How to Connect PS3 Controller to Mac

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

You can connect a PS3 controller to a Mac from the Bluetooth menu in System Preferences. While you will always connect the PS3 controller through System Preferences, the process varies for certain operating systems; check your operating system version to confirm which method to use by opening the Apple menu from the top left corner of your Mac's screen, clicking "About this Mac", and reviewing the version number before attempting to connect your PS3 controller.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Connecting a PS3 Controller (OS X 10.9 and Up)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have a PS3, disconnecting it will prevent your controller from attempting to connect to the PS3 rather than your Mac.
  2. This is the Apple-shaped icon in the top left corner of your Mac's screen.
    Advertisement
  3. This will open your Bluetooth menu.
    • If your Bluetooth detection isn't already on, turn it on by clicking the "Turn Bluetooth On" button in your Bluetooth menu. [1]
  4. This should go in one of the rectangular USB slots in the side of your Mac's casing.
  5. This is the circular button in the middle of the controller; pressing it will begin the syncing process.
  6. Once the phrase "PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller" displays with the word "Connected" underneath, your PS3 controller is connected. [2]
    • At this point, you can unplug the USB cable. Since the controller is connected via Bluetooth, you shouldn't have to use the USB for anything other than charging your controller with your Mac.
  7. Although there aren't many games released for Mac, your PS3 controller should work with any that are!
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Connecting a PS3 Controller (Pre-OS X 10.9)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have a PS3, disconnecting it will prevent your controller from attempting to sync with your PS3 rather than your Mac.
  2. To ensure this, you can do a couple different things:
    • When connected to a PS3, hold down the PlayStation button and select "Turn off Controller".
    • When disconnected but still on, insert a paperclip into the reset hole near the L2 button. [3]
  3. This should go in one of the rectangular USB slots in the side of your Mac's casing.
  4. This is the Apple-shaped icon in the top left corner of your Mac's screen.
  5. This will open your Bluetooth menu.
    • If your Bluetooth detection isn't already on, turn it on by clicking the "On" and "Discoverable" checkboxes.
  6. Let go when the red light near the PlayStation button flashes; this indicates that your PS3 controller has reset its default sync settings.
  7. Your PS3 controller should now be syncing to your Mac.
  8. This will prompt you to enter an access code.
  9. Exclude the quotation marks and click "Pair" when you're done. [4]
    • On some operating systems, this will say "Accept" instead of "Pair".
  10. It should display as "PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller".
  11. This is in the toolbar at the bottom of the Bluetooth menu.
  12. This will ensure that your PS3 controller is locked into your Mac's settings.
  13. Although there aren't many games released for Mac, your PS3 controller should work with any that are!
    14. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have a PS3 Afterglow controller, which uses a USB dongle instead of Bluetooth. How do I connect that to my Mac?
    Community Answer
    Solder 4 wires to pins 3, 8, and 16 of the CPU, as well as the grounding pin (pin 93). Solder these wires to a standard USB port. the wires leading from pins 3 and 8 should be soldered to leads 1 and 2, and pin 16 must be soldered to lead 4. Ground will be soldered to pin 3. Once you boot up the computer, there will be a screen reading "CRITICAL CPU FAILURE" On older Macs, you will have to type in the sequence: 01000010 01110010 01110101 01101000. This will enable support of the CD drive. Then insert a CD or DVD with custom firmware that enables the mac to use a PS3 controller. You can find the files ps3hacking.com.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 2
  • Question
    The code 0000 is not working for me.
    Community Answer
    Try 0001. That usually works for me. It not that, try 0010. then, 0100. then 1000. Then 0011. then, 0110. then 1100. then 0111. then, 1110. then, 1111.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you don't unplug your PS3 before syncing your controller with your Mac, you'll likely turn on the PS3 instead of making the controller discoverable by the Mac.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Jailbreak a PS3
      How to
      Play PS2 Games on a PS3
      How to
      Use a PS3 Controller on a PC
      How to
      Charge a PS3 Controller
      How to
      Sync a PS3 Controller
      How to
      Reset a PS3
      How to
      Connect a PlayStation 3 to a Laptop
      How to
      Use an External Hard Drive on a PS3
      How to
      Check PS3 Memory
      How to
      Enter Safe Mode on a PlayStation 3
      How to
      Clean a PS3
      How to
      Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller
      How to
      Connect a PS3 to Computer Speakers
      How to
      Disassemble a PS3 Fat to Clean
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.cultofmac.com/198793/use-a-playstation-3-controller-on-your-mac-with-bluetooth-os-x-tips/
      2. ↑ http://osxdaily.com/2014/12/28/connect-playstation-3-controller-mac-os-x/
      3. ↑ https://gist.github.com/hlung/8385683
      4. ↑ http://www.mactrast.com/2013/01/how-to-use-a-playstation-3-controller-with-your-mac/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 101,399 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement