How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5

Can you really use a PS4 controller on a PS5 console? Yes, you can but there are limitations to the games you can play

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on October 2, 2022
Reviewed by
Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger headshot
Reviewed by Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
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What to Know

  • Plug the PS4 controller into your PlayStation 5 to pair it.
  • You can play all PS4 games with the PS4 or PS5 controller. 
  • Be aware, however! You can't play PS5 games on the console with a PS4 controller.

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. 

Note:

This applies to both official DualShock 4 controllers and any third-party PlayStation 4 devices you might own.

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. 

FAQ
  • Can I connect a PS4 motion controller to a PS5?

    Yes. The original PlayStation VR system and controllers are compatible with the PS5, but you need a special adapter for the camera.

  • Why can't I connect my PS4 controller to my PS5?

    If your PS4 controller won't connect, disconnect your controller from other devices, make sure the battery works, and try a different USB cable. You may need to reset your PS4 controller.

  • How do I connect my PS4 controller to my PC?

    To use a PS4 controller on your PC, plug the controller into a USB port, then open Steam and go to View > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings > PlayStation Configuration Support. To play non-Steam games on a Windows PC, you'll need the DSWindows driver.

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