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You can pair an additional DualSense controller to a PS5 wirelessly if another controller is already paired and can navigate the console. For the first pairing, Sony’s standard instructions require connecting the controller with a USB cable; after it is paired and charged, you can unplug it and play wirelessly.
Which setup applies to you?
| Your situation | What Sony documents |
|---|---|
| This is the first controller being paired with the PS5 | Connect it to the console with a USB cable, then press the PS button. Sony’s standard instructions do not provide a cable-free first-pairing procedure. PlayStation Support |
| You have another controller already paired and working | Pair the additional controller wirelessly from the PS5’s Bluetooth Accessories menu. PlayStation Support |
Pair an additional controller without a cable
Use the controller that is already paired to operate the PS5 menus. The controller you want to add should not be connected to the console by USB.
- On the PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
- On the additional controller, check that the player indicator is off. If it is lit, hold the PS button until it turns off.
- Press and hold the Create button and the PS button on the additional controller at the same time. Its light bar will blink as it enters pairing mode.
- When the controller appears in the Bluetooth Accessories list, select it using the controller that is already paired.
The added controller’s light bar blinks during pairing; when pairing completes, its player indicator lights up. These steps are Sony’s documented wireless procedure for adding another controller. PlayStation Support: DualSense connection guide
If this is the first controller for the PS5
Sony’s standard first-pairing procedure uses a USB cable. Turn on the console, connect the controller to it with the included cable, then press the PS button if the controller is off. The light bar blinks and the player indicator lights when the connection is established. Once the controller has enough battery, disconnect the cable to use it wirelessly. PlayStation Support
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#1 Best Overall
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
If you no longer have the included cable, Sony’s manual recommends using it and warns that not all USB cables function properly. A replacement must support data as well as charging; check the ports on your specific controller and console before choosing a cable. Sony does not describe a replacement cable as a way to avoid the cable step for first pairing. DualSense Wireless Controller Instruction Manual
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Controller pairing limits
Sony says a controller can be paired with only one PS5 console at a time, and up to four controllers can be used simultaneously. If you are moving a controller from another console, account for that one-console pairing limit. PlayStation Support
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Wireless Controller: The controller connects wirelessly via Bluetooth for convenience.
- DualSense Technology: Features advanced haptic feedback and adaptive trigger buttons for immersive gaming.
- Gray Camouflage Design: Stylish and unique design with a gray camouflage pattern.
- 17 Buttons: Includes 12 main buttons and 5 customizable buttons for versatile gameplay.
- PlayStation 5 Compatible: Works with all PlayStation 5 games and accessories.
Rank #3
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Rank #2
- 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.
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