The short answer: you cannot complete the first pairing between a DUALSHOCK 4 and a PS4 without a USB cable. PlayStation’s published instructions require USB for that step. What you can avoid is the cable for everyday play. Once a controller is paired, you unplug it and use it wirelessly. If your controller was already paired to this console, the first thing to try is turning on the PS4 and pressing the PS button.
Which situation you are in
The right route depends on whether the controller has ever been paired to this specific PS4. A DUALSHOCK 4 pairs with one console at a time, so a controller that worked on a friend’s PS4 or a previous console will need pairing again.
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| Situation | What to do | Status of this step |
|---|---|---|
| New controller, or first use with this PS4 | Connect with a USB cable, then press PS | Required by PlayStation’s PS4 pairing instructions (PlayStation Support, DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller support) |
| Already paired to this PS4 | Turn on the PS4, then press PS on the controller | Practical guidance. The official pages do not guarantee the controller reconnects this way. |
| Previously paired to a different PS4 | Pair it to the new console with the USB procedure | Official. A controller pairs with only one console at a time. |
| Phone, tablet, PC, Mac, or other supported device | Hold SHARE and PS together, then select the controller from that device’s Bluetooth list | Official for supported other devices. PlayStation does not describe this as a way to pair with a PS4. |
The official pairing procedure
PlayStation’s PS4 Quick Start Guide (Sony Interactive Entertainment, 2019) describes the same sequence used on current support pages:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Turn on the PS4.
- Connect the DUALSHOCK 4 to the PS4 with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button. The controller pairs and turns on.
- Disconnect the cable. The Quick Start Guide states: “After you’ve paired your controller, you can disconnect the USB cable and use your controller wirelessly.”
One PS4 supports up to four controllers, according to PlayStation Support. The support page reviewed does not state a publication year.
#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
If the controller will not reconnect
Start with the simple check: with the PS4 on, press PS on the controller. If it does not respond, PlayStation’s troubleshooting guide (PlayStation Support, “How to troubleshoot DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller issues (US)”) recommends a reset. The reset is a troubleshooting step, not a wireless bypass, because the procedure still ends with USB pairing.
- Turn off the PS4 and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Disconnect the controller.
- Press and hold the small reset button on the back of the controller for at least five seconds.
- Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button.
If the controller still fails after the reset, the fault is more likely hardware. A replacement DUALSHOCK 4 would still need the same USB pairing on first use.
Rank #2
- 🎮【Kind Remind】- Fully compatible with PS4/PS4 pro/Slim. USB wired connection supports PC(Windows 7/8/10/11). With this controller, you can enjoy games in multiple platforms. (Note: you need to activate device with the USB cable in the package for the first connection.)
- 🎮【Support for Built-in Vibration Function】 The game controller has two built-in motion motors, which give you different intensity feedback and a more realistic game experience.
- 🎮【New Way to Play】- The clickable touch pad and integrated light bar offer you a new way to play games. Additionally, 3.5mm audio jack supports compatible headphone.You can enjoy volume controls located directly on the controller and don’t need to worry about disturbing others.is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】- The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Customer Service】- We have a reliable after-sale service team. If you have any problems with the product once it arrives or if you have any questions about the product, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team via Amazon e-mail.
What the evidence does and does not establish
PlayStation’s current support pages and the 2019 PS4 Quick Start Guide are the primary sources for this topic. Neither describes a wireless-only method for the first pairing between a controller and a PS4. Any claim that a PS4 controller can be paired without a cable should be treated as unsupported unless PlayStation publishes a new procedure. The reconnect suggestion for an already-paired controller is practical guidance, not a guaranteed procedure.
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The SHARE plus PS combination is a separate feature. It places the controller in Bluetooth pairing mode for supported phones, computers, and other devices. Using it does not add the controller to a PS4.
Rank #3
- 🎮【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!
Frequently confused terms
- Pairing means the one-time link between a controller and a specific console. It is the step that requires USB.
- Connecting wirelessly means using the controller after pairing, with the cable removed.
- Bluetooth pairing mode applies to other devices. It is not the PS4 pairing procedure.
Keeping these three apart explains most of the confusion around this topic.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🎮【Attention】It's compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. When you are connecting it to game console for the first time, you need to use the charge cable in the package. When you are connecting it to PC, you need to hold down 'share + home' for 3 seconds. The controller's white light would flash, and you'll see the controller on your PC, which has the BT name 'wireless controller'.
- 🎮【Unique Design】The Galaxy design is inspired by the designer's love for the vast universe, different colors of nebulae accompanied by meteorites, if you use it at night, with a little light, then, you are not only holding the controller, but the whole universe.
- 🎮【Custom Process】The galaxy design are printed on the controller shell by water transfer process. They are not cheap stickers. We apply a smooth hand feel oil to the surface to ensure that hand sweat will not erode it.
- 🎮【Turbo Function】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：1x Controller for PS4;1x USB-C Charge Cable;1x User Manual. AceGamer specializes in providing customized controllers for game lovers. No matter what problem you encounter, please leave us a message, we will reply to you within 24 hours.
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
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