Skip to main content

How to sync a PS5 controller

The Playstation 5 has plenty of improvements over the PS4, but one of the most noticeable changes is the new DualSense controller. Even though it’s the default option, it’s one of our favorite PS5 controllers. But like any other wireless controller, sometimes your DualSense controller will become disconnected from your console.

Whether you’re setting up your PS5 for the first time or troubleshooting controller issues, knowing how to sync your PS5 controller is important. Here’s how to sync a PS5 controller to your console in just a few steps.

More on PS5

How to sync a PS5 DualSense controller

A person holds up a PS5 controller.
Kamil S/Unsplash

Out of the box, the PS5 comes with one DualSense controller and a USB-C charge cable. To sync the DualSense controller to your PS5, turn on the system and plug the standard USB end of your charge cable into the front or back of the console. Then, plug the other end of the cable — the smaller USB-C end — into the top of the DualSense controller. From there, press the PS button on the controller, located just below the speaker on the face of the DualSense.

If done correctly, the controller should blink for a few moments and then light up on the front, indicating it has been powered on. Eventually, the lights on the controller will turn blue, meaning it has been synced to the system correctly. You’re now free to unplug the cable to use your DualSense wirelessly. Just note that you will need to utilize that cable (or a charging dock) to charge your DualSense controller periodically. Also keep in mind that you may need to update the firmware of your PS5 controller, and the system will prompt you to do so if need be.

Syncing additional controllers to your PS5

A person plays Crash Bandicoot using a PS5 DualSense controller.

The PS5 supports up to four DualSense controllers at once, so you’ll need to know how to sync additional controllers to your new machine if you want to play local multiplayer games. You can utilize the method described above — by using a USB-C cable — but there’s an easier way. Instead, once you’ve got one DualSense paired with your PS5, you can sync other controllers wirelessly. To do so, make sure your additional controllers are turned off. If the light on the controller is on, it means the device is turned on, so hold down the PS button for a few seconds to turn it off.

Then, using the controller that’s already paired, go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth accessories. At this point, press and hold the PS button and the Create button (the button above the d-pad on the left) simultaneously on the additional controller. Eventually, the device will appear as an Accessory found, so once it does, select it with the first DualSense controller to complete the syncing process. Test out the second controller to ensure it’s paired properly, and you’ll be all set. Repeat this process with your additional PS5 controllers (up to four total).

Editors' Recommendations

Joseph Yaden
Joseph Yaden is a freelance journalist who covers loves Nintendo, shooters, and horror games. He mostly covers game guides…
Where to find Spider-Verse Web-Shooters in Fortnite
Fortnite character speaks with Gwen to buy Spider-Verse web-shooters

It's certainly never very surprising to see new Marvel content in Fortnite, as the ever-popular battle royale has a long history of crossovers with the property. However, it's always a fun time when we get new characters and themed items, and during these final weeks of Chapter 4 Season 2, players can get their hands on some Spider-Verse skins, challenges, and even Miles Morales' own web shooters. If you'd like to zip around the map and take on enemies from the trees and rooftops, you're in luck, as here's everything you need to know about finding and using the Spider-Verse Web-Shooters.
Where to get Spider-Verse Web-Shooters and how they work
Spider-Verse Web-Shooters can be found on the ground all across the battle royale map, meaning you'll simply have to seek them out and get a bit lucky with running across a set. However, if you'd like a guaranteed Spider-Verse Web-Shooter, you can always visit Gwen walking around the northern section of Slappy Shores, as she'll sell you a set for 600 gold bars. That's an admittedly large sum of gold for an item that only lasts for a single match, though, so it's worth thinking carefully about whether it's worth emptying out your wallet.

Regardless of how you get your hands on a set of Spider-Verse Web-Shooters, you'll find that they function identically to previous iterations of this notorious mobility item. You simply equip the web shooters and aim at a surface (preferably something higher than your current location), then deploy a string of web to swing forward. There are a maximum of 80 charges in a single web-shooter, so you have plenty of opportunities to move quickly around the map – but you still shouldn't waste charges unnecessarily or you may eventually run out during an important showdown near the end of the match.

Read more
PlayStation Backbone controller gets an Android version ahead of PlayStation Showcase
A person sits on a bench with Backbone One - PlayStation Edition for Android.

A new Android version of the Backbone One -- PlayStation Edition is now available. The mobile controller brings the aesthetic of Sony's DualSense to Android phones.

Backbone One -- PlayStation Edition, a mobile gaming controller that copies the aesthetics of the PS5's DualSense, was first revealed and released in July 2022. At the time, though, only an iOS-compatible version of the mobile gaming controller was available. Now, Android users can pick up a version of the PS Backbone One that works with their phones. As its appearance and functionality are almost identical to the iOS version in almost every way, it's no surprise that the Backbone One -- PlayStation Edition for Android also costs $99.

Read more
Final Fantasy XVI’s first 3 hours play like a high fantasy Last of Us
Joshua speaks to Clive in Final Fantasy XVI.

When I demoed Final Fantasy XVI back in February, I had some questions. The slice I played was very much focused on the upcoming PS5 release’s combat system. I was immediately impressed with how fast and furious it was, bringing a bit of Devil May Cry to the RPG series. That said, there was quite a bit I didn’t see. The story mission I played would only give me a brief introduction to its hero, Clive Rosfield, and the war-torn nation in which the game takes place. I was itching to know more.

I’d get all those lingering questions answered when I went hands-on with the first three hours of the game, which launches on June 22. Rather than letting me test out an arsenal of spells, I’d start with a much less capable Clive with only a few attacks to his name. I’d get to see his full tragic backstory play out through long cinematics with only a few smaller gameplay snippets between. I’d leave my demo session with far fewer question marks, a bit more intrigue, and a couple of lingering concerns that could be alleviated later in the adventure.

Read more