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If your DualSense controller won’t connect to your PS5, connect it to the console with a USB cable and press the PS button. If that fails, reset the controller, reconnect it by USB, and check for software updates. These steps apply specifically to DualSense; other PlayStation controllers may use different pairing or reset instructions.
Reconnect the controller with a USB cable
- Turn on the PS5.
- Connect the DualSense controller to the console with the USB cable supplied with the controller.
- Press the PS button. The light bar should blink, then the player indicator should light when pairing succeeds.
- If the controller has enough charge, unplug the cable and try using it wirelessly.
These are PlayStation’s recommended pairing steps. PlayStation Controllers Support and its DualSense troubleshooting guide specify connecting by USB and pressing PS.
Pair an additional controller from PS5 Settings
If another controller already works with the console, use it to pair the one that won’t connect:
- On the working controller, open Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
- On the second DualSense, hold Create and PS together until its light bar blinks.
- Select the controller displayed on the PS5 screen.
PlayStation’s DualSense connection instructions say a controller can be paired with only one PS5 at a time. If you have used it with another PS5, pair it with the intended console again.
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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.
Reset the DualSense, then pair it again
- Turn off the PS5 and disconnect the controller from any USB cable.
- Find the small reset button on the back of the controller. Use a pin or similar tool to press and hold it for at least five seconds.
- Reconnect the controller to the PS5 using the official USB cable and press the PS button.
This is a controller reset, not a factory reset that erases user data. PlayStation says it does not reconfigure the controller or affect pairing settings. The five-second instruction is in the PlayStation DualSense troubleshooting guide.
If USB pairing still fails
Try another cable and USB port
Retry with the supplied cable if available. If you suspect it is faulty, try another known data-capable USB cable and a different PS5 USB port. This is a practical troubleshooting check; PlayStation’s cited instructions require a USB connection but do not specify a cable diagnostic procedure or a particular cable specification.
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- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Update PS5 and controller software
If you can operate the console with another controller, check for a PS5 system software update. PlayStation adds DualSense controller software updates with PS5 system software updates. You can also check Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.
Use PlayStation Repairs if the problem continues
If resetting, reconnecting, and updating do not restore the connection, use PlayStation’s support and repair service for diagnostics. A connection problem alone does not establish which hardware component, if any, has failed.
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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
What to know about controller pairing
- A DualSense controller pairs with one PS5 console at a time; pair it again when switching consoles.
- PlayStation says up to four controllers can be used at once.
- The instructions here are for DualSense. Confirm your controller model before using model-specific reset directions.
These limits are listed in PlayStation’s Controllers Support information and its DualSense connection guide.
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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.
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