PS5 controllers work with PS4, but with limits

Yes, you can connect a PS5 controller (DualSense) to a PS4, and the connection itself is straightforward. However, the PS5 controller will only work with certain PS4 games — not all of them. Games released before the PS5 came out in November 2020 generally will not recognize the PS5 controller, even though the controller can physically connect to the console.

The reason is that older PS4 games were programmed to work only with the PS4 controller (DualShock 4). The PS5 controller uses different internal hardware and button mapping, so those games cannot read its inputs. Newer PS4 games and games made specifically for PS5 will work fine with the DualSense controller on a PS4.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 controllers connect to PS4 via Bluetooth or USB cable the same way a PS4 controller does.
  • Only PS4 games released after November 2020 and PS5 games played on PS4 will recognize button inputs from a PS5 controller.
  • Older PS4 games will not work with a PS5 controller, even though the controller connects without error.
  • If you use a PS5 controller on PS4, you lose access to the touchpad and some haptic feedback features that PS4 games do not support anyway.

How to connect a PS5 controller to your PS4 using Bluetooth

The wireless connection method is the easiest. Turn on your PS4 and hold the PS button and the Create button on the PS5 controller at the same time for about three seconds. The controller will enter pairing mode — you will see the light on the back of the controller pulse white.

On your PS4, go to Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth Devices. Your PS5 controller should appear in the list as "Wireless Controller." Select it and the pairing will complete. Once paired, you can simply press the PS button to turn on the controller and connect to your PS4 without going through pairing again.

How to connect a PS5 controller to your PS4 using a USB cable

If Bluetooth pairing is not working or you prefer a wired connection, plug the PS5 controller into your PS4 using a USB-C cable. The PS4 will recognize the controller immediately — you do not need to go into settings. The controller will work right away, and the PS4 will charge the controller while it is plugged in.

This method is useful if your PS5 controller battery is completely dead, since you can use it while it charges. It is also more reliable if you are having trouble with the Bluetooth connection, though that is rare.

Which PS4 games actually work with a PS5 controller

PS4 games released in late 2020 and after will usually recognize the PS5 controller. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Destiny 2, Fortnite, and Warzone all work with the DualSense on PS4. Most multiplayer games and free-to-play titles updated after the PS5 launch support it.

The safest way to know is to check the game's official website or patch notes. If the game was updated after November 2020, there is a good chance it supports the PS5 controller. If you try to use a PS5 controller with an older game and the buttons do not respond, that game simply was not programmed to recognize it.

What features you lose when using a PS5 controller on PS4

The PS5 controller has a touchpad like the PS4 controller does, but PS4 games that do not natively support the DualSense will not use it anyway. The bigger loss is the haptic feedback — the detailed vibration effects that make the PS5 controller feel different textures and impacts. PS4 games cannot use this feature because they were not designed for it.

The adaptive triggers (the buttons that change resistance based on what is happening in the game) also will not work on PS4. These features are PS5-specific and require games built for them. On the PS4, you are essentially using the PS5 controller as a standard gamepad with the same button layout as a PS4 controller.

Troubleshooting a PS5 controller that will not connect to PS4

If your PS5 controller is not appearing in the Bluetooth list, try restarting both the controller and the PS4. Hold down the PS button and Options button together for ten seconds to fully power off the controller, then press the PS button again to turn it back on. On your PS4, go to Settings, Devices, Bluetooth Devices, and forget any old wireless controller entries if they are still listed.

If the controller still will not pair, try the USB cable method instead. Plug it in directly and see if the PS4 recognizes it. If the USB connection works but Bluetooth does not, your PS5 controller's Bluetooth chip may have an issue. If neither method works, the controller itself may be faulty and you may need to contact Sony support or consider a replacement.

When you should use a PS4 controller instead

If you are playing older PS4 games from 2020 or earlier, you must use a PS4 controller (DualShock 4). The PS5 controller will not work with them no matter what you do. Keep your original PS4 controller around for this reason, or buy a second DualShock 4 if you need multiple controllers for local multiplayer on older games.

For newer games and PS5 titles on PS4, the PS5 controller works perfectly fine. The choice between the two comes down to which games you are playing and whether you prefer the feel of one controller over the other. Both will connect to your PS4 without any real difficulty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a PS5 controller work with PS4 games I already own?

Only if the game was released or updated after November 2020. Older PS4 games will not recognize the PS5 controller's button inputs. You can check the game's release date or patch history to know for sure, or try connecting the controller and seeing if the buttons respond in the game.

Can I use a PS5 controller for local multiplayer on PS4?

Yes, if the game supports it. You can pair multiple PS5 controllers to your PS4 at once using Bluetooth. However, if you are playing an older PS4 game that does not support the DualSense, you will need to use PS4 controllers instead.

Does the PS5 controller charge faster on PS4 than on PS5?

Charging speed is the same on both consoles when using the same cable and power source. The PS4 charges the controller through its USB port just as the PS5 does. Use the original USB-C cable that came with the PS5 controller for the fastest and safest charging.

What if my PS5 controller keeps disconnecting from my PS4?

Move closer to the PS4 to rule out a range issue, and make sure no other wireless devices are causing interference. If disconnections continue, try forgetting the controller in Bluetooth settings and pairing it again from scratch. If the problem persists, try the USB cable method to see if the issue is with Bluetooth or the controller itself.