How to Add a New Controller to Your PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding a new controller to your PlayStation 4 is a straightforward process, allowing you to enjoy multiplayer games with friends and family. Whether it’s a brand new DualShock 4 controller or one that’s been used before, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to get it connected and ready to play.

Connecting a New Controller to Your PS4: The Direct Method

The simplest way to connect a new PS4 controller is through the USB cable that came with your console. Here’s how:

1. Power on your PS4: Turn on your PlayStation 4 console using the power button on the console itself.
2. Connect via USB: Plug one end of your USB cable into the Micro-USB port on your DualShock 4 controller and the other end into a USB port on your PS4 console.
3. Press the PS button: With the controller now connected, press the PlayStation button (the circular button in the center of the controller).
4. Controller is Paired: If the light bar on the controller lights up, this confirms the connection. The controller is now paired with your PS4 and ready to use.

This method will pair your controller for the first time, and once paired, it will typically connect automatically via Bluetooth in the future.

Connecting a Second Controller Wirelessly via Bluetooth

If you’re connecting a second or subsequent controller, you’ll need to use the Bluetooth pairing method:

1. Turn on the PS4: Power on your PlayStation 4 as usual.
2. Access Settings: From the PS4 home screen, navigate to “Settings”.
3. Go to Devices: Scroll down and select “Devices”.
4. Choose Bluetooth Devices: In the Devices menu, select “Bluetooth Devices”. The PS4 will now be in pairing mode, scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
5. Enable Pairing Mode on the Controller: On your controller, press and hold the “SHARE” button (located above the left directional button) and the PlayStation button simultaneously for a few seconds until the light bar on the controller starts flashing. This indicates the controller is in pairing mode.
6. Select the Controller: Your new controller should now appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your PS4 screen. Select it using your primary controller.
7. Pairing Confirmation: The light bar on the new controller will stop flashing and will become a solid color, indicating a successful connection. If you are connecting more than one controller the light bar will become different colors to easily distinguish each player.

Troubleshooting Controller Connection Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter problems connecting your new PS4 controller. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:

• Check the USB Cable: If using the USB method, ensure your USB cable is functioning correctly. Try a different cable to rule out any issues. Some USB cables only transfer power and not data, so make sure you are using one that can do both.
• Battery Check: A low battery can cause connectivity problems. Charge your controller for at least an hour and then try again.
• Reset the Controller: If the controller still won’t connect, you can try resetting it. Use a paperclip or similar object to press and hold the reset button located in a small hole on the back of the controller for about 5 seconds. Then, try the connection process again.
• Controller is already paired to another device: If the controller is flashing white or the pairing process fails. Try making sure the controller is not connected to another device, such as a PC or another console.
• Distance from console: Make sure you are close to the console for a successful connection via Bluetooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Connecting PS4 Controllers

1. How many controllers can connect to a PS4?

A PS4 can support up to four controllers simultaneously. This makes it perfect for local multiplayer games with your friends. Each controller will have a different color light bar to show which controller is which.

2. Why won’t my second PS4 controller connect?

Several factors could prevent your second controller from connecting. Try a different USB cable, reset the controller, ensure the controller is not paired with another device, and make sure the battery is charged.

3. How do I connect a new PS4 controller without the old one?

You can connect a new controller without the old one by using a USB cable as detailed in the steps above or through the Bluetooth pairing mode via the settings menu.

4. How do I manually connect a PS4 controller?

To manually connect a controller, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. Then, put your controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the SHARE button and the PlayStation button until the light bar blinks.

5. How do you reset a PS4 controller?

To reset a PS4 controller, power down the PS4. Find the small hole near the left shoulder button on the back of the controller. Insert a paperclip and press the button inside for about 5 seconds.

6. Why is my PS4 controller flashing white?

A flashing white light on your PS4 controller usually indicates that the controller is either not connected, is in pairing mode, or has a low battery. Make sure the controller is charged. If it is charged, restart the process of pairing and it should fix it.

7. Can two PS4 users use the same account?

Yes, you can log in to the same account on another PS4. However, only one PS4 can be logged into the account at a time. You will be kicked off the PSN account if it is logged into another console.

8. What buttons do you press to reset a PS4 controller?

You need to use an object like a paper clip to press the reset button located in the small hole on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Hold the button down for about 6 seconds.

9. How do I connect my PS4 controller without USB?

Press and hold the PlayStation button for three seconds. Then, simultaneously press and hold the SHARE button and the PlayStation button until the light bar flashes. The controller should then appear in the Bluetooth devices list on your console.

10. How do I resync my PS4 controller to my PS4?

To resync, hold down the PlayStation button and the Share button simultaneously for 5 seconds on the controller you wish to sync. Then, select the controller on the PS4 using the other controller.

11. What do the different colored light bars mean on my PS4 controllers?

The light bar colors help differentiate the order of players, with blue typically being the first player, red being the second player, green being the third, and pink being the fourth.

12. How do you activate a second controller on PS4?

Press and hold the PlayStation logo button on the second controller. The PS4 will prompt you to assign it as the second controller. Click yes and it will be ready to use.

13. How do you add a second player on PlayStation?

On the PlayStation 4 console home screen, select Party then set up a party. This is how you get a second player for some games. Some games will allow you to simply press the Options button on the second controller, this will be game specific.

14. Why is my second PS4 controller not working?

The controller might have been recently paired with another device, it might be too far from your PS4 for a successful connection via Bluetooth, or the USB connection might be faulty.

15. Can I connect PS5 controllers to PS4?

Unfortunately, PS5 controllers are not compatible with the PS4 console for gaming. While you can connect them via USB, they will not function correctly in games. They were made to work exclusively for the PS5.

Conclusion

Connecting a new controller to your PS4 is generally a simple procedure. By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing any issues with the troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to get back to playing your favorite games with friends quickly and easily. Remember to keep your controllers charged and to make sure they aren’t paired to another device to prevent unnecessary troubleshooting.