[Guide] How to Connect a PlayStation Controller to an Android Smartphone or Tablet

If you have a PS4 or PS5 controller handy at home, find out how you can pair it with your Android device in a few simple steps. With the popularity of mobile gaming, controller support has also become a popular trend, and if you are looking to game on the go, nothing beats a controller you already own versus buying a new one. Find out how you can seamlessly connect your PlayStation controller to your Android device in a few simple steps.

How to connect your PlayStation controller in 3 simple steps

There is virtually no difference between using a DualShock 4 (PS4) and a DualSense (PS5) controller. The main difference comes down to seeing blinking lights on the lightbar or touchpad on the controller.

The main reason you may want to use your PlayStation controller on your Android could be to leverage popular cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or PlayStation's own remote play feature. In addition, certain Android games support controller input such as Dead Cells.

The first thing you should do is unplug your PlayStation console. This will ensure you don't accidentally turn the console on if you don't time the steps properly.

Hold down the Share button and Home button on your controller simultaneously. On both the controllers, the Share button is located on the top left of the touchpad, the Home button is at the bottom center, between the analog sticks.

On the DualShock 4, your lightbar will begin flashing rapidly, and on the DualSense the touchpad will begin flashing rapidly. This means the controller is now in pairing mode.

Go to your Bluetooth menu and choose Pair New Device.

You will see Wireless Controller show up, tap on this and confirm the Pair.

With that, your PlayStation controller is now connected to your Android device.

If you want to disconnect the controller, you have to navigate to your Bluetooth menu, tap on the controller, and tap disconnect.

Unlike Xbox controllers, PlayStation controllers will have to be synced manually to the console once again via a physical cable or the settings menu. If you only have one controller, you will have to connect the controller to the console via its proprietary cable and press the Home Button to resync the controller to the console. You may have to power on your console manually, and when the console has loaded up, press the home button.