How to sync a PS5 controller to your PS5

Whether you’re going with the default DualSense controller — one of our favorite PS5 controllers — or a third party controller, you’ll need to connect your PS5 controller to your PS5. It’s not a difficult process, but if you aren’t aware of the ins and outs of it, it is reasonable to have trouble.

This guide specifically covers connecting your PS5 controller to your PS5, a process known as ‘syncing’. Previously, we’ve covered connecting your PS5 controller to PC and even how to update PS5 controllers from PC, if you’re strictly a computer gamer that uses a PS5 controller for the purpose. Naturally, we’ve also gone over syncing a PS4 controller, just in case you’re lost in the wrong gaming generation.

How to connect a PS5 controller to a PS5

Out of the box, the PS5 comes with one DualSense controller and a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging. You can use these steps with those or any compatible alternative.

Turn on the system and plug the standard USB end of your charge cable into the front or back of the console.
Plug the other end of the cable — the smaller USB-C end — into the PS5 controller. If you are using a DualSense controller, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the top.
Press the PS button on the controller, located just below the speaker on the face of the DualSense.
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 and use your PS5 controller 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.

Connecting additional controllers to your PS5

The PS5 supports up to four 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 controller paired with your PS5, you can sync other controllers wirelessly. To do so, follow these steps.

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.
Using the controller that’s already paired, go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth accessories.
Now, 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 original 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).

Please note that getting additional PS5 controllers can become expensive, so be sure to check out our regularly updated listing of Playstation deals, where we often find PS5 controllers (including the DualSense) on the cheap.