How to connect PS5 controller to PS4: Two working methods
Force the DualSense to play nice with an older console.
The world of gaming is constantly changing, with the release of brand new hardware attracting customers.
For those who have a soft spot for a particular controller, you may be wondering if there are ways of connecting it to different generations of PC or consoles.
The PlayStation 4 console is still owned by many, and with new PlayStation 5 pads proving popular, some may want to connect their current controllers to their old consoles.
Here, find out the simplest way of connecting a PS5 controller to a PS4 in this handy guide.
Can you connect a PS5 controller to a PS4?
Officially, you cannot connect a PS5 controller to a PS4. However, there are workarounds that allow it to work.
"The DualSense wireless controller is not compatible with the PS4 console," Sony explains via is official FAQ page.
If you do plug in a PlayStation 5 controller to the USB port on your PlayStation 4 console, you'll notice that it will start charging. It just won't do anything else.
Thankfully, a number of clever PS5 owners around the world have discovered several workarounds that get the PS5 controller working on a PS4 console. Let us explain all the details below.
How to connect PS5 controller to PS4
One way to use a PS5 controller to play games on PS4 is the Remote Play app. You'll need to have access to your PS5 or a PC/laptop as well as your PS4 if you want to make this work.
The steps you'll need to follow are:
- Connect your PS5 controller to the PS5, PC or laptop you're planning to use
- Open the Remote Play app on your PS5, PC or laptop
- Use the Remote Play app to take control of your PS4
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You can now use your PS5 controller to control the games on your PS4, with the cloud-based capabilities of the Remote Play app allowing you to bridge the gap between console generations. If you're struggling to make any of that work, this handy explainer video below will walk you through the steps visually.
Read more on PlayStation:
- The very best PS5 games
- What is PS Plus? Price and perks explained
- Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
- PS5 controller charger - best ways to charge your DualSense
- PS Plus free games - full list and when the next ones come out
Can I pair my PS5 controller to PS4 with Bluetooth?
If you want to cut out the cloud-based middleman and connect your PS5 controller to your PS4 using Bluetooth, you'll need to add a different sort of middleman into the mix.
The PS5 controller and the PS4 console do not naturally work together, but there are adapters on the market that can force them to play nice with each other.
In the video below, you can see a player using the Titan Two adapter to make the connection work. It usually retails for around £89.99. Not only this but it works with a variety of other consoles like offering the ability to connect your PS3 controller to your Nintendo Switch. Great for versatility.
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Authors
Matt Poskitt is a freelance journalist who specialises in arts and culture – be that movies, TV, video games, tech or otherwise. Matt headed up the games and entertainment section at T3 (Future Publishing), alongside being found across The Guardian, CNET, PC Gamer Mag, GamesIndustry.biz, Insider, iNews, IGN, TechRadar, PC Gamer Mag, NME and many more.
Jon Nicholson is a Freelance Gaming Writer, specialising in the Call of Duty franchise. He previously worked for Gfinity, GGRecon and Red Bull writing a variety of gaming news and guides. Alongside his previous work, he's a Freelance News Writer for Esports Insider.
