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Remember that trusty PlayStation 4 controller you bonded with over countless late nights and epic wins? Well, guess what? It doesn’t have to gather dust just because you snagged ashiny new PS5. That’s right, you may still rock your old gamepad with your new console!
Today, we’re walking you through exactly how to connect your PS4 controller to your PS5. But first, let’s get a few things out of the way…
Updated on July 11, 2025, by Sai Vsr:In this update, we’ve thrown in a quick little troubleshooting guide on how to handle common issues while connecting your PS4 controllers to your PS5. Check it out!
Setting Expectations
There are a ton of benefits to using your old PS4 controller with your PS5—the biggest being the cost saving. WithPS5 controllerscosting anywhere between $70 to $300, having this option is a godsend to gamers. BUT, there is a catch:
Here’s what youcando though:
How To Connect PS4 Controllers To Your PS5
Now that we’ve got that out the way, let’s look at how you’re able to connect your Dualshock 4 to your PS5. There are two ways you can do this: wirelessly or via a USB cable. Let’s look at the easier one first:
Connecting Your PS4 Controller via Bluetooth
Step 1: Head to your PS5’s Settings
Use your PS5 controller to navigate to the cogwheel icon in the upper-right corner of your PS5 homepage.
Step 2: Click Accessories
Scroll down to the “Accessories” menu. Select and on the next window look for “Bluetooth Accessories.”
Step 3: Bluetooth Pairing
Grab your PS4 controller and put it in pairing mode. To do this:
Step 4: Scanning for Device
At this point, your controller should appear in the “Accessories found” section on your screen. Using your PS5 controller, scroll down to find your device and select.
A pop-up saying “Do you want to register this Bluetooth accessory?” should appear on your screen.
Select “Yes.”
Step 5: Enjoy!
Voila! Your PS4 controller and PS5 are now best friends forever (or at least until you get a DualSense, but that’s a story for another day).
Connecting Your PS4 Controller Via USB Cable
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Not a lot of people still have micro-USB cables lying around in their homes. (I certainly don’t.) But for this process to work, you’re going to need it—so make sure to buy one online or from the department store before you start!
Step 2: Establish Connection
Take one end of the micro-USB end of the cable and insert it into the slot in your PS4 controller.
The other end goes into your PS5’s USB port; make sure it’s connected snugly.
Step 3: Pair Your Devices
Press the “PlayStation” button on your PS4 controller. If the light bar starts flashing, it’s in pairing mode. If not, don’t panic! Just wait a few seconds, and it should connect automatically.
Step 4: Start Playing!
When the light on your controller stops flashing, it means you’re good to go. It’s time to enjoy some great games!
Backward Compatibility: What Is It And How Does It Work?
I mentioned earlier how you can playbackward-compatible PS4 gameson your PS5, but what exactly does that mean? Well, it means you save money, that’s what!
You don’t have to re-buy your entire library just because you snagged a PS5. The PS5 is backward compatible with the overwhelming majority of PS4 games, meaning you can seamlessly jump between generations without leaving your beloved titles behind.
There are two ways backward compatibility works:
Other Benefits of Backward Compatibility
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. A small handful of PS4 games won’t work on the PS5, and some might have minor glitches or compatibility issues. But the vast majority of your library will be playable and potentially even improved.
Is Your PS4 Game Backward Compatible with Your PS5?
So, how do you check if your PS4 games are compatible with the PS5? Easy! Sony has a handy database where you can search for specific titles or browse by genre. You can even see if a game will benefit from Game Boost or faster loading times.
Remote Play: Streaming PS5 Games to Other Devices with a PS4 Controller
There’s a way you can use your PS4 controller to play PS5 games, as I mentioned earlier. Let me show exactly how that is done:
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
PS4 controllers aren’t made to intuitively connect with the PS5. So, naturally, there’s a good chance you’re going to run into some issues while setting up. Here’s a few handy tricks that you can try in that case:
4. Controller Not Charging
5. Issues with Remote Play
So there you have it, folks! A quick and painless guide to connecting your PS4 controller to your PS5. Now go out there and dominate!
