To pair a DualSense with a PS5 for the first time, connect it to the console with its USB cable and press the PS button. To pair it with a PC or phone over Bluetooth, hold Create and PS until the light bar blinks, then choose the controller in that device’s Bluetooth settings. The steps differ when reconnecting to a PS5 or switching among stored devices.
Pair a DualSense with a PS5 for the first time
- Turn on the PS5.
- Connect the controller to the console with the included USB cable.
- If the controller is off, press the PS button. The light bar blinks and the player indicator lights up when pairing is complete.
- Unplug the cable for wireless play if the controller has enough charge.
A DualSense must be paired again when you move it to a different PS5. A PS5 supports up to four controllers at once. Sony’s DualSense connection instructions cover initial setup.
Add a second controller wirelessly
If one controller is already paired, use it to open Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. On the second controller, hold Create and PS together until the light bar blinks. Select the controller in the PS5’s Bluetooth Accessories list using the first controller. Sony’s controller support guide describes this process.
Pair a DualSense with a PC or phone over Bluetooth
- Make sure the player indicator is off. If it is lit, hold PS until it turns off.
- Disconnect any USB cable from the controller.
- Hold Create, then hold PS until the light bar blinks.
- On the PC or phone, open Bluetooth settings and choose the option to add or pair a device.
- Select the controller from the available devices. Pairing is complete when the light bar blinks and the player indicator lights up.
Sony’s minimum listed operating-system versions for DualSense Bluetooth and USB connections are below. Meeting the minimum does not ensure that every game supports the controller. Sony’s PC, Mac, and mobile guide lists these requirements.
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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.
| Device | Minimum listed operating system |
|---|---|
| Windows PC | Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 |
| Mac | macOS Big Sur 11.3 |
| iPhone | iOS 14.5 |
| iPad | iPadOS 14.5 |
| Apple TV | tvOS 14.5 |
| Android device | Android 12 |
Switch between paired devices or reconnect to a PS5
Sony says a DualSense can store up to four device pairings in slots. To assign a pairing manually, hold PS together with one of the four face buttons: Triangle, Circle, Cross, or Square. Each button selects a different slot, and the controller’s light indicators show the selected slot. If all slots are occupied, the least recently used pairing is replaced. Sony’s multi-device instructions explain slot assignment.
To reconnect the controller to a PS5, connect it to the console with a compatible USB cable and press PS. Once connected, remove the cable for wireless play. Sony’s instruction is: “Each time you change devices, you must pair the controller with the new device.”
Rank #2
- 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.
What to expect from games and controller features
Pairing establishes the connection; it does not guarantee that a game or app accepts controller input or supports every DualSense feature. Support varies by platform and title.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Rank #4
- 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 with 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.
Rank #3
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
- Steam games: Check the game’s Steam store listing under Controller Support, which indicates Full or Partial Controller Support. See Sony’s PC gaming guidance.
- Haptic feedback: On PC, supported games require a USB connection for haptics. Haptics are not supported on Mac or mobile devices.
- Adaptive triggers: Not compatible with Android-based mobile devices.
- Microphone and speaker: Available on Windows PC when supported by the game.
- Headset jack: Requires a wired connection on PC and Mac; it is not compatible with mobile devices.
If the controller will not pair
- For Bluetooth pairing, confirm the controller is off and its USB cable is disconnected before holding Create and PS.
- If it still will not connect, reset the controller using Sony’s instructions in its DualSense PC and mobile support guide.
- If the issue persists after resetting, contact PlayStation Repairs through Sony’s support page.
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