How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5

This article teaches you how to connect a PlayStation 4 controller to a PlayStation 5 console. It also explains any limitations or restrictions that come from doing so.

How to Connect a PlayStation 4 Controller to a PS5

Wondering will PS4 controllers work on PS5? You're in luck. It's very simple to connect a PlayStation 4 controller to a PS5 providing you follow these key steps on what to do.

1. Get your PlayStation 4 controller and connect it to the PS5 console with the included charging cable.

2. Press the PS button on the middle of your Playstation 4 controller to turn the controller on.

3. Choose a user to associate the controller with on the console.

4. The controller is now connected to your PlayStation 5 console.

   Tip:

   You can unplug the controller from the charging cable and it will still work with the console.

What Can I Do With a PS4 Controller on a PlayStation 5?

The key reason to use a PS4 controller on a PlayStation 5 is so that you can easily play PS4 games. You can already do this with a PS5 DualSense controller but if you're looking to play PS4 multiplayer games and you only have one PS5 controller, this is a good way of allowing more than one of you to play a game. If you simply prefer the feel of the PlayStation 4 controller, it can be useful too.

You can also use a PS4 controller to navigate the menus of the PlayStation 5 dashboard with the experience being mostly identical to using a PlayStation 5 controller. 

What Can't I Do With a PS4 Controller on a Playstation 5?

You can't play PlayStation 5 games with a PlayStation 4 controller. If you try to, a warning message appears when you load a game stating that 'PS5 games can't be played using the DUALSHOCK 4'.

It is possible to play PS5 games with a PlayStation 4 controller if you do so via the PS Remote Play app on your smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac, but it's simply not possible on the console.

Can You Use a Playstation 5 Controller With the Playstation 4?

Simply put, no. The console won't recognize a PlayStation 5 controller, even if you plug it in via the charging cable first. However, it is possible to use the PS Remote Play app to play a Playstation 4 game remotely and use a PlayStation 5 controller connected to your PC/Mac, smartphone, or tablet. 

There's not really anything to gain from this method but if you've only got one controller and you simply have to use your PlayStation 4 console in some form, this is an option.