2 Quick Ways to Connect PS4 Controller to PC + Fixes

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Easily pair a PS4 controller with Windows, Mac, & more
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Want to play a game on your PC using your PlayStation 4 DualShock controller? You can connect a PS4 controller to a Windows 10 or 11 PC wirelessly via Bluetooth , or using the included USB cable . Here's how to connect a PS4 controller to a PC, Mac, and some other devices, plus how to enable PS4 controller support in Steam . And if you're having trouble getting your PS4 controller to work, we'll help you troubleshoot common issues .

Connect a PS4 Controller to a PC

To connect a PS4 controller to your Windows PC, open Bluetooth and other devices settings. Click Add Bluetooth or other device and select Bluetooth . On your controller, press and hold the SHARE button and PS button until the light bar flashes to sync.

Section 1 of 4:

Using Bluetooth

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  1. If the light indicator is on, the controller is already on and connected to a different device.
    • To turn it off, press and hold the PS button until the light turns off.
  2. If you're using a Windows PC, you can get there by clicking the Start menu, typing Bluetooth , and selecting Bluetooth and other devices settings .
    • You can also connect your PS4 controller to other devices, including your Mac, Android, iPhone, and Apple TV. To do this, follow these steps to enable Bluetooth discovery mode:
      • Mac: Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth . If Bluetooth is turned off, turn it on now, then skip to our pairing instructions . [1]
      • Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap and hold the Bluetooth icon, select Pair new device , then skip to the pairing instructions . [2]
      • iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth , turn Bluetooth on, and jump to the pairing instructions .
      • Apple TV: Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth , and skip to these pairing instructions .
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  3. The switch will turn blue.
  4. This is at the top of the window.
    • On Windows 11, click Add device .
    • A new menu will open.
  5. This is the first option.
    • Your PC will enter syncing mode.
  6. Hold both buttons down at the same time until the light bar flashes. It will then start to blink while in syncing mode. [3]
  7. The PS4 controller should come up as Wireless Controller or similar on your computer, mobile device, or TV.
    • When it connects successfully, you'll see Your device is ready to go! in the window if you're using a Windows PC.
  8. This will close the window. Your controller is ready to be used with your computer.
    • To remove your controller from your Windows PC, open the Bluetooth settings again. Click your controller in the list of devices, and then click Remove device .
    • If your controller isn't connecting, see the next section to use a wired connection instead, or try to troubleshoot your Bluetooth.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using a Wired Connection

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  1. To use a wired connection with your PS4 controller, you'll need a micro USB to USB cable. If you don't have the wire it came with, make sure to get a replacement from PlayStation. Some third-party cables may not be compatible with the controller.
    • You can only connect your PS4 to a Windows 10 or 11 PC with a USB cable. It's not possible to use this method with a Mac or other device. [4]
  2. Make sure it's flush to the controller.
  3. The controller will turn on. You can now use your controller with your computer.
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Section 3 of 4:

Connecting a PS4 Controller to Steam

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  1. If you want to use your PS4 controller with Steam on your computer, you'll need to change a quick setting in the Steam client. Open Steam, click the Steam menu, then select Settings to get started. [5]
  2. You will find it in the left panel. [6]
  3. To do this, click the "PlayStation Controller Support" menu, then select Enabled in Games w/o support . You can now start playing Steam games with your PlayStation 4 controller.
    • Your PS4 controller may not work for all Steam games. To find out which games you can play with your controller, open the Steam Controller Friendly Hub and click the DualShock Controller option. [7]
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Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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  1. A PS4 controller takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge . [8] If you can't connect the controller to your computer, allow the controller to charge to 100%, and then try pairing it again.
  2. If your PS4 controller isn't connecting to the PC or other device, switch Bluetooth on your device off, then turn it back on to re-pair. This can fix minor connectivity issues.
  3. If the controller won't connect or it doesn't appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, the issue may be with your computer rather than the controller. A quick restart can fix common problems.
  4. The USB cable you're using to connect the controller to your PC may be damaged or incompatible. Purchase a replacement cable directly from Sony, or use a different cable.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-jo/guide/mac-help/blth1004/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9417604
      3. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4-pair-dualshock-4-wireless-with-pc-or-mac/
      4. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4-pair-dualshock-4-wireless-with-pc-or-mac
      5. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/3725-76D3-3F31-FB63#controller
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/TOOmiMcQRd4?si=Cq6oqKM0q6qZqZxw&t=17
      7. ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/593110/view/3823053915988527061
      8. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4-dualshock-4-wireless-troubleshooting/

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