The first video game controller came with the first commercial game console for the home, the Magnavox Odyssey 100. It had one dial for horizontal movement and one for vertical.
Controllers have become far more complex since then. So complex that even setting them up can be difficult. We imagine that’s why our techs are often answering the simple question: how do you connect a PS4 controller?
How you connect a PS4 controller will depend on whether you’re connecting a wired or wireless controller as well as how many controllers are already connected. Follow the instructions below accordingly to get these important PS4 accessories set up and ready to go.
Connect Wired PS4 Controller to PS4
If you have a wired PS4 controller you’re connecting for the first time, follow these steps:
- Place the Micro-B end of the USB 2.0 Micro-B cable into the controller and the USB end into the console.
- Power on the console by pressing and holding the power button.
- Press the PS button on the controller to turn it on. Hold it for 3 seconds.
- The controller will automatically connect to the PS4 and bring up a login screen.
- Choose a player account to sync with that controller.
The controller comes with a 2.0 Micro-B cable, but you can use any USB 2.0 Micro-B cable to sync your wired controller.
Connect Wireless Controller to PS4
For wireless PS4 controllers, use these instructions to connect to your console.
- The Micro-B end of the USB 2.0 Micro-B cable goes into the controller and the USB end can be placedinto the console.
- Turn on the console by pressing the power button.
- Turn on the controller by pressing and holding he PS button for at least 3 seconds.
- You’ll be brought to a login screen to choose an account for that controller.
- Choose a player account to sync with that controller.
- Once synced, you can unplug the USB Micro-B cable from the controller and the console and play wirelessly.
You’ll only need the USB 2.0 Micro-B cable to sync the first wireless controllers to your console. While you can continue to add controllers using the method described above and setting them to the “New User” on the dashboard, there is also a way to sync PS4 controllers wirelessly after the first one has been set up.
Connect Wireless Controller to PS4 With Bluetooth
To add additional wireless PS4 controllers wirelessly, you’ll need to go to your PS4 dashboard with a controller that is already synced. Look for the Settings icon, which looks like a briefcase, in the row of icons above the home menu. From Settings, navigate to Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
Take the controller you want to connect and hold down the Share and PS button at the same time for at least 5 seconds. When the controller shows up in the list of Bluetooth Devices, select it. Your PS4 controller is now connected to your console and you can repeat this for any additional wireless controllers you want to connect.
Still Having Trouble Connecting?
We can’t talk about connecting gaming accessories without talking about troubleshooting. If you followed the instructions above and can’t get your PS4 controller to connect, look into the items below.
Check the Battery
The first thing to check when your controller won’t connect is the battery. If the light bar doesn’t glow when you plug it into the PS4, there’s either a problem with the battery or with the USB cable.
You can try another cable to rule that option out. If your controller still won’t connect, you may need a new controller.
Pair the Controller Again
If a controller suddenly stops working, try pairing it again. Navigate to Settings from the home menu using a controller that’s working. It’s an icon that looks like a briefcase and it’s located in the row of icons above the home menu.
From there, go to Devices > Bluetooth Devices. Find the controller you want to reset from the list of devices, select it, and hit X. On the controller you want to reset, hit the Options button and select Forget Device. Your controller is now disconnected from your PS4.
To reconnect the controller, follow the steps for connecting a wired or wireless controller described above.
Reset Controller
Before resetting the controller, turn off the PS4 as well as your internet router. This way, your controller doesn’t receive any signals while it’s resetting.
Now, find the small hole on the back right side of the controller. You’ll need a paperclip or something similar to push the button located inside of that hole. Hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds.
You can then turn your PS4 and internet back on. Follow the instructions for connecting a wired or wireless controller described above to sync your controller again.
Replace Your Controller and Other PS4 Accessories
So, how do you connect a PS4 controller? Regardless of whether it’s wired or wireless, you follow the same steps using the USB 2.0 Micro-B cable to get started. If you’re running wireless controllers, that cable can be unplugged once the controller is synced and you can connect more wireless controllers without it.
If you’ve tried all of the above and you can’t seem to connect your controller, we can help. We carry a huge stock of controllers and other PS4 accessories for you to make replacements when necessary. Check out that stock here.
