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Can I Control My PS3 with My Phone? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, you can control your PS3 with your phone, but it’s not as straightforward as using a modern smartphone app to directly control the console like you might with a PS4 or PS5. The PS3, being an older console, requires a slightly different approach, and it’s important to understand the limitations and what’s actually possible. This article will delve into the methods, requirements, and limitations, providing you with a complete picture of how to use your phone to interact with your beloved PS3.

Understanding the Limitations of PS3 Remote Control

It’s crucial to understand that the PS3 does not have native, dedicated phone-based remote control app functionality in the same way as its successors. You won’t find an official “PS3 Remote Play” app from Sony in the app store. Instead, you need to leverage specific workarounds and technologies to achieve some level of remote interaction. The primary method relies on pairing your phone as a remote play device after an initial setup via your PlayStation 3 console.

How to Actually Control Your PS3 with Your Phone

The primary way to control your PS3 using a phone involves the Remote Play functionality, which is technically not a direct control method from the phone itself. Instead, the PS3’s Remote Play feature streams video from the console to another device. While this other device is primarily intended to be a PSP™ system or a mobile phone, the setup process can be somewhat convoluted.

Setting up Remote Play with Your Phone

Here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to take to set up Remote Play and technically control your PS3 with your phone:

Enable Remote Start on your PS3: Navigate to (Settings) > (Remote Play Settings) on your PS3. Then, select [Remote Start] > [On]. If you intend to use the remote play feature over the internet, choose [Enable Remote Start via the Internet].
Initial Setup on PS3: Make sure your PS3 is connected to the internet and that you have a PlayStation Network account set up. It’s also crucial to set the console to automatically sign in to the PlayStation Network and log in to a user profile.
Register (Pair) the Devices: This is where you use the functionality where the phone is used as a remote device to your PS3. The original instruction is: Register the PSP™ system or the mobile phone to be used for remote play with the PS3™ system. Follow the on-screen instructions to register (pair) the devices. The documentation doesn’t explain the exact process of pairing mobile phone. It will require using specific methods for your specific phone to do it successfully.
Use a Third-Party Remote Play App: For mobile devices, you’ll need a compatible third-party app. There aren’t many current working solutions available, and most of them are specific to Android. Some older apps, like those based on the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) Remote Play functionality, may not function reliably on current Android versions.
Understand that it’s not direct control: It’s essential to grasp that this method does not allow you to directly use your phone’s touch screen to navigate menus. Instead, the PS3 game display is streamed to your phone, and then you use the phone as a “proxy” to control the game.

The Role of Third-Party Apps

There are third-party options to explore if you want to extend your PS3 control to other devices:

Sixaxis Controller (Android): This app allows you to pair a PS3 controller to your Android device through Bluetooth. This is not direct phone control, but it offers a way to control your PS3 wirelessly, by connecting your PS3 controller to your phone.
Remote Play Applications: Some older third-party remote play applications once aimed to replicate the PS Vita’s remote play capabilities but might not function with the most recent OS updates on smartphones. It’s important to research if these are compatible with your device and Android version.

Limitations and Challenges

Compatibility: Not all phones will work with PS3 remote play functionalities, particularly those that were built for older generation operating systems.
Android-Centric Solutions: Most of the viable remote control solutions are primarily designed for the Android ecosystem.
Outdated Apps: Many of the older apps available are no longer actively developed and may have compatibility issues with newer operating systems.
Complexity: Setup can be complex and is not as streamlined as modern remote play solutions for the PS4 and PS5.
Functionality: You may not get a full remote control experience. Some functionality may be limited in what you are able to do.
No Touchscreen Support: These methods don’t offer native touchscreen controls.

Why Opt for a Controller Instead?

While you can technically control your PS3 with your phone, using a Dualshock 3 controller is generally the best experience. PS3 controllers use Bluetooth technology for wireless gaming and can easily be paired with the console. They provide full functionality, allowing you to navigate menus, play games, and access all console features. While the article does mention, “The PS3 remotes are sold separately anyway, so you might as well just get a controller,” it is important to understand that standard controllers offer the optimal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are PS3 controllers Bluetooth?

Yes, the Dualshock 3 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth for wireless gameplay. It can also be charged via the USB cable connected to the PS3 system.

2. How do I put my PS3 controller in Bluetooth mode?

To put your PS3 controller in pairing mode, press the PlayStation button to turn it on and then attempt to pair it to your Bluetooth device (like your PC). When prompted for a passcode, use 0000.

3. Why won’t my Bluetooth device connect to my PS3?

Ensure your Bluetooth device is powered on, charged, and within range of your PS3. Check the Bluetooth settings on both devices.

4. Can I use a PS2 controller on my PS3?

No, the PS3 does not natively support PS2 controllers. However, you can use a specific dongle adapter that can trick the system into thinking it’s a wired PS3 controller.

5. What is the Bluetooth version on the PS3?

The PS3 supports Bluetooth 2.0.

6. What app do I need to connect my PS3 controller to my phone?

For Android devices, you can use the Sixaxis Controller app to pair a PlayStation 3 controller. Note that the app is paid and requires root access.

7. Is there a way to play PlayStation remotely?

Yes, you can use the PS Remote Play app for PS4 and PS5. The PS3 does have a remote play function, but it is not as streamlined and user-friendly.

8. How do I enable remote play on PS3?

Go to (Settings) > (Remote Play Settings) on your PS3. Enable [Remote Start] and optionally, [Enable Remote Start via the Internet].

9. How do I turn on my PS3 remotely?

After enabling the Remote Start settings, you can attempt to turn on the PS3 remotely. This will depend on the specific application you are using and the methods available for the platform you choose to control from.

10. What is the passcode for PS3 Bluetooth pairing?

The default passcode is 0000.

11. How many wireless controllers can connect to PS3?

The PS3 can support up to 7 controllers simultaneously.

12. What is the PS3 Remote?

The PS3 Remote Control is a device specifically designed for controlling Blu-ray movies, DVDs, CDs, and media files on the PS3 system.

13. Is the PS3 still worth it in 2023?

Whether the PS3 is worth buying in 2023 depends on your needs. The system is outdated but can still provide a library of classic games, but has very little support and no new releases.

14. How can I control my PlayStation without a controller?

You can use the PS Remote Play app for PS4/PS5, but not directly for the PS3. The PS3 remote play was originally intended to be controlled from other devices like mobile phones or PSPs.

15. How can I use a PS3 without the power button?

If the PS3 has the red light on, try connecting the controller via USB and then pressing the PS button.

Conclusion

While controlling your PS3 with your phone isn’t as seamless as with modern consoles, it is technically achievable using a combination of the PS3’s Remote Play function and third-party apps for mobile. However, you must understand that most modern solutions are primarily for Android users, they are not direct controllers, and the best experience will still come from using a dedicated Dualshock 3 controller. Remember to consider the limitations and challenges before trying to use your phone as a PS3 remote.

Can I control my PS3 with my phone?