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Can You Use a PlayStation Controller on PC, Mac, and Mobile?

A DualSense works with supported Windows PCs, Macs, Android and Apple devices, but game compatibility and features vary by platform and connection.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Yes. Sony’s standard DualSense controller can connect to supported Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and Apple devices by Bluetooth or USB. Whether it works in a particular game is a separate question: the game or app must support the controller, and some DualSense features depend on the platform and connection.

Which devices support the standard DualSense?

Sony’s documented minimum operating-system versions for Bluetooth and USB use are listed below. Meeting a minimum does not guarantee that every game or app will recognize the controller.

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Device Sony-documented minimum
Windows PC Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
Mac macOS Big Sur 11.3
Android Android 12
iPhone iOS 14.5
iPad iPadOS 14.5
Apple TV tvOS 14.5

These requirements come from Sony’s DualSense connection guidance. Support for the controller in a game or application can vary even when the device itself meets the listed requirement.

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How to connect a DualSense by Bluetooth

  1. Make sure the controller is off: its player indicator should not be lit. Disconnect any USB cable.
  2. Hold the Create button, then hold the PS button until the light bar flashes. The controller is now in pairing mode.
  3. Open Bluetooth settings on the PC, Mac, phone, tablet, or Apple TV, and choose the controller from the discovered devices.

Sony says the controller can store up to four device pairings. If you want to use the controller with more than one device, you can assign and switch between those saved pairings with the controller buttons.

#1 Best Overall
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
  • Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
  • Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
  • Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
  • Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
  • Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5

How to connect it with a cable

Connect the controller to the supported device using a USB cable with a Type-C connector. Sony’s guidance does not establish that every cable or device setup will work, so if the controller is not detected, check that the cable and device support the connection you are trying to make.

Will it work in your games?

Device compatibility and game support are different. Sony says controller support may vary by game, even when the DualSense is connected to a PC. On Steam, check the game’s store-page label for Full Controller Support or Partial Controller Support; a connection alone does not mean a game will recognize every input.

Rank #2
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
  • Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
  • Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
  • Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
  • DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
  • PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.

On Windows, Sony also supports using the DualSense with PS Remote Play to play games streamed from a PS5 or PS4, as well as with games that support generic controllers. Sony provides the PlayStation Accessories app for updating DualSense device software on PC.

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Which DualSense features work on each platform?

Basic controller input is not the same as full feature support. Sony’s qualifications for the standard DualSense are:

Rank #3
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Ultra Customizable Controls
  • Mappable Back Buttons
  • DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
  • Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
  • Adaptive triggers: Depend on game support and are not compatible with Android-based mobile devices.
  • Haptic feedback: Depends on game support; on PC it requires a USB connection. It is not compatible with Mac or mobile devices.
  • Built-in microphone and speaker: Available on Windows PC when the game supports them; not available on Mac or mobile devices.
  • Headset jack: Requires a wired connection on PC and Mac, and is not compatible with mobile devices.

Even on a supported Windows PC, a game must support a feature for it to work. Pairing the controller does not enable every DualSense function in every title.

Switching between saved devices

The DualSense can retain up to four pairings. Sony’s instructions let you assign a pairing slot using an action button together with PS, then switch to that slot by holding the corresponding action button and PS for about three seconds. If the controller is connected to a PS5, Sony says you cannot switch it from Mac or mobile-device settings; use the controller buttons instead. See Sony’s pairing and switching instructions for the button sequence.

Rank #4
AceGamer 2 Pack for PS4 Controller, Wireless Controller for PS4/Pro/Slim/PC, with Non-Slip Grip of Both Sides and USB-C Cable! (Black and White)
  • 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
  • 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
  • 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
  • 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
  • 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What about DUALSHOCK 4 and DualSense Edge?

Other PlayStation controllers have their own requirements and feature limits. Do not assume that the standard DualSense compatibility list applies to them.

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Controller Sony-documented OS minimums Connection and feature notes
DUALSHOCK 4 Android 10; iOS 13; iPadOS 13; macOS Catalina; tvOS 13 or later For Windows USB use, Sony names a DUALSHOCK 4 USB wireless adaptor or compatible micro-USB cable. Over Bluetooth, touchpad support, light-bar color changes, rumble, motion sensor, and headphone-jack audio have limitations.
DualSense Edge Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11; macOS Ventura 13.3; iOS 16.4; iPadOS 16.4; tvOS 16.4 or later Bluetooth and USB are listed; game and device limitations still apply.

For the full qualifications, consult Sony’s DUALSHOCK 4 guidance and Sony’s DualSense Edge guidance.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback; Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
$74.00
Bestseller No. 2
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.; Devices with macOS 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 or tvOS 14.5 or later supported.
$58.00
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
Ultra Customizable Controls; Mappable Back Buttons; DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
$199.00
Best Value
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Marvel’s Wolverine Battle Yellow Limited Edition
  • Bring gaming worlds to life, Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Find your voice, share your passion, chat online with the built in microphone (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
  • Multi-device connectivity, connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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