How to Connect Your PS4 Controller Wirelessly (Without USB!)
Connecting your PlayStation 4 (PS4) controller wirelessly is a fantastic way to enjoy a more immersive gaming experience. It frees you from the constraints of a USB cable and allows you to comfortably play from your couch or favorite gaming chair. While using a USB cable is the most straightforward method, there are several scenarios where a wireless connection is preferable or necessary – for example, if your USB port is damaged, or if you want to connect your controller to a PC or mobile device.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to connect your PS4 controller wirelessly, even without relying on a USB cable. We’ll cover connecting to your PS4 console, PCs (Windows and macOS), and mobile devices (Android and iOS).
## Connecting to Your PS4 Console (Without USB)
This method is useful if you’ve misplaced your USB cable or if your controller is no longer paired with your console.
**Prerequisites:**
* A PS4 console
* A PS4 controller
* Another controller (preferably a wired one, but you can use another wirelessly connected controller if one is already paired)
**Steps:**
1. **Turn on your PS4 console:** Make sure your PS4 is powered on and connected to your display.
2. **Navigate to the Devices menu:**
* Using the *already connected* controller, navigate to the PS4’s main menu (the XrossMediaBar or XMB).
* Scroll to the right until you find the “Settings” icon (it looks like a toolbox).
* Select “Settings”.
* Scroll down and select “Devices”.
* Select “Bluetooth Devices”.
3. **Put your PS4 controller into Pairing Mode:**
* On the *controller you want to connect wirelessly*, simultaneously press and hold the PlayStation button (the circular button in the center) and the Share button (located on the left side of the touchpad) until the light bar on the controller starts flashing rapidly.
* The flashing light indicates that the controller is now in pairing mode, making it discoverable by other Bluetooth devices.
4. **Select your controller on the PS4:**
* On your PS4’s “Bluetooth Devices” screen, you should see a list of available Bluetooth devices. Your PS4 controller should appear as “Wireless Controller”.
* Select “Wireless Controller” using the *already connected* controller.
5. **Register the controller (if prompted):**
* You might be prompted to register the controller. If so, follow the on-screen instructions.
* You may need to select a user profile to associate with the controller.
6. **Connection confirmation:**
* Once the connection is successful, the light bar on the controller will stop flashing and remain a solid color (usually blue for the first player, red for the second, green for the third, and pink for the fourth).
* You can now disconnect the *already connected* controller if you no longer need it. Your newly paired controller should be fully functional.
**Troubleshooting PS4 Connection:**
* **Controller not entering pairing mode:** Ensure you are pressing and holding *both* the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously until the light bar flashes rapidly. If the controller is already paired with another device (like a PC), it might not enter pairing mode until you disconnect it from the other device.
* **Controller not appearing in the Bluetooth Devices list:** Make sure the controller is actually in pairing mode (flashing light bar). Move the controller closer to the PS4 console. Interference from other Bluetooth devices can sometimes cause issues. Try turning off other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity temporarily.
* **Connection failing:** Ensure the PS4 console is within a reasonable range of the controller. Restarting both the PS4 console and the controller can sometimes resolve connection issues. To restart the controller, locate the small reset button on the back of the controller (near the L2 trigger). Use a small, unfolded paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. Then, try the pairing process again.
## Connecting to a Windows PC (Without USB)
Connecting your PS4 controller to your PC wirelessly opens up a world of PC gaming with your favorite controller. Here’s how to do it:
**Prerequisites:**
* A Windows PC with Bluetooth support (most modern PCs have built-in Bluetooth; if not, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter).
* A PS4 controller.
* DS4Windows (highly recommended for optimal compatibility and customization – see below for detailed instructions).
**Why DS4Windows?**
While Windows *can* technically connect to a PS4 controller via Bluetooth, it often doesn’t recognize it natively as an Xbox controller (which is the standard for most PC games). This can lead to compatibility issues, where buttons are mapped incorrectly, or the controller isn’t recognized at all.
DS4Windows is a free and open-source program that acts as a bridge between your PS4 controller and your PC. It tricks Windows into thinking your PS4 controller is an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller, ensuring compatibility with virtually all PC games. It also offers extensive customization options, such as remapping buttons, adjusting the light bar color, and creating custom profiles for different games.
**Steps (using DS4Windows):**
1. **Download DS4Windows:**
* Go to the official DS4Windows website (search for “DS4Windows Ryochan7” on Google; make sure you download from a reputable source). Ryochan7 is a popular and trusted fork of the original DS4Windows project.
* Download the latest version of DS4Windows.
2. **Extract DS4Windows:**
* The downloaded file will likely be a ZIP file. Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a folder on your computer (e.g., “C:\DS4Windows”).
3. **Install DS4Windows Drivers:**
* Open the extracted folder and run the “DS4Windows.exe” file.
* You’ll be prompted to install drivers. Click the “Install DS4 Driver” button. You may need to grant administrative privileges for the installation to proceed. If you’re using Windows 7 or older, you might also need to install the “360 Driver”.
4. **Connect your PS4 controller via Bluetooth:**
* Put your PS4 controller into Pairing Mode by pressing and holding the PlayStation and Share buttons until the light bar flashes rapidly.
* On your Windows PC, go to “Settings” (Windows key + I).
* Click on “Devices”.
* Select “Bluetooth & other devices” on the left-hand side.
* Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
* Click “Add Bluetooth or other device”.
* Select “Bluetooth”.
* Your PS4 controller should appear as “Wireless Controller”. Select it.
* You might be prompted for a pairing code. Try entering “0000” (four zeros). If that doesn’t work, try “1234”. If neither works, check your Bluetooth adapter’s documentation.
5. **Configure DS4Windows:**
* Once your controller is connected via Bluetooth, DS4Windows should automatically detect it.
* In the DS4Windows window, you’ll see your controller listed. You can now customize its settings.
* **Profiles:** Create different profiles for different games, allowing you to remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and customize the light bar color for each game.
* **Emulation:** Ensure that DS4Windows is emulating an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller. This is usually the default setting, but it’s worth checking.
6. **Start Playing:**
* Launch your game and it should now recognize your PS4 controller as an Xbox controller. Enjoy!
**Troubleshooting PC Connection (DS4Windows):**
* **Controller not detected by DS4Windows:** Ensure the controller is properly paired with your PC via Bluetooth. Restart DS4Windows. Try reinstalling the DS4Windows drivers. Check that your Bluetooth adapter is working correctly and that its drivers are up to date.
* **Controller disconnecting frequently:** Bluetooth interference can cause disconnections. Try moving the controller closer to your PC or reducing interference from other Bluetooth devices. Ensure your Bluetooth adapter has a strong signal.
* **Input lag:** Input lag can be caused by a weak Bluetooth signal, outdated drivers, or high CPU usage. Try moving the controller closer to your PC, updating your Bluetooth drivers, and closing unnecessary programs running in the background.
* **Games not recognizing the controller:** Ensure that DS4Windows is running and emulating an Xbox controller. Some games may require you to configure the controller settings within the game itself.
* **Conflicts with Steam:** Steam can sometimes interfere with DS4Windows. In Steam’s settings, go to “Controller” and disable “Steam Input for PlayStation Controllers.” This will allow DS4Windows to handle the controller input.
## Connecting to a macOS Device (Without USB)
Connecting your PS4 controller to a Mac is relatively straightforward due to macOS’s native Bluetooth support. However, you might still benefit from using a third-party application for more advanced customization.
**Prerequisites:**
* A macOS device with Bluetooth support.
* A PS4 controller.
* (Optional) Enjoyable (for advanced customization – see below).
**Steps:**
1. **Put your PS4 controller into Pairing Mode:**
* Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously until the light bar flashes rapidly.
2. **Connect via Bluetooth on your Mac:**
* Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
* Select “System Preferences”.
* Click on “Bluetooth”.
* Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
* Your PS4 controller should appear as “Wireless Controller”. Click “Connect”.
3. **Controller Configuration (Optional – Enjoyable):**
* macOS will recognize the controller, and you can use it with games that support gamepads. However, for more advanced customization options, consider using a third-party application like Enjoyable.
* **Enjoyable:** This free application allows you to map controller inputs (buttons, sticks, and triggers) to keyboard keys and mouse actions. This is useful for games that don’t natively support gamepads or if you want to customize the controller’s behavior.
* To use Enjoyable, download and install it from a reputable source (search for “Enjoyable macOS”). Then, open Enjoyable, select your PS4 controller, and map the controller inputs to the desired keyboard and mouse actions.
**Troubleshooting macOS Connection:**
* **Controller not appearing in the Bluetooth list:** Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (flashing light bar). Move the controller closer to your Mac. Try restarting your Mac’s Bluetooth.
* **Connection failing:** Ensure the Mac is within a reasonable range of the controller. Restarting both the Mac and the controller can sometimes resolve connection issues.
* **Controller disconnecting frequently:** Bluetooth interference can cause disconnections. Try moving the controller closer to your Mac or reducing interference from other Bluetooth devices.
* **In-game issues:** If you’re having trouble using the controller in a specific game, check the game’s settings to ensure that gamepad input is enabled. If the game doesn’t natively support gamepads, use a tool like Enjoyable to map the controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions.
## Connecting to an Android Device (Without USB)
Playing mobile games with a PS4 controller can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Android natively supports Bluetooth controllers, making the process relatively easy.
**Prerequisites:**
* An Android device with Bluetooth support.
* A PS4 controller.
**Steps:**
1. **Put your PS4 controller into Pairing Mode:**
* Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously until the light bar flashes rapidly.
2. **Connect via Bluetooth on your Android device:**
* Open your Android device’s “Settings” app.
* Tap on “Connections” or “Bluetooth” (the exact wording may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer).
* Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
* Tap on “Pair new device” or “Scan for devices”.
* Your PS4 controller should appear as “Wireless Controller”. Tap on it to connect.
* You might be prompted to enter a pairing code. Try “0000” (four zeros).
3. **Test the Connection:**
* Once connected, the controller should be recognized by your Android device. You can test the connection by navigating through the Android interface using the controller’s D-pad and buttons.
4. **Game Compatibility:**
* Most modern Android games that support gamepads will automatically recognize your PS4 controller. However, some games may require you to configure the controller settings within the game itself.
**Troubleshooting Android Connection:**
* **Controller not appearing in the Bluetooth list:** Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (flashing light bar). Move the controller closer to your Android device. Try restarting your Android device’s Bluetooth.
* **Connection failing:** Ensure the Android device is within a reasonable range of the controller. Restarting both the Android device and the controller can sometimes resolve connection issues.
* **In-game issues:** If you’re having trouble using the controller in a specific game, check the game’s settings to ensure that gamepad input is enabled. Some games may require you to remap the buttons to your preference.
* **Controller Disconnecting Frequently:** This could be caused by Bluetooth interference. Try moving away from other Bluetooth devices. Check your device’s power saving settings to ensure Bluetooth isn’t being disabled to save battery.
## Connecting to an iOS Device (Without USB)
Connecting a PS4 controller to an iPhone or iPad has become much easier with recent iOS updates. Here’s how you can do it:
**Prerequisites:**
* An iOS device (iPhone or iPad) running iOS 13 or later.
* A PS4 controller.
**Steps:**
1. **Update to iOS 13 or Later:**
* Ensure your iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 13 or a later version. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” to check for updates and install them if available.
2. **Put your PS4 controller into Pairing Mode:**
* Press and hold the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously until the light bar flashes rapidly.
3. **Connect via Bluetooth on your iOS device:**
* Open your iOS device’s “Settings” app.
* Tap on “Bluetooth”.
* Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
* Your PS4 controller should appear as “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” under the “Other Devices” section. Tap on it to connect.
4. **Connection Confirmation:**
* Once connected, the controller will move to the “My Devices” section, and the light bar on the controller will turn a solid color.
5. **Game Compatibility:**
* Many iOS games now support game controllers, including PS4 controllers. Launch the game and check its settings to ensure controller support is enabled. Some games may automatically detect the controller upon launch.
**Troubleshooting iOS Connection:**
* **Controller Not Appearing:** Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (light bar flashing rapidly). Also, ensure that the controller isn’t already connected to another device.
* **Connection Issues:** If the controller fails to connect, try turning Bluetooth off and on again on your iOS device. Restarting both the iOS device and the controller can also help.
* **In-Game Issues:** If the controller doesn’t work correctly in a game, check the game’s settings to ensure that controller support is enabled. Some games may require you to customize the button mappings.
* **Controller Disconnecting:** Bluetooth interference can sometimes cause disconnections. Try moving closer to your iOS device or reducing interference from other Bluetooth devices.
## Tips for a Seamless Wireless Experience
* **Keep your controller charged:** A low battery can lead to connection issues and input lag. Make sure your controller is adequately charged before starting your gaming session.
* **Minimize interference:** Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other electronic devices. Keep your controller and console/PC/mobile device away from other Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, and microwave ovens.
* **Update your drivers and firmware:** Ensure that your Bluetooth drivers (on PC and macOS) and your PS4 controller’s firmware are up to date. Outdated drivers and firmware can cause compatibility issues and performance problems.
* **Use a good quality Bluetooth adapter:** If you’re using a Bluetooth adapter on your PC, invest in a good quality adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or later. A low-quality adapter can lead to connection issues and input lag.
* **Restart devices:** When in doubt, try restarting your console/PC/mobile device and your PS4 controller. This can often resolve temporary connection issues.
By following these steps, you can easily connect your PS4 controller wirelessly to your PS4 console, PC, macOS device, or mobile device, and enjoy a seamless and immersive gaming experience. Enjoy!