The short version: connect the controller with a compatible USB data cable, or put it into Bluetooth pairing mode and add it through your computer’s Bluetooth settings. Windows 11 uses Settings > Bluetooth & devices; macOS uses System Settings > Bluetooth. Pairing only connects the controller to the operating system—your game must also support its input protocol or use a translation layer such as Steam Input.
Before you start
- Confirm that your PC or Mac has Bluetooth. If a Windows PC does not, add a USB Bluetooth adapter.
- Charge or power on the controller.
- For USB pairing, use a cable that supports both data and charging. A charge-only cable may power the controller without allowing the computer to detect it.
- Disconnect the controller from another console or device if it keeps reconnecting there.
- Check the controller model’s pairing instructions. There is no universal button combination for every console controller.
Windows normally detects USB hardware automatically. If it does not, open Windows’ Add device settings.
Connect a controller to Windows 11
Bluetooth method
- Put the controller into Bluetooth pairing mode. The required button combination depends on the controller.
- Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon beside the taskbar clock.
- Select the Manage Bluetooth devices chevron on the Bluetooth tile.
- Under New devices, select the controller.
- Follow any prompts and select Done.
You can also use the full settings route: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Add device, then follow the on-screen instructions. Bluetooth must be set to On. Microsoft’s current instructions are in its Bluetooth pairing guide.
USB method
- Connect the controller directly to the PC with a data-capable USB cable.
- Wait for Windows to detect and install it.
- Open the game and test the controls.
If Windows does not detect it, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Add device. A controller can be visible in Windows while still being unsupported by a particular game.
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Windows 10 note
On Windows 10, the older path is Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, so Windows 11 is the current supported path for new setup instructions.
Connect a controller to a Mac
Bluetooth method
- Put the controller into discoverable or pairing mode.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Find the controller in the device list, hold the pointer over it, and click Connect.
- If macOS asks for confirmation, click Accept, or enter the displayed numbers and press Enter.
After pairing, open Apple menu > System Settings > Game Controllers and select the controller’s name to view available controller settings. Apple lists controller customization support for macOS Ventura 13 or later.
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USB method
Connect the controller with a USB cable that supports both data and charging. Apple specifically requires this type of cable for controller pairing over USB. A charge-only cable is not sufficient.
Apple says DualShock 4, DualSense, and DualSense Edge controllers pair and connect automatically when directly connected with a suitable USB cable.
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Pair PlayStation controllers with a Mac
DualShock 4
- Turn the controller off. If it is on, hold the PS button until it switches off.
- Disconnect any USB cable.
- Hold PS + Share until the light bar flashes.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and select the controller.
If it pairs but does not connect, press and release the PS button.
DualSense and DualSense Edge
- Turn the controller off and disconnect its USB cable.
- Hold PS + Create until the light bar flashes.
- Open Mac Bluetooth settings and select the controller.
For either PlayStation family, a direct USB connection can be simpler when using a known data-and-charging cable. See Apple’s PlayStation controller instructions for model-specific details.
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- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Pair Xbox controllers with a Mac
- Press the controller’s Xbox button to turn it on.
- Hold the controller’s Connect button for several seconds.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Select the controller from the device list.
Apple explicitly lists these Bluetooth-capable Xbox models: Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth model 1708, Xbox Wireless Controller Series S, Xbox Wireless Controller Series X, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Compatibility can vary by controller revision and macOS version; Apple’s Xbox controller guide has the supported-model list.
What to do if the controller does not appear
- Check pairing mode. A controller that is merely switched on may not be discoverable. Re-enter its manufacturer-specific pairing mode.
- Move it closer. Microsoft identifies distance, power state, and pairing mode as common causes of failed pairing.
- Disconnect other devices. Some controllers remember several paired devices and use controller buttons to switch between them.
- Try USB. Use a different cable known to transfer data, and connect directly rather than through an unpowered hub.
- On Windows, change discovery. If the controller is not listed, Microsoft says the Bluetooth discovery setting may need to be changed to Advanced.
- On Mac, reduce Bluetooth congestion. Apple recommends reducing the number of connected Bluetooth devices when interference may be causing connection problems.
- Forget and pair again on Mac. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth, select the controller or its More Info button, choose Forget This Device, then pair it again.
- Update software and firmware. Install the latest system updates. Controller firmware updates come from the controller manufacturer.
Why a paired controller may not work in a game
Bluetooth pairing confirms only that the operating system can communicate with the controller. The game still needs to support the controller’s input protocol.
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Steam Input officially supports the Steam Controller, PlayStation 4 controllers, Xbox 360 controllers, Xbox One controllers, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, PlayStation 3 controllers, and any DirectInput gamepad. Steam’s terminology also includes variants such as fighting sticks that use the same input protocol. See the Steam Input device documentation.
Steam Input is not a guarantee that every game supports controllers. Steam states that not all Steam games support controller use, even though games can be played in Big Picture mode. Check the game’s store page, controller settings, and in-game input menu. Steam’s current Big Picture baseline is Windows 10 or newer, macOS 12 or later, and current Ubuntu-based Linux systems.
Use this compatibility checklist
- Does the controller appear in Windows or macOS?
- Does the game support controllers at all?
- Does the game support the controller’s protocol, such as XInput or DirectInput?
- Is Steam Input enabled for that game if it needs translation?
- Does the game show controller prompts, or is it still displaying keyboard and mouse prompts?
Do not assume that every PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo controller works natively with every PC or Mac game. Support depends on the exact controller model, operating system, game, and input layer.
Automatic reconnection
Once Bluetooth pairing is complete, Windows normally reconnects to the controller automatically when both devices are powered on and within range. Some controllers retain multiple pairings, however, and may need their device-switching procedure before they reconnect to the intended computer.
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Swift Pair on Windows
Some compatible controllers can use Windows Swift Pair. When Windows shows a notification asking to allow Swift Pair, select Yes. When the controller-found notification appears, select Connect. If no notification appears, use the normal Bluetooth settings method instead.
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