How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 14, 2022

This wikiHow will teach you how to connect a PS4 controller to a PS5. You can only use the PS4 pad to play PS4 games on PS5, which means you cannot use your DualShock 4 to play any PS5 games. Since the newer system has updated sensors and features, you'll need to get the PS5 controller to play any PS5 games.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Connecting with a Cable

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Use the charging cable that came with your PS4 controller (it's a micro-USB connection, which is easy enough to find at any electronics retailer like Best Buy or Amazon). The charging cables that come with PS5 controllers are different cables (they are USB-C cables and won't fit the USB ports on the PS4 controllers).^{[1]
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On your PlayStation 5, you'll see a list of all the profiles logged into the system. Navigate to the profile you want to use and press the x button.

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You only needed the cable for the immediate connection from your controller to your console, but you can continue without it.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connecting Wirelessly

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1
Go to Settings on your PlayStation 5 console. You need to be able to navigate through menus to connect your PS4 controller wirelessly.
- You can get to the gear icon in the top right corner by using the thumbstick and pressing the x button.
It's usually near the bottom of the Settings menu next to an icon of an external keyboard and controller.
You'll see a list of your connected devices under "Registered accessories" as well as any disconnected or unpaired devices under "Accessories found."
4
Put your PS4 controller in pairing mode. To do this, press the share button (it's in the top left corner of the controller) and the PlayStation button (PS button centered at the bottom of the controller) together. The light on the back of the controller will flash to indicate that it's in pairing mode.
- Once the PS4 controller is in pairing mode, it will appear on your screen under "Accessories found."
You'll need to do this on the controller that's already connected to your PS5.
Once you agree to connect the controller, you'll be able to use it in the next step.
Navigate to the profile you want to use and press the x button and that remote is now tied to that profile.^{[3]
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