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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf a DualSense controller won’t connect to your PS5, connect it to the powered-on console with a USB cable and press the PS button. If that does not work, reset the controller, reconnect it by USB, and check for software updates. The steps below cover the DualSense; reset instructions can differ for other PlayStation controllers.
1. Pair the controller with a USB cable
Turn on the PS5, connect the DualSense to it with the USB cable that came with the controller, then press the PS button. PlayStation says the light bar blinks during pairing and the player indicator lights when pairing succeeds. If the controller has charge, unplug the cable and try using it wirelessly. See PlayStation’s controller support instructions.
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If pairing fails, try the supplied cable again, a different PS5 USB port, or another cable you know can transfer data. This is a practical troubleshooting check: PlayStation’s pairing instructions require a USB connection but do not specify a cable diagnostic procedure.
2. Pair an additional controller from Settings
If another controller already works with the console, use it to pair the one that will not connect:
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- 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 the PS5, open Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
- On the controller you want to add, hold Create and PS together until the light bar blinks.
- Select the controller when it appears on the PS5 screen.
These steps are for adding a second controller; PlayStation describes the USB method as the standard way to connect a DualSense to a PS5. See PlayStation’s DualSense connection guide.
3. Reset the DualSense, then reconnect it
If USB pairing does not work, reset the controller. PlayStation’s troubleshooting instructions specify holding the rear reset button for at least five seconds.
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- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
- Turn off the PS5 and disconnect the controller from USB.
- Use a pin or similar tool to press and hold the small reset button on the back of the controller for at least five seconds.
- Reconnect the controller to the PS5 with the USB cable and press the PS button.
This is a controller reset, not a factory reset that erases user data. PlayStation’s US support overview says the reset does not reconfigure the controller or affect its pairing settings. See PlayStation’s DualSense troubleshooting instructions.
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If you can operate the console with another controller, update the PS5 system software. DualSense controller software updates are added with PS5 system software updates. PlayStation also lists a manual controller software update option at Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software. Menu labels may vary with system software changes.
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- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
5. Check whether the controller was paired with another PS5
A DualSense can be paired with only one PS5 console at a time. If you recently used it with a different PS5, connect it to the console you want to use with USB and press PS to pair it again. PlayStation says up to four controllers can be used at once on a PS5; that limit does not mean one controller can remain paired to multiple consoles simultaneously. Details are in PlayStation’s controller support overview and its DualSense connection guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to contact PlayStation Repairs
If the controller still will not pair after a reset, USB reconnection, and software checks, use PlayStation Repairs for diagnosis. The connection problem alone does not establish that a particular internal component has failed.
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- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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- 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.
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