your controller into your console
You will need a USB C cable to connect your controller to the console. We suggest using the cable that comes included with the PS5 console. Plug your cable into the port at the top of your controller and the USB port at the front of your console.
3. Press the PS button on your controller to turn it on
Once your controller is plugged in, pressing the PlayStation logo button at the center will turn it on. The PlayStation 5 should recognize your device at this point, allowing you to navigate the console interface.
Connecting additional controllers to the PS5
You can use your connected controller to pair additional controllers over their wireless connection. This is perfect for when the USB ports on your PS5 are already populated.
Confirm the controller you are pairing is turned off
Prior to pairing, check the light bar of your controller. If the light bar is on, you can press and hold the center PS logo button until the light turns off.
Access the Bluetooth Accessories menu in the PS5 settings
Go to Settings by navigating to the top right corner of the PS5 home screen. Once you’re in there, navigate to ‘accessories’, then to ‘general’, then to ‘Bluetooth Accessories’.
Press and hold the create button and the PS logo button at the same time
When you’re in the Bluetooth Accessories page, turn on your PS5 controller by pressing down on the playstation logo and waiting for the light to turn on. Then, on your TV, look for it in “Accessories Found”. Select it with the DualSense controller already connected.
How to connect a PS5 controller to Windows PC
Most Windows PC devices support the controller via a USB-C wired connection. Simply plug the controller into an available USB port and your PC will recognize the device as a compatible gamepad. The PS5 controller also supports Bluetooth with minimal setup. Here’s how to connect via Bluetooth.
Open the Settings page on your PC and click on the “Devices” section
You want to make sure Bluetooth is turned on. This will allow your computer to recognize compatible devices and connect to them wireless via Bluetooth. If your computer does not natively support Bluetooth connections, you can also purchase an adapter for Bluetooth support.
Press and hold the create button and the PS logo button at the same time until the light bar blinks
This will put your controller in pairing mode, and you’ll be able to see it show up in the available devices list. Your PS5 controller can only pair with one device at a time, so you will have to repeat this process if you decide to pair it with something else.
Select “Add Bluetooth or other device” and choose the option that says “Bluetooth” to begin searching for compatible devices
Your computer will begin looking for devices in the air that can pair with it wirelessly via Bluetooth. It may take a moment for your PS5 controller to appear.
Select “DualSense Wireless Controller” from the list of devices on your computer
Select your controller from the list of available devices once it appears. Your computer should confirm once your device is ready to be used. You can then click Done and use your controller with your PC!
How to connect a PS5 controller to Mac
Your Mac should recognize a PS5 controller as a gamepad when plugged into a USB port, just like with a PC. If you are not using a wired connection, the process for connecting via Bluetooth will be similar:
- Press and hold the create button and the PS logo button at the same time until the light bar blinks
- On your Mac, open the Apple menu, open System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar
- Select the DualSense Wireless Controller in the list of devices and click Connect
How to connect a PS5 controller to Android
If you’re looking to play games on your phone, both Android and iOS actually support the PS5 DualSense controller. It might not be as smooth as playing games natively on the touchpad, but going through the process is absolutely worth it, especially if you’re streaming console games.
- Press and hold the create button and the PS logo button at the same time until the light bar blinks.
- Open the settings page on your android device and select bluetooth. Confirm that Bluetooth is turned on
- Click the scan option
- Under “Available Devices” select “DualSense Wireless Controller”
How to connect a PS5 controller to iPhone
Likewise, connecting a PS5 controller to your iPhone is incredibly simple. And now that iPhones support USB-C, it’s going to get even easier.
- Press and hold the create button and the PS logo button at the same time until the light bar blinks
- Open the settings page on your iPhone and select bluetooth. Confirm that Bluetooth is turned on
- Under “My Devices” select “DualSense Wireless Controller”