How to Connect a PS4 Controller to PS5

How to Connect a PS4 Controller to PS5

PS5 comes with backward compatibility and fully supports PS4 controllers. Connecting a PS4 controller to PS5 is a simple process and can be completed in under a minute.

When you first connect your PS4 controller to your PS5, you cannot do so wirelessly. Instead, you must use a USB Type-A to Micro USB cable. This is the same cable you use to charge PS4 controllers. The PS5 ships with a Type-C cable which is incompatible with the older PS4 controllers.

After the first pairing with a wired connection, you can use the PS4 controller wirelessly without any cables.

Note: you cannot play PS5 games using a PS4 controller. However, you’ll still be able to play PS4 games (except PSVR ones). On the other hand, PS4 games work perfectly fine with the PS5 controller. If you already have a PS4 controller, you can pair it with your PS5 and start using it again. This works out great for split-screen games like Borderlands 3 or couch co-op/multiplayer games like Fifa and Call of Duty: Cold War.

Here’s what you’ll need to start:

  • A PS4 controller
  • A USB Type-A to MicroUSB cable

    USB Type-A to MicroUSB cable
    USB Type-A to MicroUSB cable

How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS5

  1. Turn on your PS5. It will have 2 USB Type-A ports at the back and one at the front

    USB Type-A port at the front of the PS5
    USB Type-A port at the front of the PS5.

  2. Insert the USB Type-A side of the cable in an unoccupied USB port on the console.

    Plugging in the USB Type A into the Type A port
    Plug the USB Type-A into the Type-A port.

  3. Locate the MicroUSB port at the back of the PS4 controller.

    MicroUSB Port at the back of the PS4 controller
    MicroUSB Port at the back of the PS4 controller.

  4. Insert the MicroUSB end into the port.

    MicroUSB cable inserted inside the PS4 controller port
    MicroUSB cable inserted inside the PS4 controller port.

  5. A yellow light will shine on the lightbar at the back of the controller. This indicates a connection has been made, and the controller is now charging.

    A breathing yellow light indicates a connection and charging
    A breathing yellow light indicates a connection and charging.

  6. The console will automatically detect the PS4 controller. If that’s not the case, press the Circular PS button on the controller.

    Controller notification will pop at the top right side of the screen
    Controller notification at the top right side of the screen.

  7. Once connected, you can press the PS Button on your controller to bring up the dashboard.

    Pressing the PS Button on the PS4 controller will bring the dashboard up
    Pressing the PS Button on the PS4 controller will bring the dashboard up

  8. Move to the Accessories icon to check the status of the controller.

    The small controller icon houses all the attached accessories, in this case, a DualShock 4 controller
    The small controller icon houses all the attached accessories, in this case, a DualShock 4 controller

  9. Press X on the icon to access the sub-menu. It includes the option to turn off the controller or change the settings.

    The submenu allows you to turn the controller off or access controller settings
    The submenu allows you to turn the controller off or access controller settings.

  10. Press X on Controller Settings to access full controller options.

    DualShock 4 controller settings on the PS5
    DualShock 4 controller settings on the PS5

Connect PS4 Controller Wirelessly to PS5

Once the pairing process is done, press the PS button on the PS4 controller to turn on the console and the controller. Then, you can start using the controller wirelessly, just like your PS5 controller.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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