Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Can You Use a PS4 Controller on a PS5 [A Step-By-Step Guide]

can you use ps4 controller on ps5

Ever found yourself wondering if your trusty PS4 controller can tag along to the next-gen party on a PS5 console? Good news: compatibility isn’t just a dream for your favorite DualShock 4.

This guide describes the simplicity behind connecting and gaming with your PS4 controller on Sony’s latest marvel, offering solutions that keep you in play without skipping a beat. With practical steps and insightful details ahead, get ready to bridge the generational gap.

Dive in—gaming nostalgia awaits!

Understanding PS4 and PS5 Controllers

PS4 controllers, known as DualShock 4, were made for the original PlayStation 4. They have a share button and a touchpad. They can connect to consoles with Bluetooth or a micro-USB cable.

PS5 controllers are called DualSense, and they offer more features than PS4 controllers. These include haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that change how you feel in games.

The DualSense also has a built-in microphone and a Create button instead of the Share button from the DualShock 4. It charges using USB-C instead of micro-USB. This means it can send power faster and fit in either way, making it more convenient to plug in.

Both types of controllers work wirelessly and let you add headsets for game chat or streaming sounds directly to your ears while playing.

Can You Use PS4 Controller on PS5?

You can indeed use your PS4 controller on the new PlayStation 5. But there’s a catch! It only works when you’re playing games that were originally made for the PS4. If you try to play a game designed for the PS5, your old DualShock controller won’t work. Did you know about PS Now? Learn how to install PS Now on your PC.

Sony designed it this way so that players get the most out of new features and technologies in PlayStation 5 games with their DualSense controllers.

Using your PS4 gamepad on your new console is great for saving some money or when having friends over without enough PS5 controllers to go around. Just remember, while most wireless controllers connect easily to different devices, connecting a DualShock to a PlayStation 5 might not give you every feature available like it would on its home system, especially with newer games made specifically for the latest technology in Sony’s arsenal.

How to use a PS4 Controller on PS5

Curious about connecting your trusted DualShock 4 with the latest Sony console? Read on—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to bridge generations with ease in gaming.

Using a PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on PS5

Playing PS4 games on your PS5 console doesn’t mean you need to buy new controllers. You can use your trusty PS4 DualShock 4 gamepad for that nostalgic feel.

  • Turn on your PS5 and go to the home screen.
  • Navigate to the ‘Settings’ gear icon at the top right corner.
  • Scroll down and select ‘Accessories.’
  • Choose ‘Bluetooth Accessories.’
  • Grab your PS4 controller and hold down the ‘Share’ button and the ‘PS’ button simultaneously.
  • Wait until the light bar on the controller starts flashing; this means it’s in pairing mode.
  • Look at your TV or monitor and see your controller pop up on the list of Bluetooth devices.
  • Select it using your PS5 controller; you might need to press ‘X’ a couple of times.
  • The light bar should glow steadily once it’s successfully connected.
  • You can only play games made for the PS4 with this setup. Newer games won’t work because they need DualSense features.
  • Some options are unavailable, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, because they’re DualSense-specific.
  • Remember, when you want to use PlayStation VR, you’ll still need motion controllers compatible with it.
  • For remote play or streaming services like Apple TV, a DualShock 4 will work just fine.

Limitations of Using a PS4 Controller on PS5

A PS4 controller won’t work with PS5 games. This means you miss out on new features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers when playing the latest titles. Sony designed these innovations to create a more immersive gaming experience exclusive to the PS5.

You can play your old favorites from the PS4 on the new console using a DualShock 4 controller, but it’s not forward-compatible. If you try to use it for newer games, it simply won’t respond.

Gamers need to switch to a DualSense controller for anything that’s made for the next-gen system.

Takeaway

You’ve learned a lot about using your trusty PS4 controller on the new PS5. It’s clear that it works, but only with PS4 games. Remember, if you’re aiming to dive into the latest PS5 titles, you’ll need to grab a DualSense controller.

Keep gaming and enjoy making the most of all your controllers!


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Who is Jen Lilley Husband
Who is Jen Lilley Husband? A Look into the Life of Jason Wayne and Their Beautiful Family
Where Does Jen Lilley Live Now
Where Does Jen Lilley Live Now: A Look into the Actress's Current Residence
g flip net worth
G Flip Net Worth: How the Aussie Musician Achieved $8 Million in 2025
How Tall is Jen Lilley
How Tall is Jen Lilley: A Complete Height Guide for Fans
Rise of Smart Warehouses
How Smart Warehouses Are Reshaping Global Supply Chains

LIFESTYLE

whatutalkingboutwillis gift
Ultimate Whatutalkingboutwillis Gift Guide For The Perfect Present
Smart Skincare
What Smart Skincare Looks Like in a World of Overload
Swim Academy in Amman
How to Choose the Right Swim Academy in Amman?
Shopping in Madrid
Shopping in Madrid: From Exclusive Boutiques to Vintage Markets: A Shopping Lover's Guide
how long does dermaplaning last
How Long Does Dermaplaning Last? All About Dermaplaning Duration

Entertainment

g flip net worth
G Flip Net Worth: How the Aussie Musician Achieved $8 Million in 2025
Stranger Things 5 Release Dates
Stranger Things 5 Release Dates Confirmed: Finale Set for New Year’s Eve
Eminem Net Worth
Eminem Net Worth in 2025: An Impressive $250M Revealed
taylor swift regains masters celebrates with selena gomez
Taylor Swift Reclaims Music Masters and Celebrates with Selena Gomez in NYC
jaylen brown girlfriend
Who Is Jaylen Brown's Girlfriend? Meet The WNBA Player Dating The NBA Star

GAMING

unblocked games 67
Are Unblocked Games 67 Safe? Top Unblocked Games to Play in 2025
Parental Guide for Kid-Friendly Gaming
Parental Guide to Safe and Age-Appropriate Gaming for Kids
How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
unblocked games granny
Play Granny Unblocked: Online Game Fun With Unblocked Games Granny
PC vs Console Gaming
PC vs Console Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?

BUSINESS

Rise of Smart Warehouses
How Smart Warehouses Are Reshaping Global Supply Chains
Credit Score Repair
The Role of Credit Score Repair in Buying a Home or Car
AS400 PTF Management
AS400 PTF Management: The Overlooked Security Risk Costing Enterprises Their IBM i Integrity
Countries with the Best Tax Incentives for Entrepreneurs
Top 5 Countries with the Best Tax Incentives for Entrepreneurs in 2025
Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Explained: Why It Matters in 2025

TECHNOLOGY

Budgeting Apps for Gen Z
Top 7 Budgeting Apps for Gen Z That Actually Work
rena monrovia when you transport something by car ...
The Meaning of Rena Monrovia When You Transport Something By Car ...
flingster review
Flingster Review: The Details of Anonymous Video Chat in 2025
Rise of Blockchain in Global Money Transfers
How Blockchain Is Disrupting Cross-Border Payments
Anthropic Launches Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users
Anthropic Launches Real-Time Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users

HEALTH

Signs You Need a Digital Detox
10 Signs You Need a Digital Detox—And How to Start Today
DNP vs PhD in Nursing
DNP vs PhD in Nursing: What is the Difference?
Concussion Symptoms and Treatments
Concussion: Symptoms and Treatments
Looking for Kratom Near You
Looking for Kratom Near You? Here’s Why Online Might Be Safer and Stronger
How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress