PS4 controller to phone · Connect guide
How to connect a PS4 controller to your phone
Sources checked · how we check
A DUALSHOCK 4 pairs with a phone like any Bluetooth accessory. Put it into pairing mode with the SHARE and PS buttons, then select it in the phone's Bluetooth settings.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Check your phone's software: PlayStation lists Android 10, iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 or later.
- Make sure the controller's player indicator is off. If it's on, press and hold the PS button until it turns off.
Source: PlayStation: use DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers with PC, Mac, Android and iOS
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Put the controller in pairing mode
Hold SHARE → press and hold PS until the light bar flashes
- While pressing and holding the SHARE button, press and hold the PS button.
- Keep holding until the light bar flashes.
Source: PlayStation: use DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers with PC, Mac, Android and iOS
Android phone
Swipe down → touch and hold Bluetooth → Pair new device
- With the controller in pairing mode, swipe down from the top of the screen and touch and hold Bluetooth.
- Tap Pair new device, then tap the controller in the list.
Source: Google: find and set up Bluetooth devices near your Android device
iPhone or iPad
Settings → Bluetooth → tap the controller
- With the controller in pairing mode, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth.
- Tap the controller when it appears.
Source: Apple: connect a third-party Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad
Use it with your PS4 again
Connect by USB cable → press the PS button
- Connect the controller to the console with a compatible USB cable.
- Press the PS button. You can then unplug the cable and use the controller wirelessly.
Source: PlayStation: use DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers with PC, Mac, Android and iOS
If it still won't connect
If the controller doesn't appear, check the player indicator was off before you started, then hold SHARE and PS again until the light bar flashes. Some features don't work over Bluetooth on phones other than Sony Xperia: the touchpad, light bar colour, rumble, motion sensor and headphone jack.
Source: PlayStation: use DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers with PC, Mac, Android and iOS
Frequently asked questions
Does a PS4 controller work with any phone?
PlayStation lists Android 10, iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 or later as the supported versions.
Why doesn't vibration or the touchpad work on my phone?
PlayStation says the touchpad, rumble, motion sensor, light bar colour and headphone jack aren't supported over Bluetooth on devices other than Sony Xperia.