How to Sync a PS4 Controller

Syncing a PS4 DualShock controller only takes a USB-to-Micro-B cable; here's how to pair and re-pair it if it stops connecting.

Sera Karasu

August 16, 2022, 02:31 PM2 min read

In brief

AI summary

A PS4 DualShock controller syncs with just a USB-to-Micro-B cable, since there's no wireless Bluetooth pairing workaround.
A controller that won't charge may have a damaged port or a faulty cable.
To re-pair, reset the controller and PS4 from the console's Bluetooth Devices settings, then select Forget Device and reconnect via USB.

Contents3 sections

PS4 is one of the most reliable and most popular game consoles out there. But sometimes issues can crop up. When they do, there's a lot you can do to keep your controller working properly. To use PS4 controllers, you need to sync them with your system. In this article we'll cover how to sync a PS4 controller.

How Do You Sync a PS4 Controller?

Syncing a PlayStation 4 DualShock controller with a PS4 is pretty easy and only requires a USB-to-Micro-B cable. There's no wireless workaround for pairing controllers over Bluetooth, so you'll need a cable to sync new controllers with your PS4. Your DualShock 4 controller comes with one cable, but any other USB 2.0-to-Micro-B cable will work too.

Plug the USB cable into the controller, then into the USB port on your PlayStation 4.
When you turn on your PS4, your controller will automatically connect to your PlayStation via the USB cable. Press the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller to activate it. After that, the PS4 will take you to the login screen to choose a player account to use with the controller.
The LED light bar on top of the controller will turn blue, and it'll also charge your controller — the light turns yellow while it's charging but not powered on.

Re-pairing a PS4 Controller

When you plug in your controller, check whether it's charging. If it isn't, you might have issues like a damaged controller port or a faulty cable.
To re-pair it, you'll need to reset both your PlayStation controller and your PlayStation 4. You can do this from the PS4's settings menu.
Go to the Devices menu, then select Bluetooth Devices. In the Bluetooth settings, you'll see all your controllers. Select the reset option and press X.
Press the Options button on your controller and select Forget Device.
After that, connect the controller with your USB adapter to pair it with the console again.