Connect a PS3 controller using a USB cable or Bluetooth

A PS3 controller connects to your console or computer in two ways: plugged in with a USB cable, or wirelessly through Bluetooth. The USB method works immediately and requires no setup. Bluetooth is wireless but needs you to pair the controller first — a one-time step that takes about a minute.

Which method you choose depends on what you're connecting to and whether you want to move around while playing. A USB cable works with PS3 consoles, Windows PCs, and Mac computers. Bluetooth works with all three but requires the receiving device to have Bluetooth built in or added via a USB adapter.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the controller into any USB port with a micro-USB cable to use it immediately on a PS3, PC, or Mac without pairing.
  • To connect wirelessly, hold the PS button in the center of the controller for three seconds until the lights flash, then select the controller in your device's Bluetooth settings.
  • A PS3 controller will stay paired to a device until you unpair it, so you only need to pair once per device.
  • If the controller does not respond after connecting, restart the device or try a different USB port or cable.

Connecting with a USB cable

Plug a micro-USB cable into the port on the back of the PS3 controller and connect the other end to any USB port on your PS3 console, Windows PC, or Mac. The controller will work immediately — no pairing or setup required. The console or computer recognizes it as a gamepad right away.

This method is the fastest if you just want to start playing. The controller will stay connected as long as the cable is plugged in. If you unplug it, the connection stops, and you'll need to plug it back in to use it again.

Pairing a PS3 controller via Bluetooth

Hold down the PS button — the large button in the center of the controller with the PlayStation symbol — for about three seconds. The four lights on the back of the controller will start flashing. This means the controller is in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to.

On your PS3, PC, or Mac, open the Bluetooth settings and look for a device called "PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller" or similar. Select it to complete the pairing. The lights will stop flashing once the pairing is done, and the controller is now connected wirelessly.

After the first pairing, you don't need to repeat these steps. The next time you turn on the controller and press the PS button, it will automatically reconnect to the last device it was paired with.

Connecting to a Windows PC

For a wired connection, plug the controller into any USB port on your PC with a micro-USB cable. Windows will install the driver automatically, and the controller will be ready to use in games that support gamepads.

For wireless connection, make sure your PC has Bluetooth. Most modern laptops do, but many desktop computers do not. If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for about $10 to $20 and plug it into a USB port. Then follow the pairing steps above: hold the PS button for three seconds and select the controller in Windows Bluetooth settings.

Connecting to a Mac

Plug the controller into a USB port with a micro-USB cable for immediate use. Mac recognizes PS3 controllers natively, so no driver installation is needed.

To connect wirelessly, hold the PS button for three seconds until the lights flash. Open System Preferences, go to Bluetooth, and select "PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller" from the list. Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically when you press the PS button.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If the controller doesn't respond after plugging in a USB cable, try a different USB port on your device. Some ports deliver less power than others, or a port may be damaged. If that doesn't work, try a different micro-USB cable — the original cable may be worn out or broken.

If the controller pairs via Bluetooth but then disconnects, move closer to the device. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and other electronics can reduce that. If the controller still disconnects, restart both the controller and the device you're connecting to. Hold the PS button until the lights turn off, wait a few seconds, then press it again to turn the controller back on.

If the lights on the back of the controller don't flash when you hold the PS button, the battery may be dead. Plug the controller into a USB port with a cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before trying again.

Using the same controller on multiple devices

A PS3 controller can be paired to more than one device. You can pair it to your PS3 console, your PC, and your Mac all at the same time. When you press the PS button, it will reconnect to whichever device it was last connected to.

If you want to switch to a different device, just press the PS button on the controller while that device is nearby and has Bluetooth on. The controller will disconnect from the previous device and connect to the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS3 controller on a PS4 or PS5?

No. PS3 controllers are not compatible with PS4 or PS5 consoles. You need a controller designed for the console you're using. However, PS3 controllers work fine on Windows PCs and Macs.

How long does a PS3 controller battery last?

A fully charged PS3 controller battery lasts about 30 hours of gameplay. Battery life varies depending on how much you use the vibration and rumble features. Plug the controller into a USB port to charge it, which takes about two to three hours for a full charge.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Bluetooth disconnections usually happen because the controller is too far from the device, the battery is low, or another wireless device is interfering. Try moving closer to your PC or Mac, charge the controller fully, and turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby like phones or headphones.

Do I need to unpair a controller before connecting it to a different device?

No. You can pair a PS3 controller to multiple devices without unpairing it from the others. It will simply connect to whichever device you're closest to or actively using when you press the PS button.

What if the USB cable port on the controller is damaged?

If the micro-USB port is cracked or loose, you can still use the controller wirelessly via Bluetooth if your device supports it. If the port is damaged and you need a wired connection, the controller will need to be repaired or replaced, as the port cannot be easily fixed at home.