You can easily pair your PlayStation 4 controller with your smartphone to enhance your gaming experience. This guide will show you how to connect a PS4 controller to your phone using Bluetooth.
Before you start, ensure your smartphone is running Android 10 or newer or iOS 13 or newer, and have a paperclip ready for potential resets.
To pair a PS4 controller with an Android or iPhone, follow the instructions to sync your DualShock 4 controller to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
For Android devices, open the Settings app, which is the cog icon, and ensure your device is updated to at least Android 10 or newer to ensure compatibility. Tap Bluetooth, and if it’s not enabled, tap the toggle so it turns blue. Then, tap Pair new device, and on your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time. The light bar will begin to flash, indicating the controller is in pairing mode. On your Android, tap your controller name listed under Available devices, and tap OK to connect. You can now use your controller with supported apps. To disconnect, simply turn off Bluetooth.
For iPhones, open the Settings app, which is the grey cog icon, and ensure your iPhone is running iOS 13 or newer. Make sure your controller is charged and completely turned off before starting. Tap Bluetooth near the top of the screen, and if it’s not toggled on, tap the switch so it turns green. On your controller, press and hold the PS and Share (or Create) buttons simultaneously. The light bar will begin to flash, putting the controller into pairing mode. On your iPhone, tap your controller name under Other Devices. The controller will connect; the light bar may change colors, and Connected will appear next to the name. If the controller is paired but inactive, press the PS button to wake it. To disconnect, turn off Bluetooth.
If you encounter connection issues, try restarting your iPhone or Android, as a simple restart can fix software bugs affecting Bluetooth. Let the controller charge fully, as it takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge, and a low battery may prevent sync. You can also reset your controller by using a paperclip to press the small button on the back for 5 seconds, then release. Additionally, update your controller’s firmware by downloading the Firmware updater app from the PlayStation website on a Windows PC and connecting your controller to the PC during the update process.
If you frequently switch between devices, keep your controller charged and remember the button combination to quickly enter pairing mode. Now that your PS4 controller is paired with your phone, you can explore a wide variety of games that support external controllers. Many popular mobile titles offer a console-like experience when played with a DualShock 4, so check your favorite game’s settings to enable controller input.
Additionally, if you experience any lag or connectivity issues, try moving closer to your device or checking for interference from other Bluetooth gadgets. Keeping your controller’s firmware updated ensures the best performance and compatibility with future software updates.
