How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS4 without a USB Cable

The DualShock 4 is a durable and reliable controller that can enhance your gaming experience for years to come. However, there may be instances where you find yourself without a USB cable or a vital component, leaving you to wonder how to connect a PS4 controller without a USB. Well, fear not! We have the solution for you.

Connecting the PS4 Controller without a USB Cable

Let’s dive into the steps to connect your PS4 controller to a PS4 or PS5 console without using a USB cable. We will also cover the process of connecting it to a PC.

If you have a spare controller, you’re in luck. You can use it to navigate the user interface and access the necessary options. However, if you don’t have an extra controller, you can still connect a keyboard and mouse to your console and browse through the UI using that setup.

On a PC, you can simply use your mouse to navigate the Bluetooth menu and find the option you need.

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a PS4 Console

Suppose you are already using a controller or a keyboard and mouse on your PS4 console and want to connect an additional controller without a USB cable. Follow these simple steps:

1. On your PS4, go to Settings.
2. Select Devices.
3. Choose Bluetooth Devices.
4. Hold down the PS & Share buttons simultaneously on the extra PS4 controller for about 5 seconds.
5. The controller should appear on the Bluetooth Devices list. Controllers with a green dot are ready to use.
6. Select your controller from the list.
7. Your extra controller is now connected to the console.

You can connect as many controllers as you want using this method, as long as they are not damaged or out of charge.

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a PS5 Console

The process for connecting a PS4 controller to a PS5 console is similar. You can use a DualShock 4 controller to play older-generation games on the new console. Here’s how to connect it:

1. Use your main controller to navigate to Settings.
2. Select Accessories.
3. Go to General.
4. On the right side of the screen, choose Bluetooth Accessories.
5. Press and hold the Share and PS buttons on the DualShock 4 controller for five seconds.
6. The controller should appear in the “Accessories found” area.
7. Select your controller from the list.

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a Windows PC

If you’re using a Windows PC, connecting your PS4 controller is a breeze. Here are the steps for Windows 10 or 11:

1. Click the Windows button and type “Bluetooth” in the search bar.
2. Open “Bluetooth and other devices.”
3. Turn on Bluetooth by sliding the toggle.
4. Click on Add device.
5. Select Bluetooth.
6. Press and hold the Share and PS buttons on your controller simultaneously for about 5 seconds. The light bar on your controller will start blinking.
7. Choose your controller from the Bluetooth device list.

If you have previously paired the controller, you may need to remove it. Click on the “…” button next to the listed device and select Remove.

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a Mac

Connecting a PS4 controller to a Mac is also a straightforward process. You don’t need the DualShock 4’s USB cable to establish a connection with your macOS computer. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Go to Bluetooth.
4. Turn on Bluetooth.
5. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see a list of available devices.
6. Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the DualShock 4 controller simultaneously for about 5 seconds. The light bar on the controller will start blinking.
7. Click the Connect button next to your controller.

How to Connect a PS4 Controller with a USB Cable

If you have a USB cable, connecting your PS4 controller becomes even simpler. Follow these steps:

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a PS4 Console

1. Turn on your PS4 or PS5 console.
2. Connect the controller to the console using the USB cable.
3. Press the PS button on the controller.
4. Once the controller’s light bar starts blinking white or blue, it means the controller is synced to the console. You can now unplug the cable.

Alternatively, if you have an older wired-only controller or your controller’s charge is low, you can follow these steps:

1. Power up the console.
2. Plug the controller into the console.
3. Press and hold the PS button for about 3 seconds.
4. When the light bar starts blinking blue or white, it means the connection has been established.

Connecting the PS4 Controller to a PC

Connecting a PS4 controller to a Windows or macOS PC is a breeze:

1. Plug the controller into one of the USB ports on your PC using the USB cable.
2. Press the PS button on the controller.

That’s it! You’ll be able to use the controller on Steam, as it offers full support for the DualShock 4 and the DualSense 5. For playing games outside of Steam on Windows, you can use DS4Windows. Additionally, Sony offers the PS Now app for Windows users, allowing you to play PS4 and PS5 games on your PC. Lastly, you can use the controllers on your PC while using the Remote Play app.

Now you know the various methods to connect your PS4 controller to your console or computer, with or without a USB cable. Enjoy your gaming sessions without any limitations!

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