Connecting a DualShock 4 controller to your PS4 is usually an easy process.
All you have to do is turn on your console while the controller is connected with a USB cable.
Press the PS button on your controller, and you should be good to go!
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How to Connect a PS4 Controller Without USB
Even if you don’t have a USB cable, you can connect your PS4 controller to your console via Bluetooth. This may be done through the Settings menu on your PS4 dashboard. If there are no controllers connected to your PS4, you’ll need a remote to navigate through the menu. Whether you’ve misplaced your USB cable, have a faulty cable, or are having issues with the connection ports on your controller, there are times when you’ll need to connect your DualShock 4 without the USB.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller Without USB Step By Step
Step 1: Search for Bluetooth Devices
Using another controller or a remote, open up the Settings on the PS4 dashboard. Navigate to Devices and then Bluetooth Devices.
Once you’ve opened up this menu, your console will automatically start searching for Bluetooth devices to connect to.
While you may have the option of connecting to other devices, you’ll need to turn on your controller to connect it to your console.
Step 2: Sync Your Controller
On the gamepad, if you wish to connect, click and push the Playstation and Share button keys.
Within 5 to 10 seconds, you should see your controller appear on the list of Bluetooth devices you can connect two.
Step 3: Connect Your Controller
Select your controller on the Bluetooth device’s screen. The controller should establish a connection with the Console.
Be aware that other Bluetooth-enabled devices could interfere with your controller’s connection.
If your controller loses its connection to the PS4 at any time, you can reconnect it by repeating this process.
How to Wirelessly Connect a PS4 Controller Without a Second Controller
If you don’t have a PS4 remote or a second controller that you can connect to your console, you can turn your smartphone into a PS4 remote.
Follow these steps to control your console with your smartphone:
Step 1: Turn On Your PS4
Power on your console so that your phone and your PS4 can be synced. On standard PS4s, you’ll find this button at the center of your console.
If you have a PS4 slim, the power button can be found on the left side of the console. For a PS4 Pro, the power button is near the bottom of the console, along the indicator line.
Step 2: Download the Official PlayStation App
To connect your phone to your console, you’ll need the PlayStation app.
The software is now available for the app on Android tablets and iPads.
Step 3: Use your PlayStation account to log in.
Once the app is fully installed, sign in to your PlayStation account.
Keep in mind you’re registered in with the same PlayStation Network account as your console.
Step 4: Connect to Your PS4
After you’ve signed in, you’ll see a “Connect to PS4” button in the upper right-hand corner of the app. Click the button and enable Second Screen functionality.
If you’re not seeing the “Connect to PS4” button, make sure that your console and your phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To sync your phone and console, you may have to modify your Wi-Fi network.
Step 5: Use Your Phone as a Controller
Once your phone is connected, you can navigate through PS4 menus using your phone screen.
While you won’t be able to use your phone to play games, you can use it to connect Bluetooth devices on your phone.
Open up Settings and select Devices, followed by Bluetooth Devices.
From there, you can follow the steps listed above to connect your controller to your console via Bluetooth.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller Via Remote Play
Taking advantage of the DualShock 4’s Bluetooth functionality is one of the easiest ways to connect your controller to your console, but you can also connect your controller PlayStation’s Remote Play software.
You can enable Remote Play by following these steps:
Step 1: Download Remote Play
Download and install PlayStation’s official Remote Play software to your computer.
While this software is designed to allow you to play games remotely, it can also be used to sync a controller to your console.
Step 2: Sign Into the Software
Once the software is installed, sign in using the same username and password that you use on your PS4. This will sync your PS4 account to the Remote Play software.
Step 2: Sync your Controller to your Computer
While the software is still running, use Bluetooth functionality or a micro USB cable to connect your DualShock 4 to your computer.
Step 4: Connect Your PS4 Controller to It
Open up the Settings on your PS4 dashboard and select Accessory Settings.
You’ll see the option to sync your connected controller to your PS4.
Step 5: Remove the controller from the computer
Once your controller has been successfully synced to your PS4, you can disconnect it from your computer and play.
Your controller should stay connected until you turn off your PS4 or put it into Rest Mode.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Connect a PS4 Controller Without USB
How Can a PS4 Controller Be Charged Without a USB Cable?
If you don’t have access to a USB cable, you can use a charging station to power your controller.
You can buy an official charging station from Sony or use a third-party product.
What Kind of USB Cable Can I Use to Connect My DualShock 4 to My Console?
You can use any standard micro USB controller to connect your PS4 controller to your console or to another device.
What Should I Do If the Connection Ports On My DualShock 4 Are Damaged?
If you can’t connect your controller via USB because of faulty connection ports, try cleaning the ports using a can of compressed air. You can also have your controller repaired.
Conclusion About How to Connect a PS4 Controller Without USB
Even if you don’t have access to a USB cable, there are still ways to connect a PS4 controller to your PS4.
Whether you use Bluetooth, Remote Play software, or explore other options, you can connect your DualShock 4 and enjoy your console.
