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Usually, no: one standard PS Remote Play session on a phone, tablet, PC, Mac, Android TV device, or PlayStation Portal does not have documented support for two independently controlled players using two controllers paired to that same device. There are exceptions and workarounds: Sony supports additional players joining PS5-to-PS5 Remote Play, and a second controller connected directly to the host console may work in some local multiplayer games.
What do you mean by “two controllers”?
The answer depends on where each controller connects and whether the players need separate characters or accounts.
| Setup | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Two controllers paired to one phone or tablet | Not a generally documented feature of the standard Remote Play app. |
| Two controllers connected to one PC or Mac Remote Play session | Sony’s setup documentation does not describe this as a supported two-player configuration. |
| One controller connected to the Remote Play device, another directly to the host PS5 or PS4 | A possible, game- and account-dependent workaround for local multiplayer; not a guaranteed general Remote Play feature. |
| Additional players joining from a PS5 used as the Remote Play client | Sony documents this method, with up to three additional players able to join. |
| Two controllers operating as one player | PS5 Assist Controller supports this, but it is not multiplayer. |
A console’s ability to connect multiple controllers does not mean every Remote Play client can send multiple independent player inputs. The constraint is the client session and how it is documented—not a blanket inability of PS5 or PS4 consoles to use more than one controller. Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers for Remote Play, but does not describe general two-controller pairing to one standard client device. See Sony’s Remote Play overview.
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Can two people play through one phone, computer, or PlayStation Portal?
Not as two independently paired controllers through one standard client session, based on Sony’s published setup guidance. That applies to a phone or tablet, PC or Mac, compatible Android TV device, and Portal. Connecting a second Bluetooth controller to a phone does not make the app a documented two-player hub.
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Portal has integrated DualSense-style controls and is a dedicated Remote Play client, not a documented multi-controller hub. A second controller connected directly to the host PS5 may still be worth trying as the workaround below, but Portal itself does not provide a documented mode for pairing two independent controllers.
Two phones are not a reliable substitute: Sony’s standard documentation does not describe two simultaneous mobile Remote Play sessions controlling one host console for local multiplayer. The documented route for independently joining players remotely is PS5-to-PS5 Remote Play.
Try a second controller connected directly to the host console
This may work when Player 1 uses Remote Play and Player 2’s controller is paired directly with the host PS5 or PS4. It relies on the console’s local controller and user behavior; Sony does not present it as a universal Remote Play feature. The game must support local multiplayer, and account assignment can affect the result.
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- 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.
- Create or confirm a second user profile on the host console.
- Start Remote Play with the primary account and connect the first controller to the Remote Play device.
- Launch a game that supports local multiplayer.
- Pair the second controller directly to the host console, not to the phone, computer, or other Remote Play client.
- Press the PS button on the second controller and sign in to the second profile or a guest account.
- Join the game as Player 2. If it does not recognize the second player, restart the game after both users are signed in, or test another local multiplayer title.
If the Remote Play session disconnects or the second controller takes over the wrong account, check that the second controller is using a different profile from the Remote Play session. Results can vary by game, console generation, and setup. A game that supports only online multiplayer will not become a local multiplayer game through Remote Play.
Use PS5-to-PS5 Remote Play for documented added-player support
Sony documents a multiplayer procedure in which one PS5 streams to a second PS5 used as the client. This is distinct from connecting two controllers to one phone or Portal.
- Use two PS5 consoles: one host and one client.
- Sign in to the same PlayStation account on both consoles to establish the initial Remote Play connection.
- Start Remote Play from the client PS5 and connect to the host.
- Have additional players sign in on the client PS5.
- Each added player presses the Options button on their controller to join.
Sony says up to three additional players can join in this documented mode. The player who started Remote Play controls the session; if that player quits, the session ends for those who joined. Microphone use is unavailable during multiplayer games in this mode. See Sony’s PS5-to-PS5 Remote Play instructions.
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PS4 users: Sony’s Xperia multiplayer exception
Sony’s PS4 support article describes a specific setup: one player uses an Xperia device for Remote Play, while another uses a device connected directly to the PS4, such as a DUALSHOCK 4. Sony specifies one Xperia device and one directly connected DUALSHOCK 4 for this arrangement, and requires both PSN IDs to be registered on the PS4. This is not a general two-phone solution. The article was last modified January 22, 2026. Read Sony’s PS4 Remote Play multiplayer guidance.
Assist Controller lets two controllers control one player
PS5 Assist Controller combines inputs from two controllers so they operate the same account as one controller. It can help someone navigate a game, support accessibility, or let another person assist with a difficult section. It does not assign one controller to Player 1 and the other to Player 2, so it is not a solution for two-player co-op.
- On PS5, open Settings.
- Select Accessibility.
- Select Controllers.
- Select Use Second Controller for Assistance.
- Turn on Use Assist Controller.
Sony introduced the feature globally in September 2023. Details are in the PlayStation accessibility update.
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Controller and device requirements
Sony lists the DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers for standard Remote Play, subject to device and system compatibility. The controller’s connection requirements vary by client:
- Windows PC and Mac: Sony’s current setup instructions require connecting the controller by USB.
- iPhone and iPad: DUALSHOCK 4 support starts with iOS 14; DualSense support starts with iOS 14.5.
- Android: DUALSHOCK 4 support starts with Android 10; DualSense support starts with Android 12.
- Android TV and Chromecast with Google TV: Sony lists compatible devices running Android TV OS 12 or later.
- PlayStation Portal: The controls are built in.
Some functions—including haptics, adaptive triggers, motion sensing, audio, and microphone features—may be unavailable depending on the client device. Sony also excludes games that require PS VR or PS VR2, or additional peripherals beyond supported controllers. Check Sony’s device and game compatibility information before troubleshooting a specific title.
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- Check the account: Sign the second controller into another user profile or guest account rather than the account being used for Remote Play.
- Check the game mode: Confirm the game supports local multiplayer and that Player 2 can join in the current mode.
- Check where the controller is paired: For the host-console workaround, pair the second controller directly to the PS5 or PS4. A controller paired to a phone or computer is not automatically available to the host.
- Check registration on PS4: In Sony’s Xperia arrangement, both PSN IDs must be registered on the PS4.
- Update software: Update the console system software and Remote Play app, then restart the app and game.
- Check title requirements: A game requiring unsupported peripherals or VR equipment may not work through Remote Play.
- Check the network: Sony lists 5 Mbps as the minimum broadband speed and recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better experience. These are streaming figures, not a guarantee of multiplayer or controller compatibility; a wired connection for the host is preferable where possible.
Sony’s PC and Mac connection steps are: enable Remote Play on the console, connect the controller to the computer by USB, launch PS Remote Play, sign in with the same PlayStation account used on the console, choose PS5 or PS4, then start the game. The console paths to enable it are PS5: Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play and PS4: Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Enable Remote Play. See Sony’s PC and Mac instructions.
Quick Recap
Which setup makes the most sense?
- One person playing away from the TV: Use a supported phone, tablet, PC, Mac, Android TV device, or Portal with one controller.
- Two people in the same room: The simplest option is to connect both controllers directly to the console and play on a nearby display. If that is not practical, try the direct-to-host workaround, understanding it is not guaranteed.
- Two or more players needing independent controls through Remote Play: Use the documented PS5-to-PS5 method if you have access to a client PS5 and the game supports the relevant multiplayer mode.
- Two people in different locations: Use the game’s online multiplayer if available; Remote Play does not itself create a second independent mobile-client connection.
- Two controllers for assistance: Use Assist Controller on PS5, with the understanding that both inputs belong to one player.
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