To put a Sony DUALSHOCK 4 into Bluetooth pairing mode, turn it off, unplug its USB cable, then hold SHARE and press and hold PS while continuing to hold SHARE. When the light bar flashes, open Bluetooth settings on the device you want to use and select Wireless Controller.
This guide covers the DUALSHOCK 4, the PS4 controller with a SHARE button. If yours has a Create button instead, it is a PS5 DualSense and uses different pairing instructions.
Before you start: identify the controller and connection you need
Bluetooth pairing mode makes the DUALSHOCK 4 discoverable to a new device, such as a phone, computer, or Apple TV. It is different from turning the controller on normally, charging it, connecting it to a PS4 by USB, or resetting it.
- DUALSHOCK 4: The PS4 controller with a SHARE button. Use SHARE + PS for Bluetooth pairing with another device.
- DualSense: The PS5 controller with a Create button. Its Bluetooth pairing uses Create + PS; see PlayStation’s DualSense pairing instructions.
- Third-party controllers: PS4-compatible models may use different controls, so these DUALSHOCK 4 steps may not apply.
If you want to pair the controller directly with a PS4 console, skip to Pair it with a PS4 console. That process uses a USB cable and the PS button, not SHARE + PS.
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- 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.
Put a DUALSHOCK 4 into Bluetooth pairing mode
- Turn off the controller. If its player indicator is lit, hold the PS button until the indicator turns off.
- Disconnect the USB cable. The controller should be unplugged for this Bluetooth-pairing sequence.
- Hold SHARE.
- While holding SHARE, press and hold PS. Keep both buttons held until the light bar flashes.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the phone, computer, or other target device.
- Select “Wireless Controller.” That is the usual name shown in the device list.
The flashing light bar indicates that the controller is discoverable. During connection, the light bar blinks; when connected, the player indicator lights up. PlayStation’s full DUALSHOCK 4 pairing guidance covers Bluetooth and USB use with supported devices.
Pairing menu paths by device
The controller-side steps are the same on supported devices: turn it off, disconnect USB, hold SHARE, then hold PS until the light bar flashes. From there, use the device’s Bluetooth menu and select Wireless Controller. Menu labels can vary by device and operating-system version.
Windows PC
Turn on Bluetooth in Windows, open the Bluetooth device-adding screen, and select Wireless Controller when it appears. Bluetooth hardware and game support vary between PCs and titles; PlayStation does not state one universal Bluetooth compatibility guarantee for every Windows configuration. If Bluetooth is unavailable or unreliable, a compatible micro-USB data cable is another option. A charge-only cable may power the controller without carrying the data needed for PC communication.
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.
Sony also documented its DUALSHOCK 4 USB Wireless Adaptor for compatible PC and Mac applications. Its manual says the adaptor must be paired with the controller before first use and supports one controller paired to the adaptor. Current availability is variable, so it is not a necessary purchase for ordinary Bluetooth pairing.
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Mac
Open Bluetooth settings, put the DUALSHOCK 4 into pairing mode, and choose Wireless Controller. macOS support does not guarantee that every Mac game or application accepts the controller.
iPhone or iPad
Open Bluetooth settings, start pairing mode, and select Wireless Controller. PlayStation lists iOS 13 or later and iPadOS 13 or later as minimums for DUALSHOCK 4 support; individual games and apps still need to support controller input.
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!
Android
Open Bluetooth settings and select Wireless Controller after the light bar begins flashing. PlayStation lists Android 10 or later, but compatibility and available functions can depend on the device and app.
Apple TV
Open Bluetooth settings in the Apple TV’s device settings, put the DUALSHOCK 4 into pairing mode, and choose Wireless Controller. PlayStation lists tvOS 13 or later for DUALSHOCK 4 support.
Pair it with a PS4 console
To register the controller with a PS4, connect it to the console with a compatible USB cable and press the PS button. Wait for the light bar to blink and the player indicator to illuminate; after the controller is paired and sufficiently charged, you can unplug it for wireless play. PlayStation says one DUALSHOCK 4 can be paired with only one console at a time, while one PS4 can support up to four controllers simultaneously. See PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 4 console support.
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)
What Bluetooth pairing does—and does not—confirm
A controller appearing in Bluetooth settings confirms only that the device has recognized it. There are three separate checks if it does not work as expected:
- Bluetooth: Does the operating system show the controller as connected?
- Input: Does the device respond when you press buttons?
- Game or app: Does that specific software support DUALSHOCK 4 input?
Some PC games display Xbox-style prompts even when another controller is connected. Others require controller support to be enabled, or may accept the controller only over USB. PlayStation describes use with compatible games and applications rather than universal game support.
Bluetooth feature limits
PlayStation documents limitations on non-Xperia devices: the touchpad, rumble, motion sensing, light-bar color control, and headphone-jack audio may not be available over Bluetooth. Sony identifies Xperia devices as an exception where all functions are available. Feature support elsewhere depends on the platform and application.
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.
Troubleshoot pairing problems
The light bar does not flash
- Make sure the controller is off before starting; the player indicator should be dark.
- Unplug the USB cable.
- Hold SHARE first, then press and hold PS without releasing SHARE.
- Check that the controller has charge and that both buttons are being held long enough for the light bar to flash.
If ordinary pairing steps fail, use the small reset button on the back of the controller as a last resort. Resetting can disrupt its existing connection state. Follow PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 4 troubleshooting guidance rather than relying on a reset timing copied for another model.
Wireless Controller does not appear
- Turn Bluetooth off and back on on the target device.
- Remove an old Wireless Controller entry from the device’s saved Bluetooth list, then try again.
- Move the controller close to the target device and retry with the PS4 or other devices it may be reconnecting to turned off or farther away.
- Restart the target device and repeat pairing from a fully powered-off controller.
- Charge the controller and check that SHARE and PS respond normally.
The controller appears but will not connect
It may still be associated with another device, the target may have a stale Bluetooth record, the battery may be too low, or a controller or Bluetooth hardware fault may be involved. Forget the saved controller entry, restart Bluetooth, then repeat the pairing steps. If the device connects but a game does not respond, check the game’s controller settings and compatibility rather than repeating Bluetooth pairing indefinitely.
USB fallback does not work
For computer communication, try a micro-USB cable explicitly rated for data or charge-and-sync; a charging-only cable may supply power without a data connection. For PS4 registration, use a compatible USB cable and press PS. A loose or worn micro-USB port can also cause intermittent connections.
Reconnect the controller to your PS4
After using the DUALSHOCK 4 with a phone, tablet, computer, or other device, pressing PS near the console may not restore the PS4 connection. Use the reliable console-registration route:
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- Turn on the PS4.
- Connect the controller to it with a compatible USB cable.
- Press PS and wait for the controller to register.
- Remove the cable once it is paired and has enough charge for wireless use.
PlayStation’s pairing and device guidance describes reconnecting to PS4 this way after using the controller elsewhere.
Quick Recap
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