Can You Use PS4 Controllers on the PS5?

After so many years of having the same console, you’ve surely built up a nice collection of different controllers for it. Whether they be a standalone purchase or part of a collector’s console, I personally have a few PS4 controllers in my library. Now that I have a PS5, the burning question has become whether I can use my PS4 Dualshock controller on it. To answer that particular question right off the bat, yes, you can use a PS4 controller on your PS5.

However, there are a few things that you’re limited to if you decide to use the outdated controller. As a result, I wrote out everything you need to know about connecting your controller as well as the pros and cons of doing so.

How to Connect a PS4 Controller to the PS5

There are two ways to connect a PS4 controller to your PS5. I’ve listed them down below:

1. Connection using a USB Cable.
   1. Turn on your PS5 before doing anything else.
   2. Connect your PS4 controller using a micro USB cable to the back of the PS5.
   3. Press the PS Button in the center of your PS4 controller.
   4. Your PS5 should recognize the controller, and you can then disconnect it and use it wirelessly.
2. Connection via Bluetooth.
   1. If for some reason, the above doesn’t work, use a PS5 controller to go to the PS5 Settings.
   2. Select the General option followed by Bluetooth Accessories.
   3. Hold the Share button and the PS button simultaneously until the controller light begins flashing.
      • This puts the controller in pairing mode.
   4. Select the Dualshock 4 controller from the list of controllers in the Bluetooth Accessories window.

Are There Any Issues with Using a PS4 Controller on PS5?

Yes and no. Not every game is capable with a Dualshock 4, so you’re only limited to a few titles. However, if you’re playing a PS4 game natively on the console, then you shouldn’t have any issues. You can even have one player use a PlayStation 4 controller while the other uses a PS5 controller for the former’s games.

Can You Connect a PlayStation 5 Controller to a PlayStation4?

No, it doesn’t go both ways. You can connect a PS4 controller to a PS5 but not the other way around.