Can you use PS4 controller on PS5?

You invite your friends over for a playthrough of Overcooked! All You Can Eat, only to realize you have a PS5® console while your friends came equipped with PS4® controllers. You might be wondering: can PS4 controllers work on a PS5?

You can—we'll walk you through the simple process. At Asurion, our experts have the tech know-how to keep your gaming gear connected. Whether you're figuring out controller compatibility or connecting devices across generations, our guide on how to connect a PS4 controller to a PS5 makes getting connected easier.

Can you use a PS4 controller on a PS5 console?

Sure can, but PS4 controllers may lack some of the standard PS5 controller features (like haptic feedback or adaptive triggers), and it comes with a pretty big caveat—they can only be used to play older PS4 titles on the newer console. For PS5 games, you’ll need to use a compatible PS5 controller.

If you try to use a PS4 controller to play a PS5 game on your PlayStation® 5, you'll get a warning message that says, "PS5 games can't be played using the DUALSHOCK 4".

Connecting your PS4 controller to PS5

PS4 controllers, also known as DualShock® 4 wireless controllers, can connect to your PlayStation in two ways: via a Bluetooth connection or a wired connection.

Connecting via Bluetooth

1. Turn on your PS5 console.
2. On your wireless controller, press and hold the PS Button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.
3. On your PS5, head to the Settings menu.
4. Select Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories. Your PS4 controller should appear in the list of available devices. Select it to pair it with your PS5.

Connecting via USB Cable

Do you have a wired controller, or need to charge while playing? Connecting to your PlayStation® 5 with a USB cable is even easier:

1. Connect your PS4 controller to the PS5 using a compatible USB cable and one of the USB ports located at the front or back of the console
2. The PS5 will recognize the controller and pair it automatically.

Whether you go wired or wireless, your console can connect up to four controllers at a time. This gives you one more reason to take your gaming session online.