How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS5 via Bluetooth or Cable

If you have a PlayStation 4 (PS4) controller and you want to play on your new PlayStation 5 (PS5), you might be wondering if it’s possible to connect the PS4 controller to the PS5. The good news is, yes, you can! There are two ways to do this: using Bluetooth or a USB cable. In this article, we will walk you through both methods so you can play your favorite games on your PS5 with your PS4 controller.

Why Would You Want to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5?

Before we get into the steps of connecting your controller, let’s take a moment to understand why you might want to do this:

• If you’re used to the feel and layout of the PS4 controller, it might be more comfortable for you to play with it.
• Maybe you already own extra PS4 controllers. Instead of buying new PS5 controllers, you can just use the ones you already have.
• If you want to play multiplayer games and you don’t have enough PS5 controllers, you can use your PS4 controller as an extra one.

Compatibility of PS4 Controller with PS5

Before connecting, it’s important to understand the compatibility between the PS4 controller and the PS5. Here’s what you should know:

• PS4 Controller with PS4 Games: The PS4 controller works perfectly with all PS4 games that you play on your PS5. This means you can still enjoy a lot of your older games without needing the new PS5 controller.
• PS5-exclusive Games: While the PS4 controller works with PS4 games, it does not support PS5-exclusive games. The PS5 DualSense controller is required for games that are specifically designed for the PlayStation 5.
• Limited Features on PS5: The PS4 controller does not have some of the advanced features of the PS5 DualSense controller. For example, the PS5 controller has adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback that enhance your gaming experience. These features are not available on the PS4 controller.

Knowing this will help you understand what games and features you can access when using your PS4 controller on the PS5.

Now that we know the benefits, let’s get into how to connect your PS4 controller to the PS5.

Method 1: How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS5 via Bluetooth

Connecting your PS4 controller to your PS5 using Bluetooth is quick and simple. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Turn on Your PS5

Before you do anything, make sure your PS5 is turned on. You need to be on the home screen to connect a controller.

Step 2: Put the PS4 Controller into Pairing Mode

For Bluetooth to work, you need to put the PS4 controller into “pairing mode.” Follow these steps:

1. First, make sure your PS4 controller is completely turned off.
2. Press and hold the PS button (the PlayStation logo button in the middle of the controller) and the Share button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) at the same time.
3. Keep holding both buttons until the light bar on the controller starts blinking. This means your controller is in pairing mode.

Step 3: Go to Bluetooth Settings on the PS5

1. On your PS5 home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon at the top right of the screen).
2. Scroll down and select Accessories.
3. Then, choose Bluetooth Accessories. Your PS5 will start searching for available Bluetooth devices.

Step 4: Select Your PS4 Controller

When the PS5 finds your PS4 controller, it will appear on the screen under “Available Devices.” Select the PS4 controller to connect it. Once connected, the blinking light on the controller will stop.

Step 5: Start Playing!

Now that your PS4 controller is connected to the PS5, you can use it to play games. Keep in mind that the PS4 controller will only work with PS4 games on the PS5. It won’t work with PS5-exclusive games, which require the new PS5 DualSense controller.

Method 2: How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS5 Using a USB Cable

If you don’t want to use Bluetooth, you can also connect your PS4 controller to the PS5 using a USB cable. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Turn on Your PS5

Just like with Bluetooth, make sure your PS5 is turned on before you start.

Step 2: Plug in the USB Cable

Take the USB-A to USB-C cable. This is the same type of cable that comes with your PS4 or PS5 controller. You’ll need to plug one end of the cable into your PS4 controller and the other end into your PS5 console.

Step 3: Press the PS Button

Once the cable is connected, press the PS button on the PS4 controller. Your PS5 will automatically detect the controller, and you should see a message on the screen confirming that it’s connected.

Step 4: Start Playing!

Once the PS4 controller is connected, you can start playing your games right away. Again, it will only work for PS4 games on the PS5, not PS5-exclusive games.

Important Things to Remember

1. PS4 Controllers Only Work with PS4 Games on PS5: If you connect your PS4 controller to the PS5, it will only work for games that are designed for the PS4. It cannot be used for PS5-exclusive games like Demon’s Souls or Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. For PS5 games, you will need to use the PS5 DualSense controller.
2. No Vibration or Adaptive Triggers on PS5 Games: One of the cool features of the PS5 DualSense controller is its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which make gaming feel more immersive. Unfortunately, the PS4 controller doesn’t have these features. So while you can still play PS4 games, you will miss out on some of the PS5 controller’s new features.
3. Your PS4 Controller May Disconnect After a While: If you are using your PS4 controller via Bluetooth, it might disconnect from the PS5 after a period of inactivity. To fix this, just press the PS button again, and the controller should reconnect.

Conclusion

Connecting your PS4 controller to your PS5 is a great way to save money and continue using a controller you’re comfortable with. Whether you prefer to use Bluetooth for wireless play or a USB cable for a wired connection, both methods are easy to follow. Remember, the PS4 controller will work for PS4 games on your PS5, but you won’t be able to use it for PS5-only games.

So, now that you know how to connect your PS4 controller to your PS5, it’s time to start gaming! Enjoy your games, and don’t forget to have fun!

FAQs

Does the PS4 controller have the same features as the PS5 DualSense controller?

No, the PS4 controller doesn’t have the adaptive triggers or haptic feedback that the PS5 DualSense controller has.

How do I disconnect my PS4 controller from the PS5?

To disconnect your PS4 controller from the PS5, simply turn off the PS5, unplug the controller if you’re using a cable, or turn off Bluetooth on the PS5.

Can I use DualShock 4 on PS5 Remote Play?

Yes, you can use the DualShock 4 (PS4 controller) on PS5 Remote Play. It will work to control your PS5 remotely from another device (like a smartphone, tablet, or PC), but just like with PS5 games, the PS4 controller will only work with PS4 games during Remote Play sessions.

Can PS4 and PS5 controllers play together?

Yes, PS4 and PS5 controllers can play together in multiplayer games, but only if the game is a PS4 game. If you’re playing a PS4 game on your PS5, both a PS4 controller and a PS5 controller can be used in multiplayer sessions. However, for PS5-exclusive games, both players must use PS5 controllers, as PS4 controllers are not supported for those games.