Table of Contents

Can I Use My Phone as a PS4 Controller? A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Can I use my phone as PS4 controller? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely use your phone as a PS4 controller, albeit with a few caveats. While your phone won’t directly replace a DualShock 4 controller for every game and scenario, it offers a valuable alternative in specific situations. This article delves into how you can use your smartphone as a PS4 controller, explores the different methods, and answers frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding.

How to Use Your Phone as a PS4 Controller

There are primarily two ways you can leverage your smartphone to control your PlayStation 4: PS Remote Play and the PS4 Second Screen app. These methods offer different functionalities and use cases.

Using PS Remote Play

PS Remote Play is the most robust method for controlling your PS4 with your phone. This service allows you to stream your PS4 gameplay directly to your mobile device, essentially turning your phone into a portable gaming screen and controller.

Here’s how it works:

Download the App: Download the PS Remote Play app from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone or tablet. This app works for both PS4 and PS5 consoles.
PS4 Settings: On your PS4, navigate to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and ensure “Enable Remote Play” is checked. Additionally, it is recommended to enable the “Stay Connected to the Internet” function for a smoother connection.
Sign In: Open the app on your phone and sign in with your PlayStation Network account, ensuring it’s the same account you use on your PS4.
Connect: The app should automatically search for your PS4 on the same network. If it doesn’t, you can manually register your console. Make sure both your phone and PS4 are on the same Wi-Fi network for the best experience.
Control Your PS4: Once connected, you will see your PS4’s display on your phone screen. You can now use the on-screen virtual controller to play your games. Some games may be difficult to play using an on screen controller, though.

Key features of PS Remote Play:

Full Game Access: Stream and play nearly any game from your PS4 library.
On-Screen Controller: Use the built-in virtual controller on your phone’s display.
Bluetooth Controller Support: For a better experience, you can pair a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller with your phone via Bluetooth for improved controls on Android 10 (or later) and Apple devices running iOS 14 (or later) as well as newer devices that run the Dualsense controller (iOS 14.5 or later).
Remote Play Outside the Home Network: While initially designed for local networks, Remote Play can also work over an internet connection, meaning you can play your PS4 from anywhere with decent WiFi. However, this will heavily depend on your internet speed and latency.

Using the PS4 Second Screen App

The PS4 Second Screen app provides a more limited form of control but offers some valuable supplementary features. This app doesn’t stream the gameplay but provides second-screen functionality and a basic control interface.

Here’s how to use it:

Download the App: Download the PS4 Second Screen app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Connect to PS4: Make sure your phone and PS4 are on the same network. Open the app on your phone. The app should find your PS4 and prompt you to enter a code displayed on the console screen.
Basic Controls: Once connected, you can use your phone as a basic controller to navigate menus, type text, and initiate actions.

Key Features of PS4 Second Screen:

Basic Control: Navigate menus, launch games, and control media playback.
Second Screen Functionality: Display in-game information, maps, or other content on your mobile device.
Text Input: Use your phone’s keyboard to enter text on your PS4, which can be useful for searching and messaging.

Limitations of Using Your Phone as a Controller

It’s important to recognize the limitations when using your phone as a PS4 controller:

Input Lag: There can be a noticeable input lag, particularly with on-screen virtual controllers or when using an unstable or slow internet connection with PS Remote Play. This can make fast-paced games frustrating to play.
On-Screen Control Issues: Virtual on-screen controls can be less precise and less tactile than physical buttons.
Battery Drain: Streaming via Remote Play can be battery-intensive for both your phone and the PS4 controller if connected to Bluetooth.
Feature Restrictions: The Second Screen app has severely limited functionality in terms of being an actual controller, with the focus being on supplemental features rather than gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with my PS4 instead of a phone as controller?

Yes, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse on your PS4, and they can offer a more precise control method in certain games. However, not all games support keyboard and mouse input. You can connect these devices through the PS4’s Bluetooth settings.

2. Can I use any Bluetooth controller with my phone to play PS4 games via remote play?

While it is not directly supported, your phone is capable of pairing with other types of Bluetooth game controllers, but the PS Remote Play app is only optimized for use with the Dualshock 4 controller or Dualsense. Other controllers may work but functionality and mapping could vary significantly.

3. Can I use a USB controller with my phone and play PS4 games?

It’s not possible to directly connect a USB controller to your phone and have that control your PS4 through PS Remote Play. The phone needs to recognize the controller itself, and not just as input into the remote play. Bluetooth controllers connected to your phone will work, but USB controllers will not.

4. Can I play all PS4 games on my phone using Remote Play?

Yes, you can stream nearly all PS4 games using Remote Play. However, the performance may vary depending on your internet speed and the game’s requirements.

5. Can I use my phone as a PS4 controller without Wi-Fi?

No, you need an internet connection for Remote Play and the PS4 Second Screen app. Both applications require a network connection between your phone and the console.

6. Does using my phone as a controller cause lag?

Yes, there can be input lag, especially if using the on-screen controller, a low quality Wifi network, or streaming over the internet with PS Remote Play. A stable connection and Bluetooth DualShock 4 are recommended to minimize the lag.

7. Is there a PS4 emulator for Android to play games directly on my phone?

While there are claims of PS4 emulators for Android, they are not generally reliable or functional. Emulating modern consoles like the PS4 on a phone is extremely resource intensive and often not practical, if possible. Instead, streaming using Remote Play is the better way to access your PS4 games from your phone.

8. Can I use the second screen app for all PS4 games?

No, not all PS4 games support the second screen functionality. This feature is developed on a game by game basis by individual game developers, so not all games will have second screen options.

9. Can I use my phone to turn my PS4 on or off?

Yes, both PS Remote Play and the PS4 Second Screen app allow you to turn your PS4 on if it is in rest mode, but you will not be able to turn it off using the applications.

10. Do I need a specific Android or iPhone version to use my phone as a controller?

Yes. PS Remote Play requires Android 7.0 or later, or iOS 14 or later for Apple devices to function effectively. DualShock 4 functionality will only work on Android 10 or later and iOS 14 or later, and Dualsense on devices running iOS 14.5 or later.

11. What is “Safe Mode” on PS4, and how does it relate to using my phone as controller?

“Safe Mode” is a diagnostic tool, and does not relate to phone use as a controller. Safe mode allows you to start your PlayStation console with only the most basic functions active for troubleshooting purposes.

12. Can I use my iPad as a second screen or controller?

Yes, you can use an iPad just like a phone for both Remote Play and the PS4 Second Screen app. It can be paired with a controller and used with the PS Remote Play app for playing games or connected with PS4 Second Screen to control the console’s functions.

13. How do I wipe my PS4 to sell it, and does it affect my phone-controller capabilities?

Wiping your PS4 involves initializing the system, which deletes all data and settings. This has no impact on how your phone can connect to a PS4. If you are doing this to give your PS4 to another person, they will need to set up the console with their own account.

14. Is it safe to buy second-hand PS4 games?

Yes, buying second-hand PS4 games is generally safe. The disc is mainly for license verification; the game itself is installed on the console.

15. Does the PS4 DualShock 4 controller use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to the PS4?

The PS4 DualShock 4 controller uses Bluetooth to connect to the PS4 console and other devices, like your phone. It also connects to the PS4 using USB cables when charging.

Conclusion

Using your phone as a PS4 controller is a viable solution in many situations. While not a perfect replacement for a dedicated DualShock 4, it offers significant flexibility, especially with PS Remote Play. By understanding the limitations and utilizing the features properly, you can enjoy your PlayStation 4 games on the go or in a pinch. You can enjoy the second-screen features of your phone for many games and also make the most of the Bluetooth connectivity to improve game play on the go.