Can You Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5 Via Bluetooth?

One of the most asked questions we see online is “Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?”
Yes—you can pair a PS4 DualShock 4 to a PS5 console via Bluetooth. This setup works seamlessly for backward-compatible PS4 games and basic console navigation. 

However, there are important caveats: lack of DualSense features, incompatibility with PS5 exclusives, and potential connection quirks. In this guide, we cover all on “Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?”, pairing instructions, strengths and limits, troubleshooting steps, and why Gadget Surgery is your best friend when hardware misbehaves.

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Why Pairing PS4 Controllers Can Be Useful?

Cost-Efficient Multiplayer

If you already own a DualShock 4, reusing it lets you enjoy local co-op or party gaming on titles like Rocket League, FIFA, or Overcooked without spending extra.

Familiar Ergonomics

Some users simply prefer the PS4 feel: symmetrical sticks, lighter weight, and a trusted grip cultivated across years of gameplay.

Remote Play & Media Control

Whether streaming gameplay or browsing apps, the DS4 is handy for remote play, Netflix, YouTube, and PS5's built-in media features.

“Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?”: Limitations

PS5 Exclusives Are Off-Limits

Any game tagged PS5 only will not launch with a DualShock 4, and often refuses to proceed past the splash screen unless it detects a DualSense.

Feature Gaps for PS5 Titles

Games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart rely on adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, motion controls, and integrated mics—none of which DS4 supports.

Step‑by‑Step Bluetooth Pairing Instructions

1. Go to Settings → Accessories → General → Bluetooth Accessories on the PS5.

2. Hold PS + Create on the DualShock 4 until the light bar pulses rapidly.

3. When “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” appears, select it.

4. Wait for a solid blue light—connection is successful.

5. Confirm button/stick function by navigating the PS5 menu.

Repeat or add multiple controllers as needed—all will appear under paired accessories.

Choosing Between USB and Bluetooth

USB – The Reliable Choice

When plugged in via USB-C, your DS4 avoids latency, charges as you play, and stays connected—even during sleep/wake cycles. Ideal for long sessions and competitive play.

Bluetooth – Convenience at a Cost

Bluetooth removes cable clutter and is fine for casual gaming, but expect potential input delay, range issues, and feature limitations.

Common Connection Problems and Solutions

We will also discuss some common problems we face with the question “Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?”  

Controller Doesn’t Appear

• Keep DS4 within 1.5 meters

• Eliminate interference: Wi-Fi routers, speakers, phones

• Remove old pairings in Accessories → Bluetooth Devices, reset the controller (pin-hole), and try a fresh pairing

• Charge the DS4 via USB first to ensure the battery is sufficient

Frequent Disconnects

• Check battery health; charge fully

• Confirm firmware is up-to-date via USB

• Remove protective silicone sleeves that might block signals

Unresponsive Buttons or Drift During Pairing

If controls misbehave:

• Reset via pin-hole, re-pair

• Remap buttons in Accessibility Settings

• Persistent drift? Gadget Surgery offers joystick module rebuilds, restoring smooth motion

Headset, Mic, and Audio Limitations

DualShock 4’s light, small internal speaker aren’t used on PS5. Similarly, external headsets connected to the DS4 may fail or drop out under Bluetooth use. For reliable audio, we recommend plugging a headset directly into the console or using USB-connected DS4 controllers.

Battery & Sleep Mode Behavior

Paired DS4 may not auto-wake from PS5 sleep mode. Set the controller inactive, press PS to wake, or connect via USB. Bluetooth disconnects after long idle—charging or USB reconnection solves this.

Maintenance Tips for DualShock 4 on PS5

• Clean ports and vents monthly with compressed air

• Charge regularly—don’t wait until depleted

• Remove dust and gunk around buttons, analog sticks

• Store controllers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

When Gadget Surgery Becomes Essential?

If your controller struggles with pairing, disconnects constantly, or feels slack:

Our Most Requested Services

• Bluetooth antenna repair—worn circuits, cracked solder

• Joystick rebuild—combat drift, improve analog smoothness

• Battery replacement—restore longevity and prevent sudden death mid-game

• Port & touchpad repair—loosened USB-C, non-responsive trackpad

Why We're Trusted

• Same-day or 48-hour turnaround

• OEM parts, not cheap clones

• 30-day warranty on all services

• Nationwide UPS pickup/drop-off

Is It Worth It?

Using a DS4 via Bluetooth is great for casual play, backwards compatible titles, and to share hardware among friends. 

But for new-gen experiences, especially where advanced features matter—or when lag and disconnects frustrate—you’re better off using a DualSense or USB-connecting your DS4. 

And for top performance, our Gadget Surgery repairs will ensure your controllers function perfectly, no matter the use case.

Making the Best Choice

• For casual co-op or spare controllers, Bluetooth is fine

• For competitive or feature-rich titles: go wired or switch to DualSense

• If connection fades or sticks act up, head to Gadget Surgery for expert service

Continuous Support from Gadget Surgery

We don’t just fix once—we help maintain excellence:

• Annual check-ups for frequent users

• Bulk repairs for households with multiple controllers

• Advice on battery care, firmware updates, and pairing practices

Bridging the Old and New Console

Transitioning from PS4 to PS5 is smoother with your DS4 still in use. Whether for nostalgia, co-op, or budget-friendly play, connecting via Bluetooth works well. 

Just know the limitations: features, latency, and exclusive titles. Combine smart pairing with Gadget Surgery’s maintenance, and your controller stays reliable, even as Sony moves forward.

Gadget Surgery – A decade of trusted console repairs across the UK. Restore, refurbish, and maintain your gaming gear with care, precision, and speed. Stay connected, no matter which controller generation you're using.

Can You Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5 for Games?

“Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?”Connecting a PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your PlayStation 5 isn’t just possible—it can be useful, convenient, and budget‑friendly for multiplayer sessions and backward‑compatible titles. Yet, it comes with notable limitations. 

Step-by-Step: Pairing Your DualShock 4 to PS5

1. Power on your PS5 and go to Settings → Accessories → General → Bluetooth Accessories

2. On your DualShock 4, hold PS + Share until the light bar blinks rapidly—entering pairing mode

3. Select “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” from the PS5’s list

4. Wait for the solid blue light—this confirms connection

5. Test buttons and navigation in the home screen

You’re now ready to game, though not everywhere on the PS5.

Which PS5 Games Work With DualShock 4?

• PS4 Backward-Compatible Games: Titles originally released on PS4 (e.g., Spider‑Man, Horizon Zero Dawn) will run smoothly on PS5, and are fully playable with your DualShock 4.

• PS5 Exclusives: Games such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, and Resident Evil Village require a DualSense controller and will not function with DualShock.

• PS5 App Navigation: Use the DS4 for browsing the PS5 UI, streaming Netflix, YouTube, or media playback without issue, but audio controls and mic features won’t work.

Essentially, yes for PS4 classics and system navigation—but no for full next-gen gameplay.

What You Gain & What You Lose

Supported Features

• Button input & analog sticks remain responsive

• D-pad navigation and trigger function work as expected

• Bluetooth convenience for quick secondary controllers

Missing DualSense Features

• Adaptive triggers & haptic feedback aren’t supported

• Motion sensors and the microphone are disabled

• Light bar, speaker, and headset audio become inactive on PS5

• Immersive PS5 gameplay modes are unavailable

You’re keeping functionality, but trading away immersion and feature richness.

USB vs. Bluetooth: Which Connection is Best?

USB Connection

• Wired, no latency during input

• Charging while playing

• Leverages a more stable pairing—ideal for long sessions

Bluetooth Connection

• Wireless convenience, no cable needed

• Ideal for casual gaming or media control

• Risk of disconnections, delay, and sleep-mode dropouts

Pro advice: Use USB for uninterrupted gameplay and recharge during play; use Bluetooth for short, convenient sessions.

Troubleshooting Common Pairing Hiccups

Controller Not Detected

• Bring DS4 closer to PS5 and eliminate RF interference

• Completely reset the pairing, then reconnect via USB

Frequent Disconnects

• Charge DS4 fully

• Avoid low battery—Bluetooth is sensitive to power drops

Sticky Buttons or Drift

• Clean the controller manually

• If problems persist, contact Gadget Surgery for joystick repair

Optimizing DualShock 4 Health on PS5

• Keep firmware updated via USB pairing

• Avoid the battery from fully draining—maintain above 20%

• Clean analog sticks and vents monthly

• Store in dry, dust-free conditions between sessions

How Gadget Surgery Supports Legacy PS4 Gear?

Even durable DualShock controllers can suffer wear. With over a decade of expertise, Gadget Surgery can:

• Repair Bluetooth antennas for a consistent connection

• Rebuild joystick modules for drift‑free play

• Replace batteries to prevent mid‑game shutdowns

• Fix sticky buttons & cracked housing for durability

• Provide USB port repair for stable wired sessions

Our nationwide courier makes sending your controller easy, and we guarantee fast, affordable turnaround with OEM-grade parts.

Advanced Troubleshooting: Fix Connection & Stability Issues

Even after pairing, some users encounter unexpected issues. Here’s how to diagnose and resolve them:

Intermittent Bluetooth Dropouts

• Verify firmware: Pairing via USB lets the PS5 push updates. Reconnect DS4 to PS5 by cable, hold PS button for 5 seconds to complete

• Update PS5 console: Go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update, and ensure the console is current

• Eliminate RF noise: Turn off other controllers, Bluetooth headsets, or devices in the same room if signals collide

• Power cycle properly: Fully shut down and unplug the console overnight—this clears lingering Bluetooth interference

Controller Drifts or Response Issues on PS5

Even new controllers can develop stick slippage that’s more noticeable on next-gen input:

• Reset stick calibration: Go to Settings → Accessories → Controllers and select Adjust sticks, following on-screen prompts

• Check protective grips: Silicone toppers may shift analog sticks—remove and test

• Re-flash firmware: A fully wired connection can resolve calibration mismatches

• Seek professional joystick rebuild: At Gadget Surgery, we strip, clean, recalibrate, and rebuild with precision for lasting control

Unresponsive Triggers, Buttons, or Touchpad

PS5 may not recognize touchpad or Share/Capture inputs via DualShock due to protocol differences:

• Stick to gameplay-focused buttons

• For capture, use the Create button on the DualSense or map to a keyboard via accessibility settings

• If triggers feel mushy, trigger wear is common—Gadget Surgery offers micro-switch replacements to restore crisp tactile response

Multi-Controller Setup Tips

If you're running DS4 alongside other controllers:

1. Use USB for the primary controller, and Bluetooth for backup

2. Label your devices in Accessories → Bluetooth Accessories with emoji (e.g., 🎮, 🌟) to tell them apart quickly

3. Disconnect unused controllers before sleep to reduce interference

4. Store cables and extra controllers neatly so you can access the right one instantly

Real-World Scenarios That Show DS4’s Strengths

Couch Co-op on PS4 Classics

Family games like Overcooked! All You Can Eat and Crash Team Racing work perfectly, letting everyone join using a familiar controller—no extra spend, no learning curve.

Media and Streaming Use

Streaming Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ is smoother with DS4. Instant single-button media control without unplugging a DualSense is often more convenient.

Remote Play on PC or Mobile

When mirrored via PS Remote Play, DS4 connects effortlessly and is ideal for casual sessions, travel, or quick saves.

Proactive Maintenance for Longevity

We suggest the following care routine to preserve your DualShock’s reliability:

• Monthly dust removal: Use compressed air on vents and seams

• Annual joystick check: Check for drift or wobble

• Silicone case cleaning: Remove covers at least once a month

• Battery refresh: Recharge cycles from 20–80% extend the life span

• Firmware check: Pair via USB quarterly to allow updates

Further care guidance and part kits are available through Gadget Surgery, ensuring precision beyond your typical DIY fix.

Better Alternatives Than Bluetooth-Only

For users wanting the best balance, consider these:

• DualSense controllers: For full PS5 feature support, including all remapping and haptics

• Used or refurbished DualSense: Often under £45—budget-friendly with full capability

• Third-party wired DS4 adapters: Offer lag-free input and auto-charge when plugged in

Gadget Surgery can inspect, refurbish, or configure any of these to integrate perfectly into your setup.

Gadget Surgery: Your Legacy Controller Lifeline

At Gadget Surgery, we specialize in giving your PS4 gear new life:

• Joystick rebuilds for drift-free gaming

• Battery replacements to avoid sudden shutdowns

• Bluetooth & USB port repairs to maintain connectivity

• Button/micro-switch renewals for crisp tactile feel

• Firmware calibration and rebuild advice

We offer quick national courier service, transparent pricing, and a 30-day warranty, serving gamers who expect excellence without waiting months or paying inflated rates.

Conclusion: Can You Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5 for Games?

Yes—but selectively. Backwards-compatible PS4 titles work beautifully. Navigating system menus is seamless. But for modern PS5 experiences, DualShock falls short. The Bluetooth path works, but it's not flawless.

For a truly consistent experience:

• Use USB whenever possible

• Keep your older controllers serviced via Gadget Surgery

• Consider investing in a DualSense if full performance matters

And whenever drift, connectivity, or hardware fatigue strikes, Gadget Surgery is ready to restore performance fast. Keep your legacy controllers strong, stable, and playing perfectly—even as games evolve.