How to Connect PS4 Controller to Android

Play mobile games with the Sony DualShock 4

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on May 22, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the controller, then go to your Android device's Bluetooth settings and tap Wireless Controller.
  • To unpair it from your Android device, reconnect the controller to your PS4 via the USB cable.
  • Some features will not work on all Androids. A different wireless Android game controller may work better with your device.

This article explains how to connect a PS4 controller to an Android device. Instructions apply to the official Sony DualShock 4 controller and devices running Android 7 or up, including Sony Xperia phones.

How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a Phone

Here's how to pair a PS4 controller to an Android phone or tablet:

  1. On the PS4 controller, press and hold the PS button and Share button simultaneously to put it into pairing mode. The LED light on the controller should start flashing.

  2. On your Android device, swipe down and tap Bluetooth.

  3. Tap Wireless Controller.

    What to Know

    If you don't see a list of devices, tap the Bluetooth toggle to enable it, then tap Scan.

  4. If asked if you want to pair the controller with your device, tap Yes or OK.

    Adding PS4 controller to Android.

  5. Launch a game to start playing with your PS4 controller.

In addition to pairing your PS4 controller with your Android device, you can also play PS4 games on your Android device with PS4 Remote Play.

PS4 Controls on Android

Sony Xperia devices are optimized to work with PS4 controllers, but there are a few features that aren't available on other Androids:

  • The touchpad does not work, so you still must tap the screen for some games.
  • You can't customize the LED color.
  • The rumble feature, motion sensor, and headphone jack do not work. You can still connect headphones to your phone.

Games designed to support Bluetooth controllers should work fine with the DualShock 4, but other wireless Android game controllers may work better with your device.

Reconnect Your Controller With Your PS4

Since it can only be paired with one device at a time, you will need to re-sync your PS4 controller with the console. Plug the controller into your PS4 using the USB cable and press the PS button. You can likewise connect your PS4 controller with a PC or Mac.

Was this page helpful?