2 Easy Ways to Connect a PlayStation 4 Controller to a Phone

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Understand how to pair your PS4 controller to an Android or iPhone wirelessly

Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: August 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Android

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Using iPhone

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Troubleshooting

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Video

Did you know you can pair your PlayStation 4 controller with your smartphone? You'll just need to put both devices into pairing mode to sync them with Bluetooth. Here's how to connect a PS4 controller to your Android or iPhone along with troubleshooting tips.

Pairing a PlayStation 4 Controller to Your Phone

To put your PS4 controller in pairing mode, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time. The lightbar will begin flashing. Open the Bluetooth settings on your Android or iPhone and tap your controller name.

Section 1 of 3:

Using Android

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1
On your Android, open the Settings app. This is the cog icon.
- Make sure your Android device is updated. You'll need at least Android 10 or newer to connect a PS4 controller.
You may need to click Connections to find this option. If Bluetooth isn't already enabled, tap the toggle so it turns blue.

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Your Android device may already be in pairing mode.
4
On your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons. Do this at the same time. The Share button will be Create on some controllers.
- The light bar will begin to flash, and the controller will be in pairing mode.
If this is the first time you're pairing your controller, it will be listed underneath Available devices or similar.
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Tap OK. This will connect your controller.
- You can now use your controller with a supported app.
- To disconnect your controller, turn off Bluetooth.

Section 2 of 3:

Using iPhone

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1
On your iPhone, open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- iPhone currently supports PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller. You can also connect a PlayStation 5 controller.^{[1]
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- You'll need iOS 13 or newer to connect a PS4 controller.
- Make sure your controller is charged and completely turned off.
This is near the top of the screen. If Bluetooth isn't already toggled on, tap it so the switch turns green.
3
On your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons. Do this at the same time. The Share button will be Create on some controllers.
- The light bar will begin to flash, and the controller will be in pairing mode.
4
On your iPhone, tap your controller name. If this is the first time you're pairing your controller, it will be listed underneath Other Devices.
- The controller will connect, and the light bar may change colors. You should see Connected next to your controller name.
- If the controller is paired to your iPhone but not on, press the PS button.
- To disconnect your controller, turn off Bluetooth.

Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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A simple restart can fix software bugs, such as issues with your Bluetooth.
If the controller won't connect, it may not have the necessary charge to hold its sync. It takes about 2 and a half hours to fully charge.
Find the small button on the back of your controller. Use a small, pointed object like a paperclip to push the button for 5 seconds, and then release.
You'll need a Windows PC and the Firmware updater app. Download the installation file from the PlayStation website and run the app. You'll need to connect your controller to your PC during this process.