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Sony’s DualShock 4 controllers are great pieces of hardware. They are durable, lightweight and have great ergonomics. Even the battery life, which clocks in at about eight hours, is satisfactory.
One of the great, lesser-known benefits of the DualShock 4 is that it can be used with a lot of other systems and devices. Most PS4 owners, in conjunction with the console itself, own a variety of devices and platforms. Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, want to do some PC or Mac gaming, or want to game on your iPhone or Android phone, you can connect your PS4 controller for topnotch gameplay.
Take a look at this detailed guide on how to connect a PS4 controller to other systems.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS4
The easiest way to connect a DualShock 4 controller to its native console is by using a USB cable. Press the power button on your console to turn it on. Then, plug your PS4 controller into the USB port of the console.
Now, press the PS button on the controller and hold it down for about three or so seconds. Your controller should now be connected to the console.
How to Connect a Second PS4 Controller to a PS4
The Sony PlayStation 4 can have up to four DualShock controllers connected to it at one time. Connecting multiple controllers isn’t difficult or complex. There are no extra steps.
Repeat everything you did when connecting your first controller. When the controller connects, you will have a choice between your profile and “new user.” Pick the new user option and sign in as a guest. This will allow you to use multiple controllers simultaneously. The process is the same for all four potential controllers.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS3
The DualShock 4 controller is backward compatible. Connect it to your console with a USB cable. You will need a USB 2.0 A to USB Micro B cable.
If you want to use the controller wirelessly, after plugging it, go to Accessory Settings and select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
Next, click on Scan for Bluetooth Devices. Unplug the controller and hold down the Share and PS buttons. Once the device is found, plug it back in and select Wireless Controller on the screen. It’s as simple as that.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PC
The PS4 controller is fully compatible with PCs. Sometimes, using a controller feels better than using a keyboard. The good news is that connecting a PS4 controller to a PC is easy. The first option is connecting it via Bluetooth.
If your PC doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth receiver, you will have to buy a Bluetooth USB Wireless Adapter. Thankfully, these adapters are cheap and small in size. Press and hold the PlayStation button and Share button simultaneously until the light bar begins to flash. Now, open up Bluetooth settings on your computer.
Select “Wireless Controller.” If asked for a pairing code, enter 0000. The controller should now be connected to your PC.
Another method of connecting a PS4 controller to a PC is by downloading DS4Windows. This is a piece of software that tricks your PC into recognizing a PS4 controller as an Xbox 360 controller, for which built-in support exists. Once you download and set up the program, simply connect the controller to your PC via a USB cable.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a Mac
Gaming on a Mac isn’t easy. Games are seldom ported to this operating system. But on the rare occasions that they are, the experience can be made even better by using a controller. Sony’s DualShock 4 can be connected to Macs in a few ways.
The easiest method is to purchase Sony’s own wireless USB adapter. If you can’t get a hold of one, you can take advantage of Bluetooth. Open System Preferences and click on Bluetooth.
Hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons at the same time. The wireless controller should appear in the Bluetooth window of your Mac. Just select pair, and the process is done.
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How to Connect a PS4 Controller to an Android Phone
The Android OS comes with built-in support for the PS4 controller. Enable Bluetooth on your phone, and make sure it is in scan mode. Hold down the PS and Share buttons on your controller.
When the light bar flashes white, you should be able to select Wireless Controller on your phone. Your phone and controller will now be paired. Just make sure to turn controller options on in the game settings.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to an iPhone
iOS 13, which is slated for release in the fall of 2019, will allow you to play games on your iPhone using a PS4 controller. iOS 13 is currently in beta testing, so access is still limited. But the instructions on how to connect a controller have already been revealed.
When iOS 13 makes its debut, all you will have to do is navigate to Settings, then Bluetooth Settings and press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the controller at the same time.
The light bar will then flash, and the controller will appear listed under Other Devices. All you need to do next is select it.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch does not have built-in support for the PS4 controller. Thankfully, there is a way around this. You can buy a wireless Bluetooth controller adapter. 8BitDo is a company that sells this type of device, specifically for the Switch.
The method of connecting may vary slightly between different products. But in general, the steps are mostly the same. Plug your adapter into the Switch. Most if not all adapters only work while the Switch is connected to the Dock with a USB-C adapter.
Navigate to System Settings, select Controllers and Sensors, and then select Pro Controller Wired Communications. Next, push the Pairing Button on your adapter, then hold down the PS and Share buttons on your controller simultaneously. The controller should now be paired with your Switch.