PS5 controller won't connect? Here's how to fix it

One of the most popular things about the PlayStation 5 is its DualSense controller. It’s so popular, in fact, that people often use a DualSense to play PC, Android, and iOS games, even when they could be using any other Bluetooth gamepad. If you’re having wireless connectivity problems — whether playing on a PS5 or otherwise — here are some steps you can try to get back in action.

How to fix a PS5 controller that won’t connect

There are some common principles for solving DualSense connection issues, but the details will vary depending on the device you’re connecting to. Follow one of the appropriate checklists below.

PS5

• Make sure your controller is mostly or fully charged. If it’s running on fumes, there’s a chance it might turn on but fail to connect.
• Check whether it’s paired to a separate device. You can only use a DualSense with one device at a time, so you may need to remove your controller from the other device’s list of Bluetooth connections.
• Try rebooting your PS5 to see if it re-establishes pairing. You can do this using the Power button in the console.
• Connect your DualSense controller via a USB-C cable, then hold down the PlayStation button. That should force your PS5 to detect the controller, though you should double-check the settings to ensure wireless pairing is active.
• If nothing’s working, reset the controller by inserting a paperclip, toothpick, or SIM tool into the Reset buttonhole on the back of the controller. Hold the button for about 5 seconds. You’ll need to re-pair the device after this.

PC

• Make sure your controller is mostly or fully charged.
• Check whether it’s paired to a separate device. You can only use a DualSense with one device at a time, so you may need to remove your controller from the other device’s list of Bluetooth connections.
• Check that your PC has Bluetooth enabled, and whether or not your controller is detected. In Windows 11, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices to do both.
• If your controller isn’t on the device list, try re-pairing it. Turn it off by pressing and holding the PS button for about 10-15 seconds until the lights turn off. When turned off, hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons until a light flashes. On your Windows machine, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth. Select your controller.
• No luck yet? Reset your DualSense by inserting a paperclip, toothpick, or SIM tool into the Reset buttonhole on the back. Hold the button for about 5 seconds. Once that’s done, try the pairing steps above.
• If Bluetooth pairing refuses to work, try connecting via a USB cable.

Android

Software details may depend on the specific Android device you’re using, but this is the general process. You’ll need Android 12 or later to use a DualSense.

• Make sure your controller is mostly or fully charged.
• Check whether it’s paired to a separate device. You can only use a DualSense with one device at a time, so you may need to remove your controller from the other device’s list of Bluetooth connections.
• Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth, and toggle on Use Bluetooth.
• When turned on, Bluetooth will search for available devices in the settings menu listed in the previous section. Look for your controller and tap on it. If it’s missing, you’ll have to re-pair. Put your DualSense into pairing mode by holding down its PlayStation and Share buttons until a light flashes. On the same menu, Select Pair new device and select your PS5 controller.
• As a last resort, reset your DualSense by inserting a paperclip, toothpick, or SIM tool into the Reset buttonhole on the back. Hold the button for about 5 seconds, then try pairing again.

iPad/iPhone

• Make sure your controller is mostly or fully charged.
• Check whether it’s paired to a separate device. You can only use a DualSense with one device at a time, so you may need to remove your controller from the other device’s list of Bluetooth connections.
• On your iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth to check that Bluetooth is enabled, and whether or not your controller is detected.
• If your DualSense is missing from the device list, you’ll have to re-pair it. Turn it off by pressing and holding the PS button for about 10-15 seconds until the lights turn off. Then, hold down the PlayStation and Share buttons until a light starts flashing. In your Apple device’s Bluetooth menu, select your controller when it appears. You may need to tap the PlayStation button again to make the controller active.
• Though unlikely, it’s possible that your DualSense might show up in the Bluetooth list, but listed as “Not Connected” even though the controller is on. In that case,  tap on the i (info) button next to it, then Forget This Device. Re-pair using the instructions above.
• If nothing’s happening, reset your DualSense by inserting a paperclip, toothpick, or SIM tool into the Reset buttonhole on the back. Hold the button for about 5 seconds, then try pairing again.