How to connect a PS5 controller to any device

Let’s be honest, when it comes to gaming, the PS5 DualSense controller is the best there is. From its haptic feedback to the adaptive triggers, there’s no better controller for an immersive experience. Therefore, you may want to use it for other devices besides the PS5 console. Here’s how to connect the PS5 controller to any device, from PC to even Sony’s rival console, Xbox.

Read more: The best PlayStation 5 accessories you can buy

How to connect PS5 controller to PC or Mac

There are two ways to connect a PS5 controller to your PC or Mac computer. The first is by using the USB-C to USB-A cable packaged with the PS5 console. Unfortunately, if you bought the controller by itself, it doesn’t come with the cable, but you can get one from Amazon for $7.

Alternatively, if your computer has a USB-C port, you could use a USB-C cable. Plug the cable into a spare USB port on your PC or Mac, and Windows or Mac will automatically detect the controller. However, it may appear in some odd sections, such as under Audio.

The second method uses Bluetooth pairing, which is convenient if you have a Bluetooth receiver built into your computer. If it doesn’t have one, here’s a Bluetooth dongle from TP-link for $10.

Once you’re all set, open the Bluetooth & other devices menu in Windows or Mac and click Add device.

Then, press and hold the PS button and the Share button (the small one to the touchpad’s left) on your DualSense controller to put it into pairing mode. The lights will start flashing on your controller, and the Wireless controller should pop up in your Bluetooth device’s menu. Select that to finish the pairing process.

How to use the PS5 controller with Steam

Once you’ve connected your PS5 controller to a PC or Mac, you’ll likely want to start playing some games. That’s where Steam shines.

To start, open Steam and select Settings to open a new window. From there, select Controller–>General Controller Settings.

Another window will open, where you can select your PS5 controller under Detected Controllers.

You can even change the LED color and calibrations settings from Preferences should you want additional customization.

How to connect PS5 controller to iPhone or iPad

You can pair the PS5 controller with any iOS device using Bluetooth. First, on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings–> Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Next, have your PS5 controller nearby and press and hold both the PS and Share buttons and wait for the lights to start flashing, indicating it’s in discovery mode.

To pair, tap Wireless Controller when it appears onscreen. To unpair, tap the three-dot icon beside the device name and tap Forget this Device.

How to connect PS5 controller to Android

First, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone so that pairing can take place. Then, hold down both the Share button located to the touchpad’s left and the PlayStation button in the center of the PS5 controller. After a few seconds, the lights around the touch screen will begin to flash blue, signifying that it’s searching for nearby devices.

Select Wireless controller from the list of available devices, and you should be able to use your DualSense controller on any gaming apps that support controller play.

How to use the PS5 controller with Xbox

Unsurprisingly, there’s no built-in support for Sony’s PS5 DualSense controllers on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, given that the two are competitors. However, there are two workarounds to using a PS5 Controller with Xbox.

The first method is to use an adapter designed for cross-console conversion. Basically, you plug in one controller of choice, and the output reads as another one, similar to a power adapter for traveling. The Titan Two and the Chronus Zen are some of the most well-regarded options available.

No, unfortunately, the PS5 controller is not compatible with the PS4. If you’re playing PS4 games on your PS5, you can most certainly use the DualSense. But as of right now, you can only use DualShock controllers with the PS4.