PS4 controller connected to a phone
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a Phone

Connecting your PS4 controller to your phone can open up a world of gaming possibilities. You can use your controller to play mobile games, stream games from your console, or even control your phone’s media player. In this article, we’ll show you how to connect your PS4 controller to your phone using Bluetooth or a USB cable.

First, you’ll need to make sure that your phone has Bluetooth enabled. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the PS button on your controller until the light bar starts flashing.
2. On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings menu.
3. Tap on the name of your PS4 controller when it appears in the list of available devices.
4. Once your controller is connected, you can start playing games!

If you’re having trouble connecting your controller using Bluetooth, you can try using a USB cable instead. To do this, simply connect one end of the USB cable to your controller and the other end to your phone. Your controller should be recognized automatically.

Once your controller is connected, you can start playing games! There are a number of mobile games that support PS4 controllers, including Call of Duty: Mobile, Asphalt 9: Legends, and Fortnite. You can also use your controller to stream games from your PS4 console to your phone using the Remote Play app.

Connecting via Bluetooth

To pair your PS4 controller with your phone via Bluetooth, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Controller

1. Ensure that your PS4 controller is turned off.
2. Locate the small button on the back of the controller, next to the L2 shoulder button.
3. Press and hold the button for about 5 seconds, until the light bar on the controller starts flashing rapidly. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.
Step 2: Enable Bluetooth on Your Phone

1. On your phone, go to the Settings app.
2. Find the Bluetooth option and tap on it.
3. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on.
Step 3: Pair the Controller

1. On your phone’s Bluetooth settings page, look for the list of available devices.
2. Select the “Wireless Controller” option from the list.
3. If prompted, enter the pairing code “0000”.

Once the pairing is complete, the light bar on the controller will stop flashing and remain solid. You can now use your PS4 controller to play games on your phone.

Using a USB Cable with Android Devices

Connecting your PS4 controller to an Android device using a USB cable is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup. Follow these steps to establish a wired connection:

Enable USB Debugging: On your Android device, navigate to “Settings” > “Developer Options” and toggle the “USB Debugging” option to enable it. If you don’t see “Developer Options,” you’ll need to activate it by tapping “Build Number” in the “About Phone” section multiple times.
Connect the Controller: Using a USB-A to USB-Micro B cable, connect your PS4 controller to your Android device’s USB port. The controller’s light bar will begin to flash rapidly, indicating that it’s in pairing mode.
Establish Connection: Once the controller is connected, a notification will appear on your Android device. Tap “Pair” to establish a connection between the two devices. The controller’s light bar will now remain solid, indicating a successful pairing.

Note: If you encounter any issues during the connection process, ensure that your USB cable is fully inserted and that your Android device supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality.

Additional Information
Feature	Details
Compatible Android Devices	Android devices running Android 9.0 and above with OTG support
Controller Compatibility	PS4 controllers with a USB-Micro B port
Supported Games	Games that support gamepad input

Using an OTG Adapter

1. Verify Compatibility

Before proceeding, ensure that your phone supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality. This feature allows your phone to act as a host device and connect to external peripherals like controllers. Check your phone’s specifications or consult the manufacturer’s documentation for OTG support.

2. Acquire an OTG Adapter

Obtain an OTG adapter cable that is compatible with both your phone and the PS4 controller. These cables typically have a micro-USB or USB-C connector on one end to connect to your phone and a full-size USB port on the other end to connect to the controller.

3. Connect the Controller and Adapter

Plug one end of the OTG adapter cable into the USB port on your PS4 controller. Make sure the connection is secure. Then, insert the other end of the cable into your phone’s micro-USB or USB-C port. Once connected, the controller should automatically be recognized and paired with your phone.

Device	OTG Adapter Connector
Micro-USB Phone	Micro-USB to USB
USB-C Phone	USB-C to USB

Note: Some phones may require you to grant permission for the controller to access your device. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to allow the connection.

Setting Up Remote Play

To enable Remote Play on your PS4, follow these steps:

On your PS4, go to [Settings] > [Remote Play Connection Settings].
Enable the [Remote Play] option.
Select [Add Device].
On your phone, open the PlayStation Remote Play app and tap on [Start].
A six-digit code will be displayed on your PS4. Enter this code in the field provided in the Remote Play app on your phone.
Once the devices are connected, you can start playing your PlayStation games on your phone.

Using a PS4 Controller with Remote Play

To use a PS4 controller with Remote Play, follow these steps:

Connect the PS4 controller to your phone via Bluetooth.
Open the Remote Play app and tap on the [Controller] icon.
Select the PS4 controller from the list of available devices.
Once the controller is connected, you can start playing your PlayStation games with the controller.

Troubleshooting Controller Connection Issues

If you are having trouble connecting your PS4 controller to your phone, try the following steps:

Ensure that the Bluetooth connection between your phone and the controller is stable.
Restart both your phone and the controller.
If the controller is already connected to another device, disconnect it and then try connecting it to your phone.
Update the Remote Play app to the latest version.

Installing Third-Party Apps

To connect a PS4 controller to your phone using a third-party app, follow these detailed steps:

1. Install the App

Download and install a third-party app that supports PS4 controller connectivity from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Some popular options include Sixaxis Controller and DS4Windows.

2. Pair the Controller

Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your PS4 controller with your phone. This may involve putting the controller into pairing mode by holding down the PS button and Share button simultaneously.

3. Configure the App

Once the controller is paired, configure the app to suit your preferences. This may include setting up button mapping, adjusting sensitivity, and creating profiles for different games.

4. Connect via USB or Bluetooth

Connect the PS4 controller to your phone either via USB cable or Bluetooth. USB provides a more stable connection, while Bluetooth offers wireless convenience.

5. Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure that the PS4 controller is fully charged.
Make sure that the app has permission to access Bluetooth services.
Restart the app and try connecting again.
Verify that the controller is not connected to another device.
If necessary, update the app or controller firmware.

App	Platform
Sixaxis Controller	Android
DS4Windows	Windows
Remote Play	iOS, Android

Connecting Via Bluetooth

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

2. On your PS4 controller, hold the PS button and SHARE button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.

3. On your phone, navigate to the Bluetooth settings and search for “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller.”

4. Once connected, press the PS button to complete setup.

Connecting Via USB Cable

1. Connect the PS4 controller to your phone using a USB cable.

2. On your phone, navigate to the “Settings” app and select “USB Host Manager.”

3. Enable the “PS4 Controller” option.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Delayed Input

1. Check if there are other Bluetooth devices nearby causing interference.

2. Try moving closer to your phone or using a shorter USB cable.

3. Update the firmware on your PS4 controller or phone.

Controller Not Detected

1. Ensure the controller is powered on and connected securely.

2. Reset the controller by pressing the small hole on the back with a paperclip.

3. Try connecting with a different USB cable or Bluetooth device.

Connectivity Intermittent

1. Check if the Bluetooth connection is stable.

2. Replace the USB cable if it is damaged or loose.

3. Ensure the controller is fully charged or replace the batteries.

Error Message	Solution
“Failed to connect”	Retry the connection process or restart both devices.
“Controller not supported”	Ensure you are using a compatible PS4 controller model.
“Pairing timeout”	Hold the SHARE and PS buttons longer until the light bar flashes repeatedly.

Option 3: Using a Wireless Adapter

For a more reliable and wireless connection, you can use a wireless adapter. These adapters connect to your phone via Bluetooth and then pair with your PS4 controller. This method is more expensive than using a USB cable, but it offers a better gaming experience with less latency and no wires to get in the way.

To use a wireless adapter, follow these steps:

Purchase a wireless adapter that is compatible with your phone and PS4 controller.
Plug the adapter into your phone’s charging port.
Pair the adapter with your PS4 controller by following the instructions in the adapter’s user manual.
Once the adapter is paired, you should be able to use your PS4 controller to play games on your phone.

Optimizing Controller Performance

Once you have your PS4 controller connected to your phone, you may want to optimize its performance for gaming. Here are a few tips:

Adjust the controller settings

You can adjust the controller settings to your liking by going to the Settings menu on your phone. In the Settings menu, you can adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks, triggers, and buttons. You can also change the button mapping to suit your preferences.

Use a controller case

A controller case can help to protect your PS4 controller from damage and wear. It can also provide a more comfortable grip for your hands.

Update the controller firmware

Sony regularly releases firmware updates for the PS4 controller. These updates can improve the controller’s performance and stability. You can update the controller firmware by connecting it to your PS4 console and going to the Settings menu.

Connect a PS4 Controller to a Phone

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

Ensure your phone supports Bluetooth connectivity and is running a compatible operating system (typically Android 4.0 or later).

Step 2: Power On the Controller

Press and hold the “PS” button on the controller for 3 seconds to turn it on. The light bar will flash blue.

Step 3: Pair the Controller

On your phone, navigate to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and turn on Bluetooth if it’s not already enabled.

Step 4: Discover the Controller

Make sure the controller is discoverable by holding down the “Share” button and “PS” button simultaneously for a few seconds until the light bar flashes rapidly.

Step 5: Connect the Controller

From the list of available Bluetooth devices on your phone, select “Wireless Controller.” The controller will pair with your phone.

Step 6: Configure the Controller (Optional)

Some games may require additional configuration for the PS4 controller. You can adjust the button mapping and sensitivity in the game’s settings.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

* If the controller won’t connect, try restarting both the controller and your phone.
* Ensure that the controller is fully charged.
* Check for any updates to the game or Bluetooth software.

Playing Mobile Games with PS4 Controller

Benefits of Using a PS4 Controller

* Ergonomic design for comfortable gameplay
* Precision controls for enhanced gaming experience
* Familiar button layout for seamless transition

Compatibility

Most mobile games support PS4 controller connectivity. Check the game’s description or developer website for compatibility information.

Setup

Once the PS4 controller is connected to your phone, you can launch the mobile game and start playing. The controller will function as the primary input device, replacing the touch controls.

Customization

Some games allow you to customize the controller settings to your preference. You can adjust the sensitivity, button mapping, and triggers to suit your gameplay style.

Mobile Devices

PS4 controllers are compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and tablets. Ensure that your device has sufficient battery life and processing power for optimal gaming performance.

Enabling Accessibility Features

To enhance accessibility, you can adjust specific settings on your Android device to optimize the pairing and usage of your PS4 controller.

Activating Bluetooth Hearing Aids

If you utilize hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity, ensure they are properly paired and activated. Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your Android device and verify that your hearing aids are listed as connected. If not, initiate the pairing process according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Enabling Mono Audio

Mono audio combines the left and right audio channels into a single unified channel, enhancing sound clarity and reducing potential imbalances. To activate mono audio, navigate to the Accessibility settings on your Android device, select “Audio,” and toggle on the “Mono Audio” option.

Adjusting Audio Balance

If you experience audio imbalances between the left and right channels, you can fine-tune the balance to optimize your listening experience. Access the Accessibility settings on your Android device, navigate to “Audio,” and adjust the “Audio Balance” slider to your preferred level.

Enabling Accessibility Shortcuts

Android devices offer accessibility shortcuts that provide quick access to important settings and features. To enable these shortcuts, open the Accessibility settings on your device and activate the “Accessibility Shortcut” option. You can then use the volume buttons or a specific gesture to activate the desired shortcut.

Setting Up Magnification Gesture

For enhanced visibility and readability, you can enable the magnification gesture. Navigate to the Accessibility settings on your Android device, select “Vision,” and toggle on the “Magnification” option. You can then use a triple-tap gesture to zoom in and out of specific screen areas.

Activating TalkBack

TalkBack is an Android accessibility service that provides audible feedback and verbal descriptions of on-screen elements. To activate TalkBack, navigate to the Accessibility settings on your device, select “Vision,” and toggle on the “TalkBack” option.

Customizing Text and Display Settings

To enhance text readability and display clarity, you can adjust font sizes, colors, and other display settings. Access the Accessibility settings on your device, navigate to “Display,” and explore the various options available to optimize your visual experience.

Enabling Color Inversion

Color inversion reverses the colors on your screen, enhancing visibility for individuals with certain visual impairments. Navigate to the Accessibility settings on your Android device, select “Display,” and activate the “Color Inversion” option.

Adjusting Contrast and Brightness

Fine-tuning the contrast and brightness levels can improve screen readability and reduce eye strain. Navigate to the Accessibility settings on your Android device, select “Display,” and adjust the “Contrast” and “Brightness” sliders to your preferred settings.

How To Connect A PS4 Controller To Phone

Advanced Customization Options

Once the controller is connected to your phone, you can begin customizing it to your liking. The PS4 Remote Play app allows you to create and save multiple profiles, each with its own unique settings. These settings include:

Button mapping: This allows you to remap the buttons on the controller to any function you want. For example, you could map the X button to the square button, or the L1 button to the R1 button.
Touchpad sensitivity: This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the touchpad on the controller. This can be useful if you find the touchpad to be too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
Analog stick sensitivity: This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks on the controller. This can be useful if you find the analog sticks to be too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
Trigger sensitivity: This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the triggers on the controller. This can be useful if you find the triggers to be too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
Vibration intensity: This allows you to adjust the intensity of the vibration on the controller. This can be useful if you find the vibration to be too strong or not strong enough.
Audio output: This allows you to choose which audio output device the controller will use. You can choose to output the audio through the phone’s speakers, the controller’s speakers, or a Bluetooth headset.
Motion controls: This allows you to enable or disable the motion controls on the controller. Motion controls can be used to control the camera in games.
Lightbar color: This allows you to change the color of the lightbar on the controller. You can choose from a variety of colors, including red, green, blue, and purple.
Language: This allows you to change the language of the controller. You can choose from a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
Firmware updates: This allows you to check for and install firmware updates for the controller. Firmware updates can improve the performance and stability of the controller.

In addition to these settings, you can also create and save custom profiles for different games. This allows you to quickly switch between different settings depending on the game you are playing. To create a custom profile, simply tap the “Create Profile” button in the PS4 Remote Play app. You can then give the profile a name and choose the settings you want to use.