Sharing controllers between consoles is convenient, so many players ask whether you can connect a PS5 controller to PS4. Unfortunately, the answer is more disappointing than the reverse scenario, and it is worth understanding why before you try. This guide gives the direct answer and points you toward the controllers that actually work on a PS4.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 (PS4) — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Can You Connect a PS5 Controller to PS4? The Direct Answer
No, you cannot connect a PS5 DualSense controller to a PS4 for gameplay. The PS4 lacks firmware support for the DualSense, so it will not pair over Bluetooth for playing games, and a USB cable only charges the controller without enabling control. This is the opposite of a DualShock 4, which can at least run backward-compatible titles on a PS5. The reason is timing: the PS4 launched years before the DualSense existed, and Sony never issued an update to make the older console recognize the newer pad. If you want to play PS4 games with a first-party controller, you need a DualShock 4. The table below lists dependable options for PS4 gaming and for PS5 upgrades, followed by detailed guidance on your alternatives.
| Product | Best For | Standout Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DualShock 4 (PS4) | Native PS4 gameplay | Full PS4 compatibility | 4.7/5 |
| Sony DualSense (PS5) | PS5 gaming only | Adaptive triggers and haptics | 4.8/5 |
| Scuf Impact (PS4) | Competitive PS4 play | Rear paddles | 4.5/5 |
| Nacon Revolution Pro 3 | PS4 precision players | Adjustable weights | 4.4/5 |
| Razer Raiju (PS4) | Wired PS4 shooters | Mechanical action buttons | 4.4/5 |
Why You Cannot Connect a PS5 Controller to PS4
The PS4 firmware does not include the drivers needed to recognize a DualSense, so the Bluetooth pairing process fails before it completes. Connecting the controller by USB will draw power to charge it, but the console still will not register button inputs during gameplay. Sony has not released an update to change this, and no menu setting forces recognition. For first-party PS4 play, the DualShock 4 is the correct choice, as our PS4 controller buying guide explains.
Does a USB Cable Let You Connect a PS5 Controller to PS4?
A wired connection is the first thing most people try, but it does not solve the problem. Plugging a DualSense into a PS4 with a USB cable only charges the battery, since the console cannot read the controller’s inputs. This holds true across every PS4 model, so do not expect a cable to unlock functionality. The same outcome applies whether you use the original PS4, the Slim, or the Pro, because the limitation lives in the console software rather than the ports. If your goal is simply to charge a DualSense, the PS4’s USB connection will do that job fine, but you will still need a supported controller to actually play. Our controller connection guide covers which pads work wired on PS4.
What About Remote Play With a PS5 Controller?
There is one indirect use worth mentioning. The DualSense works well with the PS Remote Play app on phones and computers, letting you stream and control a PS5 remotely. However, this does not connect the controller to a physical PS4 console; input flows through the app rather than the PS4 hardware. So the pad remains useful for streaming while still being unable to drive a PS4 directly. See our Remote Play controller tips for more.
Best Controllers to Use With a PS4 Instead
For PS4 gaming, choose a DualShock 4 or a licensed third-party pad such as the Scuf Impact, Nacon Revolution, or Razer Raiju. These support the PS4 fully, including competitive features like rear paddles and adjustable sticks, and they connect without issue. Save your DualSense for the PS5, where its adaptive triggers shine. Compare first-party options in our PS4 vs PS5 controller roundup.
Common Myths About Connecting a PS5 Controller to PS4
A number of myths circulate about making a DualSense work on a PS4, and clearing them up saves wasted effort. Some players believe a future firmware update will add support, but Sony has given no indication it plans to, and the PS4 is now well past its update-heavy years. Others hope a third-party USB adapter will bridge the gap, yet these devices are designed to convert other controllers for console use and do not reliably enable a DualSense on a PS4. You may also encounter claims that a PC pass-through app connects the pad to a PS4, but that merely routes input through software on the computer rather than the console itself. When in doubt, the safest path is a supported DualShock 4. Our controller compatibility explainer lays out exactly which pads work on which systems, and our controller buying tips help you choose a reliable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect a PS5 controller to PS4 at all?
No, you cannot connect a PS5 DualSense controller to a PS4 for playing games. Sony never added the firmware support the PS4 would need to recognize the newer pad, so Bluetooth pairing fails and a USB connection only charges the controller without enabling any in-game control.
Will connecting a PS5 controller by USB work on PS4?
No, connecting a DualSense to a PS4 by USB only charges the controller. The PS4 does not have the drivers required to read its inputs, so button presses and stick movement will not register during gameplay, regardless of which PS4 model you own or which cable you use.
Which controller should I use with a PS4 instead?
Use a DualShock 4 for full PS4 compatibility, or pick a licensed third-party pad like the Scuf Impact, Nacon Revolution, or Razer Raiju. These controllers work natively with the PS4 and add competitive extras such as rear paddles and adjustable sticks that the DualSense cannot offer on that console.
Can I use a DualSense with PS4 games on PS5?
Yes, most PS4 games run on a PS5 through backward compatibility, and you can play them with a DualSense controller. If a DualSense is your only pad, moving your PS4 games to a PS5 is often the simplest solution, letting one modern controller cover both libraries at once.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 (PS4).
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Top picks from this guide
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