How To Turn On Bluetooth On PS4 Controller And Pair It
Connecting a PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller to other devices via wireless technology is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite games on PCs, smartphones, or tablets. Understanding how to activate its built-in signal allows gamers to seamlessly transition between different gaming setups without hassle. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly put your gamepad into discovery mode and pair it with almost any compatible host system.
Enabling Bluetooth Discovery Mode on the DualShock 4
Unlike traditional accessories, the PS4 controller does not feature a dedicated power switch for its wireless functions. To turn on Bluetooth broadasting, you must press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for several seconds. When done correctly, the light bar on the top of the gamepad will begin flashing rapidly in a double-blink pattern.
This distinct blinking light indicates that the device is actively broadcasting its signal to nearby equipment. If the light bar slowly pulses or simply turns solid blue, the controller is attempting to connect to its previously paired console instead. In that scenario, turn off the controller and repeat the button combination until the rapid flashing appears.
Pairing the Controller with a PC or Laptop
Once the gamepad is flashing, navigate to the device settings menu on your Windows or Mac computer. Open the Bluetooth configuration section and select the option to add a new wireless device. Your system should quickly detect the controller and display it in the list of available connections as a Wireless Controller.
Click on the detected device name to complete the pairing process between your computer and the gamepad. The light bar on the controller will stop flashing and remain steady once the connection is established. You can now configure control layouts in your favorite gaming platforms or emulator software.
Connecting to Mobile Devices and Tablets
Pairing a PS4 controller to iOS or Android devices follows a very similar process to computer setup. First, ensure Bluetooth is toggled on inside your mobile device settings menu before putting the gamepad into pairing mode. Next, trigger the rapid flashing light bar on the DualShock 4 using the dual-button shortcut.
Look at the available devices list on your phone or tablet screen until the gamepad name appears. Tap on the entry to initiate pairing, which usually completes within just a couple of seconds. Once connected, many mobile games and cloud streaming apps will automatically recognize controller input.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
If your host device fails to detect the gamepad, low battery charge is often the primary culprit. Connect the controller to a USB power source for a short charge before attempting the pairing process again. You can also clear existing device entries from your host system to prevent potential wireless signal conflicts.
In cases where the gamepad remains stuck or unresponsive, resetting the hardware can resolve software glitches. Insert a small pin into the tiny reset hole located on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Hold the internal button down for five seconds to reset the controller before trying pairing again.