How to Connect a New PS4 Controller to Your Console

Connect via USB cable first, then switch to wireless

The fastest way to connect a new PS4 controller is to plug it into your console with a USB cable. This registers the controller and lets you set it up without needing the console to already recognize it wirelessly. Once the controller is registered, you can unplug it and use it wirelessly from then on.

You will need a micro-USB cable — the same type that charges many phones and Android devices. Most new PS4 controllers come with one in the box. If yours did not, any micro-USB cable will work.

Key Takeaways

Plug the new controller into your PS4 with a micro-USB cable to register it for the first time.
Press the PS button on the controller once it is connected, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
After setup is done, you can unplug the cable and use the controller wirelessly by pressing the PS button.
If the controller does not show up after plugging it in, restart your PS4 and try a different USB port on the front of the console.
A controller that worked before but will not connect now usually needs a restart — hold the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely.

Step-by-step setup with a USB cable

Step 1: Plug in the controller. Take the micro-USB cable and connect it to the port on the back of the PS4 controller, then plug the other end into a USB port on the front of your PS4 console. The front ports are easier to reach and more reliable than the back ports for this task.

Step 2: Wait for the light bar to turn on. The light bar on the back of the controller will flash white or blue. This means the console recognizes it. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, try unplugging and plugging it into a different front USB port.

Step 3: Press the PS button. Once the light bar is on, press the large PS button in the center of the controller. Your TV screen should show a setup menu or ask you to create a user profile if this is the first time you are using this controller.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts. The console will walk you through naming the controller and assigning it to a user account. This usually takes less than a minute. Once you see the main PS4 menu, the controller is registered.

Switch to wireless after setup

After the controller is registered, you do not need to keep it plugged in. Unplug the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller. It will connect wirelessly to your console within a few seconds. The light bar will stop flashing and stay on steadily, which means the wireless connection is active.

The controller will stay paired to your console even after you turn it off. The next time you press the PS button, it will reconnect automatically without needing the cable again.

What to do if the controller does not show up

If you plug in the controller and nothing happens — no light bar, no on-screen message — try these steps in order.

Try a different USB port. Unplug the cable and plug it into another USB port on the front of your console. The front-left port is usually most reliable. Wait 10 seconds and see if the light bar turns on.

Restart your PS4. Hold the power button on the front of the console for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once it is fully booted, plug the controller in again.

Check the cable. Try the same USB cable with a phone or other device to confirm it works. If the cable is broken, use a different micro-USB cable. If you do not have one, you can borrow one from a phone charger or purchase one at most electronics stores for a few dollars.

Reconnecting a controller that worked before

If you have used this controller before but it suddenly will not connect, the issue is usually a temporary glitch. The fastest fix is a full restart of the controller itself.

Flip the controller over and locate the small reset button on the back, near the L2 shoulder button. Use a straightened paperclip or a small pin to press and hold this button for about 5 seconds. The light bar will flash and then turn off. Wait a few seconds, then press the PS button to reconnect it wirelessly.

If the reset button does not work, try the power-down method instead. Hold the PS button and the Share button at the same time for about 10 seconds until the light bar flashes white. Release the buttons and wait 30 seconds. Then press the PS button again to reconnect.

Pairing multiple controllers to one console

You can connect up to four controllers to a single PS4 at the same time. Each one goes through the same setup process: plug it in with USB, press the PS button, and follow the on-screen prompts. Once registered, each controller can connect wirelessly independently.

If you are setting up a second or third controller, the console will ask which user account it belongs to. You can assign it to the same account as the first controller, or to a different account if multiple people play on the same console. After that, all controllers will be available for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a cable to connect a new controller?

Yes, the first time you connect a new controller, it must be plugged in with a USB cable. The console cannot recognize a brand-new controller wirelessly until it has been registered at least once. After that first setup, you can use it wirelessly.

Can I use any micro-USB cable?

Yes. Any micro-USB cable will work, even if it came with a different device. The cable just needs to be in working condition. If you are not sure whether your cable works, test it with a phone or tablet first.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting wirelessly?

Wireless disconnects usually mean the controller battery is low or the connection needs to be reset. Plug the controller in to charge it for at least 30 minutes, then try using it again. If it still disconnects, use the reset button on the back of the controller as described above.

What if I lost the USB cable that came with my controller?

You can use any micro-USB cable to connect and set up the controller. These cables are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores, phone retailers, and online. Once the controller is registered, you will not need the cable for everyday use.

Can I connect a PS4 controller to my phone or computer?

PS4 controllers can connect to some phones and computers via Bluetooth, but this requires a different setup process than connecting to a PS4 console. For phone or computer use, you would need to put the controller in pairing mode by holding the PS and Share buttons together. Check your device's Bluetooth settings to see if it recognizes the controller.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.