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Connect the display and accessories before plugging the PS5 into AC power, use the correct USB port class, then pair the first DualSense with a USB cable and the PS button. Additional controllers pair through Bluetooth Accessories, while PULSE Elite and PULSE Explore audio devices require their PlayStation Link USB adapters.
What to prepare before connecting anything
Have the PS5 console, display cable, AC power cord, the accessory’s supplied cable or adapter, and the accessory’s manual available. Keep the console disconnected from the electrical outlet while making the initial connections. This lets you attach the display and peripherals before the console is energized.
- Use a USB cable that complies with USB standards. Sony warns that some cables do not function properly with a DualSense.
- Keep wireless-headset adapters accessible; they must remain plugged into the console during wireless use.
- For a PlayStation Camera used with a PS5, use the required adapter and a SuperSpeed USB port.
- If an accessory has its own charging case, hanger, or power unit, charge it with the supplied equipment before troubleshooting console pairing.
Know which PS5 USB port to use
PS5 consoles provide four USB ports with different speeds. The correct port matters for devices that need SuperSpeed performance; a device may be physically compatible with another connector but still fail to be recognized or operate correctly.
| Accessory | Required connection | Practical instruction |
|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | SuperSpeed USB port | Use a port identified as SuperSpeed on your console. |
| HD Camera | SuperSpeed USB port | Connect directly to a SuperSpeed port. |
| PlayStation Camera with adapter | SuperSpeed USB port | Attach the official adapter, then use SuperSpeed. |
| PS VR2 | Front SuperSpeed USB-C port | Use the front USB-C port specified for the headset. |
| Wireless-headset adapter | Any PS5 USB port | Insert the adapter into any available PS5 USB port. |
| Officially licensed specialty peripheral | Manufacturer-specified port | Follow the exact port recommendation in that accessory’s manual. |
Port labels and physical layouts can vary between PS5 console revisions. When in doubt, use the port markings on your console and the current instructions for the exact accessory model rather than relying only on the connector shape.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
First-time PS5 setup and first DualSense pairing
- Connect the display. With the PS5 still unplugged from AC power, connect it to the television or monitor using the appropriate display cable.
- Connect accessories that need the console. Attach storage, the HD Camera, PS VR2, or a headset adapter to the port class shown above. Connect only the devices you intend to use during initial setup so that any later fault is easier to isolate.
- Connect the AC cord last. After the display and accessories are connected, plug the PS5 AC cord into the console and then into an electrical outlet.
- Turn on the PS5. Use the console’s power button and wait for the startup screen.
- Connect the first DualSense by USB. Plug the controller into the PS5 with the included cable, or with another USB-standard cable known to work for data as well as charging.
- Press the PS button. The light bar blinks while pairing. When pairing completes, the player indicator lights.
- Finish console setup. For network configuration, open Settings > Network > Settings > Set up Internet Connection and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Switch to wireless play. Once the controller has sufficient battery, unplug the cable. The DualSense then communicates wirelessly with the paired console.
A DualSense can be paired with only one PS5 console at a time. If you use it with a different PS5, repeat the USB-cable pairing procedure on that console.
How to pair a second DualSense controller
Keep the first, already working controller connected wirelessly or by cable. It provides the input needed to open the pairing menu for the second controller.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
- On controller 1, open Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
- On controller 2, press and hold Create + PS together.
- Release the buttons when the second controller’s light bar begins blinking.
- Select the blinking controller in the Bluetooth Accessories list on screen.
- After pairing completes, assign the controller to the intended player when the PS5 prompts you.
If the second controller does not appear, connect it temporarily with a known-good USB-standard cable and press its PS button while the console is on. A failed wireless search is often a pairing-state or cable problem rather than a defective console.
How to charge a DualSense correctly
Connect the controller to the PS5 with a compliant USB cable. While the PS5 is in use or in rest mode, the DualSense light bar slowly blinks orange during charging. Sony’s DualSense instruction manual states: “When charging is complete, the light bar turns off.”
Rank #3
- 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
To charge while the PS5 is in rest mode, first enable the console option that supplies power to USB ports during rest mode. The wording and location of that setting can change with system software, so use the current on-console User’s Guide if the option is not immediately visible.
- If there is no orange blinking light, reseat both ends of the cable and try another USB port.
- If the controller charges from a wall adapter but not from the PS5, test a different USB-standard cable; some cables provide power but do not work correctly for the controller.
- Do not assume that a cable is suitable merely because its plug fits. Sony specifically cautions that not all cables function properly.
Connect a wireless headset
Sony’s general wireless-headset procedure is consistent across compatible models: charge the headset with its supplied USB cable, insert its wireless adapter into the PS5, turn on the headset, and wait for the headset indicator to become solid blue. The adapter can use any PS5 USB port.
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 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.
PULSE Elite
- Insert the included PlayStation Link USB adapter into a PS5 USB Type-A port.
- Press the headset’s PlayStation Link button.
- Wait for a solid blue indicator on the headset and a solid white indicator on the USB adapter.
Those indicator states show that the headset and adapter have completed their connection. If either light does not reach the expected state, charge the headset and reseat the adapter before repeating the pairing action.
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- Leave both earbuds inside their charging case.
- Insert the PlayStation Link USB adapter into the PS5.
- Remove both earbuds from the case.
- Wait for the adapter indicator to turn solid white.
Removing only one earbud or taking them out before inserting the adapter can leave the connection sequence incomplete. Put both earbuds back in the case and repeat the order if the adapter does not show a solid white light.
Best Value
- Bring gaming worlds to life, Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Find your voice, share your passion, chat online with the built in microphone (Available when feature is supported by game)
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Multi-device connectivity, connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices
Set up cameras, storage, and other accessories
HD Camera and PlayStation Camera
Connect an HD Camera to a SuperSpeed USB port. A PlayStation Camera requires its adapter and also belongs on a SuperSpeed port. If the camera is not detected, move it to the required port class before changing software settings.
USB extended storage
Use a SuperSpeed USB port for USB extended storage. The console must be able to maintain the required USB performance; a slower port can prevent recognition even when the drive’s connector fits.
PS VR2
Connect PS VR2 to the front SuperSpeed USB-C port. Because this is a specified port rather than an interchangeable USB location, check the console’s front-panel labeling before connecting the headset.
Specialty peripherals and official documentation
For licensed specialty accessories, follow the manufacturer’s port and setup instructions. Sony’s official manuals index includes documentation for the DualSense Charging Station, HD Camera, Media Remote, Disc Drive, Vertical Stand, PlayStation Link USB Adapter, PULSE Elite wireless charging hanger, and other PS5 accessories. The manual for the exact model is the authoritative place for its power, charging, and connection sequence.
Connection and charging comparison
| Accessory | Connection method | Console port or adapter | Power or charging information | Manual status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DualSense | USB for first pairing; wireless afterward | USB cable to the PS5 | USB charging; rest-mode USB power must be enabled for rest-mode charging | Dedicated DualSense instructions |
| Additional DualSense | Bluetooth pairing through the console menu, with USB fallback | Bluetooth Accessories menu or USB cable | Same DualSense charging procedure | Dedicated DualSense instructions |
| PULSE Elite | PlayStation Link | Included PlayStation Link USB adapter in a USB Type-A port | Charge with the supplied USB cable | Dedicated headset instructions |
| PULSE Explore | PlayStation Link | Included PlayStation Link USB adapter | Earbuds charge in their case; adapter connection is required | Dedicated earbud instructions |
| HD Camera | USB | SuperSpeed USB port | Not stated in the cited setup guidance | Dedicated camera instructions |
| USB extended storage | USB | SuperSpeed USB port | Not stated in the cited setup guidance | Storage instructions and console guide |
| PS VR2 | USB-C connection | Front SuperSpeed USB-C port | Not stated in the cited setup guidance | Dedicated PS VR2 instructions |
Troubleshoot PS5 accessory problems
The first DualSense will not pair
- Turn the PS5 on before pressing the controller’s PS button.
- Reconnect the controller with a known-good USB-standard cable.
- Try another PS5 USB port, then press PS again.
- If the controller was recently used with another PS5, repeat the wired pairing process because one DualSense pairs with only one PS5 at a time.
The controller will not charge
- Look for the slowly blinking orange light while charging.
- Reseat the cable and test a different compliant cable.
- For rest-mode charging, confirm that USB power during rest mode is enabled.
- When the battery is full, the light bar turns off.
An accessory is not recognized
- Move USB extended storage or a camera to a SuperSpeed port.
- Connect PS VR2 to the front SuperSpeed USB-C port.
- For an accessory with a dedicated adapter, reseat the adapter and verify that it is fully inserted.
- For licensed specialty equipment, follow the port recommendation in its model-specific manual.
The wireless headset does not connect
- Charge the headset or place both PULSE Explore earbuds in their case and charge them.
- Remove and reinsert the PlayStation Link USB adapter.
- Repeat the model-specific button sequence and wait for the expected solid indicator color.
- If the adapter still does not connect, test another PS5 USB port; headset adapters are permitted in any PS5 USB port.
When to check the on-console guide
Use the current PS5 User’s Guide and the manual for the exact accessory model when a menu label, firmware behavior, or power detail differs from these steps. The cited instructions do not establish one universal PS5 firmware version, console revision, television model, or regional power standard, so those details should be verified for your hardware and location.
Quick Recap
Final setup checklist
- Display connected before AC power is applied.
- Camera and USB storage placed in SuperSpeed ports.
- PS VR2 connected to the front SuperSpeed USB-C port.
- First DualSense paired by USB cable and the PS button.
- Second controller paired from Bluetooth Accessories with Create + PS.
- Rest-mode USB power enabled if you want to charge a controller while the console sleeps.
- Wireless-headset adapter inserted and the correct model-specific indicator sequence completed.
- Exact accessory manual consulted for model, firmware, and regional differences.
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