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Can You Use a PlayStation Controller on PC, Mac, and Mobile?

A DualSense can connect to supported PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, but game support and features vary by platform and connection method.

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Yes. Sony’s standard DualSense controller can connect to supported Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and Apple mobile devices by Bluetooth or USB. But connecting successfully is only the first step: the game or app must also support controllers, and some DualSense features work only on particular platforms or over a wired connection.

Which devices support the standard DualSense?

Sony lists the following minimum operating-system versions for Bluetooth and USB use. These are device-compatibility minimums, not a guarantee that every game or application will recognize the controller.

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Device Sony-listed minimum Connection options
Windows PC Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 Bluetooth or USB
Mac macOS Big Sur 11.3 Bluetooth or USB
Android device Android 12 Bluetooth or USB
iPhone iOS 14.5 Bluetooth or USB
iPad iPadOS 14.5 Bluetooth or USB
Apple TV tvOS 14.5 Bluetooth or USB

These minimums come from Sony’s DualSense pairing and compatibility guidance. Availability and feature support can vary by device, software version, and application.

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How to connect a DualSense to a PC, Mac, or mobile device

Pair over Bluetooth

  1. Make sure the controller is off: its player indicator should not be lit. Disconnect its USB cable if one is attached.
  2. Hold the Create button, then hold the PS button until the light bar begins blinking. The controller is now discoverable.
  3. Open Bluetooth settings on the PC, Mac, phone, tablet, or Apple TV and select the controller from the list of discovered devices.

Sony says a DualSense can store up to four device pairings. That makes it possible to pair it with more than one device, although switching between saved pairings uses the controller’s buttons (see below).

#1 Best Overall
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
  • Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
  • Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
  • Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
  • Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
  • Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5

Connect with USB

Connect the controller to the supported device with a USB cable that has a Type-C connector. Sony’s guidance does not establish that a cable is included or that every cable will work with every device; if a connection fails, try a cable and port known to support data as well as charging.

Will it work in your game?

Operating-system compatibility and game support are separate. A PC, Mac, or mobile device may pair with the controller while a particular game or app does not accept controller input. Sony says support can vary by game. On Steam, check the game’s store listing for its Full Controller Support or Partial Controller Support label, and check the game’s own settings if input is not detected.

Rank #2
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
  • Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
  • Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
  • Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
  • DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
  • PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.

On Windows, Sony also supports using the DualSense with PS Remote Play to play games streamed from a PS5 or PS4, as well as in games that support generic controllers. On a PC, the controller’s device software can be updated with PlayStation Accessories.

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Which DualSense features work on each platform?

Pairing does not make every controller feature available everywhere. Sony’s guidance describes these platform and connection limits for the standard DualSense:

Rank #3
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Ultra Customizable Controls
  • Mappable Back Buttons
  • DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
  • Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Feature What to expect
Adaptive triggers Require game support and are not compatible with Android-based mobile devices.
Haptic feedback Requires game support; on PC it requires a USB connection. It is not compatible with Mac or mobile devices.
Built-in microphone and speaker Available on Windows PC when supported by the game; not available on Mac or mobile devices.
Headset jack Requires a wired connection on PC and Mac; not compatible with mobile devices.

Even on Windows, a compatible game may not use every available feature. Check the game’s controller-support information rather than assuming that connection alone enables adaptive triggers, haptics, or audio.

Switch between paired devices

Sony says the standard DualSense can retain up to four device pairings. You can assign a pairing slot using an action button and PS, then switch to that saved device by holding its corresponding action button and PS for about three seconds. If the controller is connected to a PS5, Sony says you cannot switch it from Mac or mobile-device settings; use the controller buttons instead. See Sony’s instructions for pairing and switching devices for the button sequence.

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AceGamer 2 Pack for PS4 Controller, Wireless Controller for PS4/Pro/Slim/PC, with Non-Slip Grip of Both Sides and USB-C Cable! (Black and White)
  • 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
  • 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
  • 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
  • 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
  • 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What about DUALSHOCK 4 and DualSense Edge?

Older and alternate PlayStation controllers have their own compatibility requirements. Do not apply the standard DualSense minimums or feature details to them.

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Controller Sony-listed operating-system support Connection and feature notes
DUALSHOCK 4 Android 10; iOS 13; iPadOS 13; macOS Catalina; tvOS 13 or later For Windows USB use, Sony names a DUALSHOCK 4 USB wireless adaptor or compatible micro-USB cable. Over Bluetooth, Sony lists limitations affecting touchpad support, light-bar color changes, rumble, motion sensor, and headphone-jack audio.
DualSense Edge Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11; macOS Ventura 13.3; iOS 16.4; iPadOS 16.4; tvOS 16.4 or later Bluetooth and USB are listed; game- and device-dependent limitations apply.

For the full conditions, consult Sony’s separate pages for DUALSHOCK 4 and DualSense Edge.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Galactic Purple - For PS5, PC, MAC & Mobile
Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback; Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
$74.00
Bestseller No. 2
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.; Devices with macOS 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 or tvOS 14.5 or later supported.
$58.00
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
Ultra Customizable Controls; Mappable Back Buttons; DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
$199.00
Best Value
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Marvel’s Wolverine Battle Yellow Limited Edition
  • Bring gaming worlds to life, Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Find your voice, share your passion, chat online with the built in microphone (Available when feature is supported by game)
  • Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
  • Multi-device connectivity, connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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