PS4 controllers work on PS5, but with limits

You can use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on your PS5, but only for PS4 games — not PS5 games. The PS5 will recognize the controller when you plug it in with a USB cable or pair it wirelessly, and it functions the same way it did on PS4. However, Sony built the PS5 to use its new DualSense controller for next-generation games, so you cannot play PS5 titles with a PS4 controller, even if you own them.

This matters if you have multiple controllers and want to use older ones for backward-compatible PS4 games, or if you are setting up a second player on PS4 titles. The connection process takes less than a minute either way.

Key Takeaways

  • PS4 DualShock 4 controllers connect to PS5 via USB cable or Bluetooth, but work only for PS4 games, not PS5 games.
  • Wired connection is the fastest method: plug the controller into any USB port on the PS5 and it pairs immediately.
  • Wireless pairing requires holding the Share and PS buttons together until the light bar flashes, then selecting the controller in PS5 settings.
  • You can use up to four PS4 controllers on one PS5 for multiplayer PS4 games.
  • PS5 games require a DualSense controller; you cannot substitute a PS4 controller even if you own the game.

Connect via USB cable for instant pairing

The simplest way to connect a PS4 controller is with a USB cable. Take any standard USB-A to micro-USB cable — the same type that charges many phones and tablets — and plug the micro-USB end into the port on the back of the PS4 controller. Plug the USB-A end into any of the USB ports on the front of the PS5.

The PS5 recognizes the controller immediately. You will see the light bar on the back of the controller light up, and the PS5 will show the controller as connected in the system settings. You can start playing PS4 games right away. The controller stays connected as long as the cable is plugged in, and you can charge it at the same time.

Pair wirelessly using Bluetooth

To connect a PS4 controller without a cable, you need to put it in pairing mode first. Hold down the Share button and the PS button at the same time — the large button in the center of the controller. Keep holding both buttons for about three seconds until the light bar on the back starts flashing white. This means the controller is searching for a device to pair with.

On your PS5, go to Settings in the home menu, then select Accessories, then Controllers. Choose Wireless Controller Settings. The PS5 will search for nearby controllers. When your PS4 controller appears in the list, select it. The light bar will stop flashing and turn solid, which means the pairing is complete.

The controller will now connect automatically whenever you turn on the PS5, as long as it is within range. You can pair up to four PS4 controllers this way for multiplayer games.

What to do if the controller does not pair

If the light bar does not flash white when you hold Share and PS, the controller battery may be too low. Plug it into a USB cable connected to the PS5 and wait five minutes, then try pairing again. A PS4 controller needs at least some charge to enter pairing mode.

If the controller still does not appear in the wireless list, try the wired connection first to charge it fully, then attempt wireless pairing again. If you are pairing multiple controllers, make sure you pair them one at a time — do not hold multiple controllers in pairing mode at once, as the PS5 may have trouble distinguishing between them.

Using PS4 controllers for multiplayer PS4 games

Once a PS4 controller is connected, you can use it to play any PS4 game on your PS5. If you are setting up a second or third player, connect each controller the same way — either wired or wireless. The PS5 will assign each controller a player number, and you can see all connected controllers in the controller settings menu.

For games that support local multiplayer, all players can use PS4 controllers at the same time. Some games may require you to press a button on each controller to confirm the player is ready before the game starts. Check the game's manual or on-screen prompts if you are unsure.

Why PS5 games need a DualSense controller

PS5 games are designed around the DualSense controller's advanced features, which the PS4 controller does not have. The DualSense includes haptic feedback — precise vibrations that change based on what is happening in the game — and adaptive triggers that change resistance as you play. These are not just extra features; many PS5 games use them as core parts of the gameplay.

Because of this, Sony locked PS5 games to the DualSense controller. You cannot play a PS5 title with a PS4 controller, even if you own the game and the controller is fully charged and paired. The PS5 will show an error message if you try. This is a hardware limitation, not a setting you can change.

Switching between PS4 and PS5 games

If you own both PS4 and PS5 games, you can use your PS4 controller for the older titles and switch to a DualSense when you play next-generation games. You do not need to unpair anything — just have both controllers charged and ready. When you launch a PS4 game, the PS5 will accept input from the PS4 controller. When you launch a PS5 game, you will need to pick up the DualSense.

If you only have a PS4 controller connected and you try to start a PS5 game, the system will prompt you to connect a DualSense before it lets you play. This is a safety measure to prevent you from starting a game you cannot actually control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS4 controller for PS5 online multiplayer?

No. PS5 games do not support PS4 controllers at all, whether you are playing alone or with others online. You need a DualSense controller. However, you can use a PS4 controller for PS4 games that you play online through the PS5.

Do I need to charge the PS4 controller before pairing it?

Not necessarily for wired connection — you can plug it in and use it immediately. For wireless pairing, the battery should have some charge. If pairing fails, charge the controller for a few minutes using a USB cable, then try again.

Will a PS4 controller work on PS5 if I buy a new one?

Yes. Any PS4 DualShock 4 controller, whether new or used, will connect to a PS5 the same way. The pairing process is identical. Just make sure it is a genuine DualShock 4 — third-party PS4 controllers may not work reliably.

Can I use a PS4 controller and a DualSense at the same time?

Yes, as long as you are playing a PS4 game. One player can use the PS4 controller and another can use the DualSense. For PS5 games, all players must use DualSense controllers.

What if my PS4 controller is not charging through the PS5?

The PS5 charges controllers slowly through its USB ports. If the controller is not charging, try a different USB port on the PS5, or use a wall charger with a USB-A to micro-USB cable instead. Some third-party cables do not support charging — use an official Sony cable if possible.