In the world of competitive gaming, every millisecond counts. The last thing you want to worry about is your controller losing connection to your console. That’s where pairing your PS4 controller without a USB cable comes in. This simple but effective method allows you to quickly and easily connect your controller to your console, giving you the freedom to move around and play without the hassle of tangled wires.
Pairing your PS4 controller without USB is incredibly easy. To get started, make sure that both your PS4 controller and console are powered on and in close proximity to each other. On the controller, press and hold the PlayStation button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar on the controller starts flashing. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode. On the console, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. You should see your PS4 controller listed under “Available Devices.” Select it and follow the prompts to complete the pairing process.
Once your controller is paired, you can enjoy the freedom of wireless gaming. The controller will automatically connect to the console whenever it is turned on and within range. You can also use the controller with other devices, such as your PC or Mac, by following the same pairing process. However, it’s important to note that the controller will only be able to connect to one device at a time. So, if you want to switch between devices, you’ll need to go through the pairing process again.
Establishing Bluetooth Connection
To pair a PS4 controller without a USB cable, you’ll need to establish a Bluetooth connection between the controller and your console. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
1. Power on Your PS4 and Controller
Begin by powering on both your PS4 console and the PlayStation 4 controller without using a USB cable. Ensure that the controller is not connected to any other devices via Bluetooth at this time.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Press the power button on your PS4 console to turn it on. |
| 2 | Locate the small “PS” button in the center of your PS4 controller. |
| 3 | Press and hold the “PS” button for a few seconds until the light bar on the controller starts flashing. |
Once you release the “PS” button, the light bar on the controller will continue to flash, indicating that it’s in pairing mode.
Resetting Your PS4 Controller
The tiny reset button on the PS4 controller can be challenging to find, so here are detailed steps to locate and use it:
- Flip the controller over and examine the back. Look for a small, circular hole near the L2 shoulder button.
- Insert a small, pointed object, such as a straightened paperclip or SIM card ejector tool, into the hole. Apply gentle pressure.
- Hold the button down for about five seconds until the light bar on the front of the controller flashes rapidly. This indicates that the controller has been successfully reset.
- Release the button and reconnect the controller to the PS4 console using a USB cable.
- Once the controller is recognized by the console, you can remove the USB cable and use the controller wirelessly.
Note: Resetting the controller will erase any custom settings or profiles stored on it. If you have any customized settings that you want to keep, be sure to back them up before resetting the controller.
Verifying Controller Compatibility
Before attempting to pair your PS4 controller wirelessly, it’s crucial to ensure that your controller is compatible with the pairing method you plan to use. The following steps guide you through the verification process:
Checking Controller Model
Locate the model number of your PS4 controller on its back. Controllers compatible with wireless pairing typically have a model number starting with “CUH-ZCT2” or higher. If your controller’s model number doesn’t match this format, it may not be capable of pairing wirelessly.
Verifying Firmware Version
Connect your PS4 controller to your PS4 console using a USB cable. Navigate to “Settings” > “System Software Update” on your console. If the firmware version displayed is 4.00 or higher, your controller supports wireless pairing. Otherwise, you’ll need to update the firmware before pairing.
Checking for Reset Button
Look for a small, circular reset button on the back of your controller, at the top of the left trigger. If your controller has this button, it’s likely compatible with wireless pairing. If you can’t find the reset button, your controller may be an older model that doesn’t support wireless pairing.
| Controller Model | Firmware Version | Reset Button | Wireless Pairing Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUH-ZCT1 | 3.90 | No | No |
| CUH-ZCT2 | 4.00 or higher | Yes | Yes |
| CUH-ZCT2U | 4.00 or higher | Yes | Yes |
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
Check your controller’s battery
The first step in troubleshooting any wireless connection issue is to make sure your controller has enough battery power. If the battery is low, your controller will not be able to connect to the console. To check the battery level, press the PS button on your controller. If the light bar is flashing red, your controller is low on battery and needs to be charged.
Make sure your PS4 is in range
The PS4 console and the controller use Bluetooth to communicate with each other. Bluetooth has a limited range, so if your controller is too far away from the console, it will not be able to connect. Make sure your controller is within 30 feet of the console and there are no obstructions between the two devices.
Reset your controller
If you are still having trouble connecting your controller, you can try resetting it. To reset your controller, follow these steps:
- Turn off your PS4 console.
- Find the small reset button on the back of your controller.
- Use a paperclip or other small object to press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.
- Release the reset button and turn on your PS4 console.
- Press and hold the PS button on your controller to pair it with the console.
Update your controller’s firmware
If you are still having trouble connecting your controller, it may be necessary to update its firmware. To update your controller’s firmware, follow these steps:
- Connect your controller to your PS4 console using a USB cable.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers.
- Select your controller and press the Options button.
- Select “Update Firmware”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| CE-34878-0 | The controller could not be connected to the PS4 console. | Try the following steps:
|
| CE-34877-4 | The controller is not responding. | Try the following steps:
|
| CE-34878-3 | The controller’s firmware is out of date. | Try the following steps:
|
Pairing with Multiple Controllers
To pair multiple controllers to your PS4 without USB, follow these steps:
1. Turn on your PS4 and navigate to the Settings menu.
2. Select “Devices” and then “Bluetooth Devices.”
3. Make sure that all of the controllers you want to pair are turned on and in pairing mode. To put a controller in pairing mode, hold down the PS button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar on the controller starts flashing.
4. Select the “Register New Device” option on your PS4. Your PS4 will start scanning for available Bluetooth devices.
5. Once your PS4 has found the controllers, select them from the list and press the “Register” button.
| PS4 Controller | Pairing Mode |
|---|---|
| Original PS4 Controller | Hold down the PS button and the Share button for 5 seconds |
| PS4 Slim Controller | Hold down the PS button and the Options button for 5 seconds |
| PS4 Pro Controller | Hold down the PS button and the Share button for 5 seconds |
6. Your controllers will now be paired to your PS4. You can now use them to play games.
Ensuring Proper Battery Levels
For a seamless wireless connection, ensure that both the PS4 controller and console have sufficient battery life. Here’s a detailed guide to performing a battery level check:
Checking PS4 Controller Battery Level:
1. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to turn it on.
2. Observe the light bar on the controller. A single, solid white light indicates a full charge.
3. A flashing white light indicates a low battery. Plug the controller into a USB port to charge.
4. A blinking red light signifies a critical battery level. Charge the controller immediately.
Checking PS4 Console Battery Level:
1. If the PS4 console is turned on, navigate to the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down to “System” and select it.
3. Under “System Information,” locate the “Battery Level” section.
4. The indicator will display the current battery percentage of the console.
Ensuring adequate battery levels is crucial for successful wireless PS4 controller pairing. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stable wireless gaming experience.
Utilizing a Third-Party Adapter
In case you don’t have access to a USB cable or your controller’s USB port is malfunctioning, you can consider utilizing a third-party adapter. These adapters typically connect to your controller’s audio jack and establish a Bluetooth connection with your PS4. However, it’s crucial to note that not every third-party adapter is compatible with the PS4. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly research and select an adapter explicitly designed for pairing with the PS4.
Steps for Pairing with a Third-Party Adapter:
1. Gather your materials: Ensure you have a compatible third-party adapter, your PS4 controller, and a smartphone or tablet with the PlayStation App installed.
2. Connect the adapter: Plug the third-party adapter into your controller’s audio jack.
3. Turn on your controller: Press the PS button on your controller to turn it on.
4. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet: Ensure that Bluetooth is activated on your device.
5. Open the PlayStation App: Launch the PlayStation App on your smartphone or tablet.
6. Pair the adapter: Within the PlayStation App, navigate to the “Settings” menu and select “Bluetooth Devices.” Find the name of your adapter in the list and tap on it to pair it.
7. Connect to the PS4: Once the adapter is paired with your smartphone or tablet, go to the Bluetooth settings on your PS4. Select the name of your adapter and establish a connection.
8. Verify successful pairing: After connecting, the light on your third-party adapter should turn solid to indicate a successful pairing. Now, you can use your controller wirelessly with your PS4.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need for USB cable | May not be compatible with all third-party adapters |
| Convenient for wireless gaming | Additional expense |
Pairing with a PC for Remote Play
1. Install Remote Play App
Download and install the Remote Play app for PC from the PlayStation website.
2. Connect Your PS4 and PC to the Same Network
Ensure that both your PS4 and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
3. Enable Remote Play on Your PS4
Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Enable Remote Play.
4. Open the Remote Play App
Launch the Remote Play app on your PC and log in with your PlayStation account.
5. Search for Your PS4
Click the “Play” button and select your PS4 from the list of detected devices.
6. Verify Connection
A connection verification code will be displayed on your PS4. Enter this code into the Remote Play app.
7. Optional: Pair Controller with Bluetooth
If you want to use your DualShock 4 controller wirelessly, turn on Bluetooth on both your PC and controller. Pair them by holding the PS button and Share button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.
8. Start Remote Play Session
Once your controller is paired, click the “Connect” button in the Remote Play app.
9. Advanced Pairing Options for Bluetooth Controllers
* Windows: Go to Bluetooth settings, right-click your PS4 controller, and select “Update Driver” > “Browse my computer for drivers.” Navigate to the “Programs” folder in the Remote Play installation directory and install the Bluetooth driver.
* macOS: You may need to use a third-party tool like “ds4windows” or “BetterJoy” to pair and configure the controller.
Alternative Methods for Controller Pairing
Here are the alternative methods to pair your PS4 controller without USB:
Bluetooth (Only for PS4 models with built-in Bluetooth)
1. Turn on your PS4 and make sure the Bluetooth feature is enabled in Settings > Devices.
2. Press and hold the PlayStation button and Share button on your controller until the light bar flashes white.
3. Open the Bluetooth settings on your PS4 and select the name of your controller from the list of available devices.
4. The controller will automatically pair with the PS4. Press the PlayStation button to complete the connection.
PlayStation App
1. Download the PlayStation App on your mobile device and sign in with your PlayStation Network account.
2. Make sure your PS4 and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the PlayStation App and tap on the “Pair New Device” option.
4. Press and hold the PlayStation button and Share button on your controller until the light bar flashes white.
5. Select your controller from the list of available devices in the PlayStation App.
6. The controller will automatically pair with the PS4. Press the PlayStation button to complete the connection.
Other Methods
If the above methods do not work, you can try using:
- A different USB cable
- Resetting your controller by pressing the small reset button on the back
- Restarting your PS4
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Pairing (PS4 Pro and Slim) |
|
| PlayStation App Pairing |
|
How to Pair PS4 Controller Without USB
Pairing your PS4 controller with your console without a USB cable is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps:
- Turn on your PS4 console.
- Hold down the PlayStation button and the Share button on your controller simultaneously for a few seconds.
- The light on the back of your controller will start flashing rapidly.
- On your PS4, go to the Settings menu > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
- Select “Wireless Controller” from the list of available devices.
- The light on your controller will turn solid blue once it is paired.
People Also Ask About How to Pair PS4 Controller Without USB
How do I pair my PS4 controller without a USB cable if the light is not flashing?
If the light on your controller is not flashing, try resetting it by holding down the reset button on the back of the controller for a few seconds.
How do I pair my PS4 controller without a USB cable if I don’t have a PS4 console?
You can pair your PS4 controller with a PC or Mac using Bluetooth. Here are the steps:
- On your PC or Mac, go to the Bluetooth settings.
- Hold down the PlayStation button and the Share button on your controller simultaneously for a few seconds.
- The light on the back of your controller will start flashing rapidly.
- On your PC or Mac, select “Wireless Controller” from the list of available devices.
- The light on your controller will turn solid blue once it is paired.
