Connect a PS5 controller to your console using the USB cable or wireless pairing

The fastest way to connect a PS5 controller to your PlayStation 5 is with the USB-C cable that comes in the box. Plug one end into the controller and the other into any USB port on the front of the console. The controller will charge and pair at the same time — you'll see the light bar on the back of the controller pulse white, then turn off once it's connected.

If you want to pair wirelessly without a cable, hold the Create button and Options button together on the controller for about three seconds until the light bar starts flashing white. Then go to Settings on your PS5, select Accessories, then Controllers, and choose Pair New Controller. The console will find the controller within a few seconds and complete the pairing.

Once a controller is paired to your PS5, it will reconnect automatically the next time you turn on the console. You don't need to pair it again unless you reset the controller or pair it to a different device.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the USB-C cable into the controller and the PS5's front USB port to pair and charge at the same time.
  • For wireless pairing, hold Create and Options together for three seconds, then select Pair New Controller in the PS5 Settings menu.
  • A paired controller reconnects automatically when you turn on the console and does not need to be paired again.
  • You can connect up to four PS5 controllers to one console at the same time.
  • To pair a PS5 controller with a PC, phone, or Mac, put it in pairing mode and select it from your device's Bluetooth settings.

Pair a PS5 controller with your PC or Mac

PS5 controllers work with Windows PCs and Macs over Bluetooth. To start, hold the Create button and Options button together on the controller for three seconds until the light bar flashes white. This puts the controller in pairing mode and it will stay there for about one minute.

On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices. Click Add Bluetooth or other device, select Bluetooth, and wait for the controller to appear in the list. Click it to pair. On Mac, go to System Settings, then Bluetooth, and the controller should appear in the list — click Connect next to it.

Once paired, the controller will work with most games and applications that support game controllers. Some older games may not recognize it, but newer titles and streaming services like Steam, Epic Games, and Discord all support PS5 controllers natively.

Pair a PS5 controller with your phone or tablet

Android phones and tablets can connect to PS5 controllers through Bluetooth. Put the controller in pairing mode by holding Create and Options together for three seconds. On your Android device, go to Settings, then Connected devices or Bluetooth, and turn on Bluetooth. The controller should appear in the list — tap it to pair.

iPhones and iPads can also pair with PS5 controllers, though support is more limited. The pairing process is the same: put the controller in pairing mode, then go to Settings, Bluetooth, and select the controller from the list. Many games in the App Store support PS5 controllers, but not all do — check the game's description before you buy.

Once paired with a phone or tablet, the controller will reconnect automatically when you turn it on, just like with the PS5. You can use it to play games, navigate menus, or control media apps that support game controllers.

Troubleshoot a controller that won't connect

If your PS5 controller won't pair to the console, try unplugging the USB cable and holding the small reset button on the back of the controller for five seconds using a paperclip or SIM card ejector. This resets the controller's wireless connection. Then plug it back in with the USB cable and try pairing again.

If the controller still won't connect, make sure the PS5 itself is turned on and not in rest mode. Controllers cannot pair when the console is off. Also check that no other device is actively using the controller — if it's paired to your phone, disconnect it there first before trying to pair it to the PS5.

If the light bar doesn't light up at all when you plug in the cable, the controller's battery may be completely drained. Leave it plugged in for at least 30 minutes before trying again. If the light bar still doesn't turn on after charging, the controller may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.

Manage multiple controllers on your PS5

You can pair up to four PS5 controllers to your console at the same time. Each controller will have its own player number — the first controller is Player 1, the second is Player 2, and so on. You can see which controller is which by looking at the light bar on the back: Player 1 is blue, Player 2 is red, Player 3 is green, and Player 4 is pink.

To unpair a controller, go to Settings on your PS5, select Accessories, then Controllers, and choose the controller you want to remove. Select Forget, and the pairing will be deleted. The controller will no longer reconnect automatically to that console.

If you want to use the same controller on multiple consoles, you'll need to pair it to each one separately. A controller can only be actively paired to one PS5 at a time, but you can pair it to different consoles by resetting it and going through the pairing process again on each console.

Charge your PS5 controller

The PS5 controller charges through its USB-C port, which is on the bottom of the controller. Plug the included USB-C cable into the controller and the other end into any USB port on the PS5, a computer, a phone charger, or a USB power bank. The controller will charge whether the console is on or off.

A fully drained controller takes about two to three hours to charge completely. You can check the battery level by looking at the light bar on the back — it will pulse orange when the battery is low and turn off when the controller is fully charged. On the PS5 itself, you can see the battery percentage in the Control Center by pressing the PlayStation button.

The PS5 controller's battery lasts about four to six hours of active play, depending on how much you use the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. These features use more power than traditional vibration, so turning them off in game settings will extend battery life between charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS4 controller with my PS5?

PS4 controllers do not work with PS5 games. You must use a PS5 controller to play PS5 titles. However, PS4 controllers can be used to play PS4 games on a PS5 if you have a PS4 game disc or own the game digitally through your account.

Why is my controller disconnecting during gameplay?

Interference from other wireless devices, a low battery, or a distance of more than 30 feet from the console can cause disconnections. Try moving closer to the console, charging the controller, and turning off nearby WiFi devices. If disconnections continue, reset the controller by holding the back button for five seconds and re-pair it.

How do I know if my PS5 controller is fully charged?

The light bar on the back of the controller turns off when fully charged. You can also check the battery percentage in the PS5's Control Center by pressing the PlayStation button, or in your phone or computer's Bluetooth settings if the controller is paired there.

Can I pair a PS5 controller to two devices at the same time?

No. A PS5 controller can only be actively paired to one device at a time. If you want to use it on a different device, you must unpair it from the first device or reset the controller and pair it to the new device.