How to connect a DualSense wireless controller

Find out how to charge and pair your DualSense™ wireless controller with your PlayStation®5 console, change the controller settings, and update the device software.

Pair with PS5 console
Pair with other devices
Charge controller

Adjust controller settings
Update device software
Having issues?

How to pair a DualSense wireless controller with PS5 consoles

To use your controller, you need to pair it with your console.

Make sure that your PS5® console is switched on.
Connect the controller to your console using the included USB cable.
If your controller is turned off, press the PS button.
After the light bar blinks, the player indicator lights up.

Please note, your controller can pair with only one PS5 console at a time. When you want to use your controller on another console, you need to pair it with that console.
You can use up to 4 controllers at the same time. When you press the PS button, a colour is assigned to each player.

Pair additional controllers wirelessly

After you pair a controller (controller 1) with your PS5 console, you can pair an additional controller (controller 2) wirelessly.

Make sure that controller 2's player indicator is off before you start pairing. If the player indicator is on, press and hold the PS button until the light turns off.
Using controller 1, go to the home screen and select Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
Using controller 2, press and hold the create button and the PS button at the same time. The light bar blinks, and controller 2 is listed on the screen.
Using controller 1, select controller 2 listed on the screen. Controller 2's light bar blinks, and then the player indicator lights up when properly paired.

How to connect a DualSense wireless controller with other devices

You can use your controller away from your console. Find out more about compatible devices, applications, and feature support by visiting the guide below.

Connect DualSense wireless controllers to other devices

How to charge a DualSense wireless controller

When it's time to charge, connect your DualSense wireless controller to your PS5 console using the included USB cable. The controller's battery can be charged while your console is either on or in rest mode.

How to check controller charge status

Press the PS button to display the Control Centre and select Accessories to check the battery level of the controller.

While the controller is charging, an animated battery icon with a lightning bolt symbol will appear on the screen.

When the DualSense wireless controller is fully charged, the battery icon will stop animating and display three bars.

How to charge in rest mode

You can charge your controller while your PS5 console is in rest mode.

Charge in rest mode

Charging issues

If you experience any issues while trying to charge your controller, please try the following steps:

The USB cable that comes with your PS5 console is a Type-C to Type-A USB cable. The smaller end (which goes into the controller) is Type-C, and the larger, rectangular end is Type-A.

Try connecting the USB cable that came with your PS5 console to a different USB-A port on the PS5 console.
Try using another Type-C to Type-A USB cable, which is “charge and sync” or “charging and data”. Cables indicated as “charge only” cannot be used.
Try a Type-C to Type-C USB cable. You may also use a charger that is compliant with the USB standard if you have one available.

Please note, not all USB chargers will be capable of charging the DualSense wireless controller.

PS5 console USB ports guide

PlayStation Repairs

How to adjust DualSense wireless controller and audio settings

You can adjust the output device, volume levels and voice chat balance via the control centre.

Press the PS button to display the control centre, select Sound and choose a setting to adjust.
Press the mute button on your controller to mute and unmute your mic.
Press and hold the mute button on your controller to mute your mic and speakers. When the button turns orange, your mic is muted, and sound output to all speakers is turned off. Press the button again to return to the original state.

For general controller settings:

Go to Settings > Accessories.
Select Controller (General).

Adjust general controller settings

How to update the device software for DualSense wireless controllers

Updates for your DualSense wireless controller are added once you update your PS5 console system software. Pair your controller and follow the on-screen instructions to update.

To start an update manually: