Can You Connect PS4 Controller to PS4 Without USB? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can connect a PS4 controller to your PS4 without using a USB cable. While the USB connection is the most straightforward method, the PlayStation 4 also supports Bluetooth pairing, allowing for a wireless connection between your DualShock 4 controller and the console. This provides flexibility and convenience, especially when a USB cable isn’t readily available or when you want to use additional controllers. Let’s dive into how this works and answer some common questions.
Connecting Your PS4 Controller via Bluetooth
The beauty of the DualShock 4 controller lies in its versatility. While it charges and syncs via USB, its primary mode of connection for gameplay is actually Bluetooth. Here’s how you can pair your controller wirelessly:
Initial Pairing
The first time you use a controller with a PS4, you’ll need to sync it. While a USB cable is typically used for this, the following steps will help you pair wirelessly if you have another controller already connected:
- Power on your PS4 using the power button on the console.
- Using your already connected controller, navigate to Settings from the main menu.
- Select Devices, and then choose Bluetooth Devices.
- On the controller you wish to pair, press and hold both the PlayStation (PS) button and the Share button simultaneously.
- Hold these buttons for about five seconds, until the light bar on the controller starts flashing rapidly. This puts the controller into pairing mode.
- The controller should appear on the Bluetooth Devices list on your PS4. Select it with your connected controller.
- Once paired, the light bar on the new controller will become a solid color, indicating it’s successfully connected.
Connecting Additional Controllers
To connect further controllers, repeat the steps above, using the already connected controller for navigation. Each controller will need to be paired individually.
What to do if Pairing Fails?
If you encounter issues pairing, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure the controller is charged. Low battery can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections.
- Reset the controller. Use a paperclip or similar item to press the small reset button on the back of the controller, near the left shoulder button, for about five seconds.
- Move closer to the console. Bluetooth connections can sometimes be disrupted by distance.
- Restart the PS4. Power-cycling the console can resolve temporary glitches.
- Remove the controller from paired devices. Go into Bluetooth settings and forget the device, then retry the pairing process.
Other Ways to Connect & Control Your PS4
While the DualShock 4 is the primary method of control, there are other interesting methods to navigate your PS4.
Using TV Remotes
Did you know some TVs can control your PS4? Modern TVs equipped with HDMI Device Link (also known as HDMI-CEC) can often be used to navigate your PS4 menus. To enable this, ensure the Enable HDMI Device Link box is checked within the PS4’s system settings. This feature is beneficial if you temporarily need to navigate the PS4 without a controller.
Universal Remotes
Certain universal remotes use Bluetooth. If your universal remote has this capability, you can connect it to the PS4 via the Bluetooth device settings, providing another way to control the console.
PS Remote Play with Your Mobile Device
Sony’s PS Remote Play app allows you to stream your PS4 games to your mobile phone or tablet. With the app installed on your device, you can control the PS4 using on-screen touch controls or connect a DualShock 4 via Bluetooth. This is useful if you’re in a location where you don’t have your controller with you or want to use your phone as a secondary screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why won’t my PS4 controller connect to my PS4?
Several reasons can cause connection issues. These include sync problems, faulty USB cables (if using a cable for initial connection), low battery, and even damaged USB ports on the console or controller. Always try a different USB cable first. If the issue persists, attempt a controller reset.
2. How do I hard reset a PS4 controller?
To hard reset a PS4 controller, power down your PS4. Then, locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the back of the controller. Use a paper clip to press the button inside this hole for about 5 seconds. This will reset the controller.
3. Why is my PS4 controller flashing orange?
A blinking orange light on a PS4 controller typically indicates that the controller is charging in rest mode. If your controller isn’t charging while in rest mode, go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports and adjust your settings.
4. How can I control my PS4 without a controller?
You can control your PS4 using your TV remote (if it supports HDMI Device Link), a Bluetooth-enabled universal remote, or by using the PS Remote Play app on your mobile device.
5. Can I use my phone as a PS4 controller?
Yes, with the PS Remote Play app, you can use your phone as a controller, either with on-screen controls or by connecting a DualShock 4 controller to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
6. How do I update my PS4 controller without a PS4?
To update the firmware of a DualSense wireless controller, you will need a Windows PC and the [Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller] app. PS4 controllers cannot be updated in this manner and should update automatically when connected to the console.
7. How do I find my lost PS4 controller?
One handy solution is to use a Tile tracker attached to your controller. You can use the Tile app on your phone to locate it by making it ring.
8. Is my PS4 controller completely dead?
You can check your controller’s battery life by pressing and holding the PS button. This will bring up the Quick Menu where the battery life is displayed at the bottom.
9. Can a lost PS4 be tracked?
Sony can potentially trace a lost PlayStation using its IP address whenever the console logs onto the internet. However, the process for doing so, and if they would even do so for a lost console, is not easily know to end users.
10. How do I connect a new PS4 controller without an old one?
Connect your new controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. Then, push the PS button on the controller while it’s plugged in. This will pair the controller to the console.
11. Do you have to sync a PS4 controller?
Yes, the first time you use a controller or when you want to use the controller on another PS4 system, you’ll need to pair it. This is achieved using the Bluetooth method or with a USB cable during initial setup.
12. How do I add another DualShock to my PS4?
Go into your PS4 Settings, select Devices, and then choose Bluetooth Devices. Press and hold the PS button and the Share button on the controller you want to pair for five seconds, and select the controller when it appears on the Bluetooth devices list.
13. What controllers can be used on PS4?
The Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller is the primary controller, but other options include the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller, Razer Raiju Ultimate PS4 Controller, Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller, and Hori Mini Wired Gamepad, among others.
14. What does the PS4 Second Screen app do?
The PS4 Second Screen app allows you to use your mobile device for basic PS4 control, display information from second screen-compatible games, and enter text on your PS4 using your mobile device’s keyboard.
15. What does an orange light on PS4 mean?
An unblinking orange/yellow light on your PS4 indicates that your console is either in rest mode or turned off while charging. A blinking orange light indicates that the controller is charging while plugged in.
Conclusion
Connecting a PS4 controller to your PS4 without a USB cable is not only possible but quite simple through Bluetooth pairing. This opens up a world of options, from adding multiple players to utilizing alternative control methods like your phone or TV remote. By understanding these options, you can ensure seamless and uninterrupted gaming experiences on your PlayStation 4.