Yes, you can connect a PS3 controller to Mac, but it requires a few extra steps that Windows users don't need

A PS3 controller (also called a SIXAXIS or DualShock 3) will work with your Mac, but not automatically. Unlike newer PlayStation controllers, the PS3 controller doesn't have native Mac support built in. You'll need to install third-party software that tells your Mac how to recognize and use the controller. The process takes about 10 minutes and works reliably once set up.

The most common route is using free software called ScpToolkit or Motioninjoy, though ScpToolkit is more stable on recent Mac versions. Both programs act as a translator between your PS3 controller and your Mac, converting the controller's signals into something your Mac understands. After installation, you connect the controller via USB cable, pair it once, and then you can use it wirelessly for most games and applications.

Key Takeaways

  • PS3 controllers require third-party software to work on Mac because Apple doesn't include built-in drivers for them.
  • ScpToolkit is the most reliable free option for recent Mac versions and works with both wired and wireless connections.
  • You must connect the controller via USB cable first to pair it, then you can use it wirelessly after that.
  • Not every Mac game will recognize the PS3 controller, so test it in your specific game before relying on it.
  • If the controller stops working after a Mac update, you may need to reinstall the software.

Installing ScpToolkit on your Mac

ScpToolkit is the most straightforward option for most Mac users. Start by visiting the ScpToolkit GitHub page and downloading the Mac version. You'll see a file that ends in .dmg — this is a Mac installer file. Double-click it to open the installer window.

Follow the on-screen prompts to install ScpToolkit. The installer will ask for your Mac password because it needs permission to install drivers. Once installation finishes, you'll see ScpToolkit in your Applications folder. Open it and you should see a window with options to manage your controller. Leave this window open while you connect your PS3 controller.

Pairing your PS3 controller via USB

Connect your PS3 controller to your Mac using a USB cable (the same cable that charged it on the PS3). ScpToolkit should detect the controller automatically. In the ScpToolkit window, you should see your controller appear in the list with a status like "Connected" or "Paired."

Press the PS button (the center button with the PlayStation logo) on the controller. This completes the pairing process. Your Mac now knows this specific controller. You can now unplug the USB cable and use the controller wirelessly — it will connect to your Mac the same way it connected to a PS3, as long as ScpToolkit is running.

If the controller doesn't appear in ScpToolkit after plugging it in, try restarting ScpToolkit or restarting your Mac. Sometimes the software needs a moment to recognize a new controller.

Using the controller wirelessly after pairing

Once you've paired the controller via USB, you don't need the cable anymore. The PS3 controller has Bluetooth built in, so it will connect wirelessly just like it did with your PS3. Open ScpToolkit before you want to use the controller, then press the PS button on the controller to wake it up and connect.

The controller will stay connected as long as ScpToolkit is running. If you close ScpToolkit, the controller will disconnect. This is different from pairing a modern Bluetooth device — you need the software running in the background for the connection to work.

Battery life on a PS3 controller is typically 10 to 20 hours of active use. You'll know the battery is low when the light on the controller starts blinking. Charge it the same way you did on the PS3: plug the USB cable into the controller and into your Mac.

Testing the controller in games and applications

Not every Mac game recognizes a PS3 controller automatically. Some games expect an Xbox controller layout, and a few don't support controllers at all. The best way to find out is to open the game and see if the controller works. If it doesn't, check the game's settings menu for controller options — sometimes you need to enable controller support or map the buttons yourself.

Popular games that work well with PS3 controllers on Mac include Minecraft, many Steam games, and emulators for older consoles. If you're planning to use the controller for a specific game, search online for that game's name plus "PS3 controller Mac" to see if other users have had success.

If a game doesn't recognize the controller, you can try software like Joystick Doctor or Controller Mate, which let you remap the controller buttons or create custom profiles for specific games. These are paid options, but they solve most compatibility problems.

Troubleshooting when the controller stops working

If your PS3 controller was working and suddenly stops, the most common cause is that ScpToolkit crashed or closed. Open ScpToolkit again and press the PS button on the controller. It should reconnect within a few seconds.

If that doesn't work, unplug the controller via USB, close ScpToolkit completely, restart your Mac, and then open ScpToolkit again before connecting the controller. This clears out any stuck connections.

After a Mac system update, ScpToolkit sometimes stops working because the update changed how drivers are loaded. If this happens, uninstall ScpToolkit (drag it to the Trash from Applications), restart your Mac, and reinstall it from the GitHub page. This usually fixes the problem.

If the controller itself won't charge or the light doesn't turn on when you plug it in, the battery may be dead. Leave it plugged in for at least an hour. If it still won't charge, the battery inside the controller may have failed — this is a hardware problem that software can't fix.

Alternatives if ScpToolkit doesn't work for you

Motioninjoy is an older alternative that still works on some Macs, though it's less reliable on recent versions. The setup is similar: download, install, connect via USB, and pair. However, Motioninjoy's website has changed hands several times, so make sure you're downloading from a trusted source.

If you want to avoid third-party software entirely, you could use a newer PlayStation controller instead. The PS4 DualShock 4 controller connects to Mac via Bluetooth without any extra software, and the PS5 DualSense controller does the same. Both are more expensive than finding a used PS3 controller, but they're simpler to set up.

For some games, you might also consider an Xbox controller, which has better native Mac support. Many games are designed around the Xbox button layout, so an Xbox controller sometimes works in games where a PS3 controller doesn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair the controller every time I use it?

No. Once you've paired it via USB the first time, the controller remembers your Mac. You just need to open ScpToolkit and press the PS button to reconnect. You only need the USB cable for the initial pairing.

Can I use multiple PS3 controllers at the same time on Mac?

Yes. Pair each controller via USB one at a time using the same process. ScpToolkit will show all connected controllers in its window. Most games support multiple controllers, though you should test this in the specific game you want to play.

Will the PS3 controller work if I'm using my Mac with a monitor and keyboard?

Yes. The controller is just another input device. As long as ScpToolkit is running and the controller is paired, it will work whether you're using the Mac's built-in keyboard or an external one.

What if my Mac is very old — will ScpToolkit still work?

ScpToolkit works on Mac OS X 10.5 and newer, so it covers most Macs made in the last 15 years. Check the GitHub page for your specific Mac version to be sure. If your Mac is older than that, Motioninjoy might still work, though support is limited.

Can I use the PS3 controller on my Mac and my PS3 without reinstalling software?

Yes. The controller itself works on both devices. You just need ScpToolkit running on your Mac. When you want to use the controller on your PS3, close ScpToolkit on your Mac and pair the controller to your PS3 the normal way.