Connect a new controller using the USB cable first

The fastest way to connect a new PS4 controller is to plug it into your console with a USB cable. This registers the controller with your PS4 and charges it at the same time. Use any standard micro-USB cable — the same type that charges many phones and tablets.

Plug the micro-USB end into the controller's charging port on the bottom edge, and plug the other end into any USB port on the front of your PS4. The controller will light up, and your console will recognize it within a few seconds. You do not need to do anything else — the pairing happens automatically.

Once the controller is connected this way, you can unplug the cable and use it wirelessly. The controller will stay paired to your PS4 even after you disconnect it.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug a new controller into your PS4 with a micro-USB cable to pair it automatically — no menu navigation needed.
  • After the first USB connection, the controller works wirelessly and stays paired to your console.
  • If wireless pairing fails, hold the reset button on the back of the controller for three seconds and try again.
  • A controller that will not charge or pair may have a dead battery — leave it plugged in for at least 30 minutes before troubleshooting further.
  • You can connect up to four controllers to one PS4, but only one can be the primary user controller at a time.

Pair a controller wirelessly if you do not have a USB cable

If you do not have a micro-USB cable available, you can pair a new controller wirelessly, though it takes a few more steps. First, make sure the controller has some battery charge — a completely dead controller cannot pair wirelessly. If it is brand new and has never been charged, plug it in for at least 15 minutes before you start.

On your PS4, go to Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth Devices. Your console will start searching for controllers. At the same time, hold down the Share button and the PS button on the new controller together for three seconds until the light bar flashes. The flashing light means the controller is in pairing mode and broadcasting to your PS4.

Your console should find the controller within 10 seconds and show it in the Bluetooth Devices list. Select it to complete the pairing. Once it connects, the light bar will stop flashing and stay solid, and the controller is ready to use.

Reset the controller if it will not pair

Sometimes a new controller will not pair on the first try, especially if it sat in storage for a long time. The quickest fix is to reset the controller's wireless connection. Look for a small recessed button on the back of the controller near the L2 trigger. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin tool to press and hold this reset button for three seconds, then release it.

After you reset it, try pairing again using either the USB cable method or the wireless method described above. The reset clears any old pairing data that might be blocking the new connection. If the controller still will not pair after a reset, try charging it with the USB cable for 30 minutes — a low battery can prevent pairing even if the controller appears to have some charge.

Charge the controller and check the battery

A new controller usually ships with some battery charge, but not always a full charge. If your controller will not turn on or will not pair, the battery may be too low. Plug it into your PS4 with the USB cable and leave it connected for at least 30 minutes. The light bar will glow orange while charging and turn off when the battery is full.

You can also check the battery level on your PS4 itself. Go to Settings, then Devices, then Controllers. If your controller is already paired, you will see its battery percentage listed there. If the battery is below 10 percent, charge it fully before trying to use it for gaming.

Connect multiple controllers to the same PS4

Your PS4 can pair up to four controllers at the same time, which is useful for multiplayer games or when you have multiple people in your household. Each controller pairs the same way — either through USB or wireless pairing — and they all stay connected until you unpair them.

To unpair a controller, go to Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth Devices. Find the controller you want to remove and select it, then choose Forget. The controller will no longer connect to your PS4 automatically. You can pair it again later by following the same steps.

Only one controller can be set as the primary user controller at a time. This is the controller that turns on your PS4 and logs in automatically. You can change which controller is primary in Settings, then Users, then your profile name, then Controllers.

Troubleshoot a controller that pairs but does not work

Sometimes a controller will pair successfully but the buttons do not respond or the connection drops during use. First, try unplugging the controller from the USB cable if it is connected, and then reconnect it. This often fixes temporary connection problems.

If the buttons still do not respond, check that you are using the correct controller profile. Go to Settings, then Devices, then Controllers, and make sure your controller is listed as connected. If it shows as connected but does not work, try resetting it using the recessed button on the back, then pair it again.

If the connection keeps dropping during use, move closer to your PS4 console. Wireless controllers work best within about 30 feet, but walls and other electronics can interfere with the signal. If you are far from the console or in a room with many wireless devices, use the USB cable to connect the controller directly.

Update the controller firmware if pairing still fails

Rarely, a new controller may have outdated firmware that prevents it from pairing with your PS4. If you have tried resetting the controller, charging it fully, and pairing it both with USB and wirelessly without success, a firmware update may help.

To update controller firmware, plug the controller into your PS4 with the USB cable and go to Settings, then Devices, then Controllers. If an update is available, your PS4 will prompt you to install it. Let the update finish completely — do not unplug the controller during this process. Once the update is done, try pairing the controller again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS5 controller on my PS4?

No. PS5 controllers are not compatible with PS4 consoles. You need a PS4 controller, which is sometimes called a DualShock 4. PS4 controllers do work on PS5, but not the other way around.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting during games?

This usually means the battery is low or the wireless signal is weak. Charge the controller fully and try playing closer to your console. If it still disconnects, try using the USB cable to connect it directly instead of wirelessly. You can also move your PS4 away from other wireless devices like routers or microwaves.

Do I need to pair a controller every time I turn on my PS4?

No. Once a controller is paired, it stays paired. When you turn on your PS4, the controller will reconnect automatically as long as it has battery charge. You only need to pair it once, unless you reset the controller or unpair it intentionally.

What if the USB cable charges the controller but it still will not pair?

Try resetting the controller using the recessed button on the back, then pair it again while it is still plugged in. If it pairs while connected to USB but not wirelessly, the controller's wireless chip may be damaged. In that case, you can still use the controller by keeping it plugged in with the USB cable.

How long does a PS4 controller battery last?

A fully charged PS4 controller typically lasts 4 to 8 hours of active use, depending on how much you use the vibration and light bar features. You can check the remaining battery in Settings, then Devices, then Controllers. Charge it whenever the battery drops below 20 percent to avoid running out during a game.