The DualShock 4 controller is one of the most iconic peripherals in the gaming world. A sleekly designed piece by Sony that is critically acclaimed by both PlayStation and Xbox lovers.
The PS4 controller is the 2nd Generation wireless periphery, following the DualShock 3 in 2006. Sony has since made significant improvements to the overall design, battery life, and ergonomics.
The PS4 controller can be used with the PlayStation 5 with specific titles. It is also versatile; it can be used wirelessly on a PC.
How To Connect PS4 Controller Without USB
The PlayStation 4 uses a wireless controller that can be synchronized via Bluetooth or a USB mini cable.
It has a 1000-mAh battery that can get you through 4 to 8 hours of gaming. Battery duration depends on whether or not you decide to use the ramble functionality or the haptic feedback.
To connect a PS4 controller without a USB cable, you need to have a PlayStation remote. You can also do it if you happen to have an already connected controller.
Step 1: Access the List of Available Devices
Open Settings on your PlayStation. Scroll to devices and open. Select ‘Bluetooth devices.’ You will see a list of connected and available devices.
Step 2: Synchronizing the PS4 Controller
Press the PS button while holding down the ‘Share’ button simultaneously. Do this for approximately 5 seconds.
Step 3: Pairing the Controller to Your System
You should see the synchronized controller on your screen. Select the controller.
You should control your system and play games on the connected DualShock 4 controller.
How To Connect Your PS4 Controller To PC
Though PCs are readily configured to use Xbox controllers, you can also use PS4 controllers for specific titles as they run Microsoft. Thankfully, PS4 controllers can easily connect to PCs via Bluetooth.
Controller support on PC has grown in recent times. Many games on steam allow users to map controls to previously unsupported peripherals. The DualShock 4 is among the controllers that can now be supported on PC.
Connecting to a PC is quick and straightforward. It can be done by:
Step 1: Download and install DS4Windows Software
DS4Windows is a tool developed to enable you to use your PS4 controller on a PC once you have paired it. It works like an Xbox 360 controller crack for windows.
Once you have downloaded DS4Window, follow these steps to complete the installation.
- Open the download location on your PC.
- Extract the files using your preferred tool (preferably WinRAR).
- Click on the executable file DS4Windows.exe to install the software.
Step 2: Driver Installation
On launching DS4Windows, you will need to install the drivers. To perform the installation, click on ‘Install Drivers’ and wait for the installation process to end.
Step 3: Connect Your Controller
Using a USB mini, connect your controller to your PC. Alternatively, you can connect the controller via Bluetooth by:
- Press the Windows button + I on your PC to quickly access settings
- Click on ‘Bluetooth & devices’
- Turn on Bluetooth by clicking on the slider
- On your PS4 controller, press and hold the ‘PS’ and ‘share’ buttons for 5 seconds.
- On your PC’s Bluetooth settings under available devices, the controller appears as ‘Wireless Controller.’
- Click on it to connect.
Note that not all steam games in your library have controller support.
How To Connect Your PS4 Controller To Android Devices
Thanks to the Bluetooth functionality, you can now use your PS4 controller on your Android tablet, phone, and even Smart TV.
The connection process with Android devices is seamless and intuitive. The controller can either be used as a remote control to navigate the devices or for gaming on Android platforms.
Controller support on Android has increased in recent times, despite the limited gaming titles on the platform. Many popular games now natively support the PS4 controller, mainly due to Google’s venture into remote play via Google Stadia.
The Stadia platform could potentially open up more games to controller support.
To connect your DualShock 4 controller to an android device:
Step 1: Getting the Controller Ready
On your PS4 controller, press and hold the ‘PS’ and ‘share’ buttons for 5 seconds. The backlight on the controller should start flashing at this point.
Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth on Your Android device.
Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
Tap on the slider to turn it on.
Step 3: Connecting the Controller
Tap scan on your Android device. Under the list of devices, select ‘Wireless Controller.’
You can now use the controller for gaming or as a remote for your device.
Note that you must turn off a previously connected console when connecting to your Android device.
Troubleshooting A PS4 controller
The PS4 controller usually is reliable. It is sturdily built to withstand intense gaming. You might run into a bit of trouble using the controller every once in a while. Here is a guide on how to quickly troubleshoot your controller:
Step 1: Turn the Console Off.
To fix your controller, ensure that it is disconnected from your console. Do this by turning the console off.
Step 2: Find the Reset Switch.
At the back of the controller, under the L2 trigger button, you will see a tiny hole.
Step 3: Resetting the Controller.
Press and hold the reset switch for about 5 seconds using a sim ejector toolkit.
Step 4: Connect your controller using a USB mini cable to the console.
The reset should fix the controller issues. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your controller.
Troubleshooting Audio
The DualShock controller works with 3.5 mm audio jack headsets. To fix any issue with the audio:
- Open settings on the PS4 and scroll to devices. Select ‘Audio Devices’.
- Scroll to, and select the ‘Output to Headphones’ option and select the ‘All Audio’ option.
- Be sure to adjust the volume accordingly.
What Accessories Can I Connect To My PS4 Controller?
The PlayStation 4 controller has several useful accessories that are beneficial to gamers. These accessories improve the gaming experience. They include:
1. Back Button Extension
Back button extension upgrades are beneficial to professional gamers. They are additional quick access and shoulder buttons. The accessory is attached at the bottom of the controller, allowing gamers to access them with the ring fingers.
The extensions allow gamers to use multiple in-game controls that would otherwise have been inaccessible. Such controls include strafing while running in FPS games.
2. Headsets
The PS4 controller can be used with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack headset. Sony provides excellent proprietary options to gamers. The wireless headsets make the gaming experience immersive and unparalleled.
3. Protective Skins
With the PS4 controller, you get endless customization with the skins. Some sites allow you to create your custom skins. You can also use skins designed by your favorite developer, e.g., Activision, EA, Polyphony, etc.
How To Prolong Your Controllers Battery Life
Gaming is a lot of fun. There is nothing more frustrating than running out of charge in the middle of your session. The PS4 controller can be used while charging via a USB mini cable.
To optimize your controller’s battery life, use these tips:
Adjusting the Power Settings
Adjusting the power setting for the controller will help in prolonging the battery life. You can find the settings under ‘Power Save Settings.’ Here, you can adjust the duration before the controller automatically turns off.
Adjusting the settings will decrease battery drain by reducing the controller’s idle time before shutting down.
Adjusting the backlight brightness
It is advisable to use the dimmest setting to save on battery life. Alternatively, you can turn off the backlight entirely from the system settings.
Disable Ramble and Haptic Feedback on your PS4 Controller
Vibrations can drain your controller very fast. Thankfully, you can easily disable the feature from your settings.
Open the Settings, scroll to ‘devices’ and select ‘Controllers.’ Uncheck the ‘Enable Vibrations’ box and exit.
Upgrading the Battery
The original DualShock controller ships with a 1000mAh battery. There is an option to replace the battery with a longer-lasting 2000mAh battery. Installing a new battery is a fairly easy process.
Note that any battery upgrade with non-proprietary parts will void the warranty.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 4 controller is designed to provide an exceptional gaming performance. It is the 1st controller by Sony to work across multiple generations of consoles. The controller can also be used on a PC when connected via Bluetooth over a 20-foot range.
Connecting the controller is relatively easy. It can be done either wirelessly or via a USB mini cable. While both options are straightforward, connecting via USB is faster and easier. The controller will get you through an average of 6 hours of gaming before having to charge.