Hey there, awesome pals! Have you ever asked, “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?” Maybe you’ve got that shiny new PS5 DualSense controller with its cool buttons and funky lights, and you’re wondering if it’ll work on your old PlayStation 4. Well, you’re in the right spot! We’re going to dive into this big question with a huge smile and figure it all out together it’s going to be a blast!
The PS5 controller is like a superhero gadget with fancy tricks like shaking and trigger squeezes, but the PS4 is an older console that doesn’t know those moves. So, can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4? The short answer is no not straight out of the box but don’t pout yet! There are some clever ways to make it happen, and we’ll explore them step-by-step. Whether you’re a kid who loves gaming or a grown-up helping out, this guide will show you everything you need to know. Let’s zoom into the fun!
Table of Contents
What’s a PS5 Controller Anyway
First, let’s talk about this cool PS5 controller it’s called the DualSense! It’s got a sleek look with black and white colors, a big touchpad, and buttons that feel super neat. It’s made for the PlayStation 5, which came out in 2020, and it’s packed with awesome stuff like:
- Haptic Feedback: It shakes in cool ways like feeling raindrops or a bumpy road in games!
- Adaptive Triggers: The L2 and R2 buttons change how hard you press like pulling a bowstring or a heavy gun trigger.
- A Built-in Mic: You can chat with friends without a headset how fun is that?
Sony, the company that makes PlayStations, says it’s built just for PS5 games to make them feel extra special. But can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4? Sony says no if you just plug it in it won’t work like a regular PS4 controller. The PS4 doesn’t understand the DualSense’s fancy tricks because it’s an older machine. Boo! But stick with me we’ve got some sneaky ideas to try!
Why Would You Want to Use a PS5 Controller on a PS4
So, why even ask, “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?” Well, maybe your old PS4 controller (the DualShock 4) broke, or you just love how the DualSense feels it’s comfier for some kids! Plus, it’s got a longer battery life than the DualShock 4 up to 12 hours of playtime when it’s new, compared to about 8 hours for the PS4 pad.
Maybe you got a PS5 controller for your computer or because it looks so cool, but you still play on your PS4 sometimes. The PS4 is still awesome in tons of kids and grown-ups use it for classics like Minecraft or Spider-Man. If you’ve got both consoles, you might want one controller for everything. But Sony says the PS5 controller and PS4 don’t mix naturally let’s find out why and how we can fix that!
Does the PS5 Controller Work on PS4 Without Help
Okay, let’s get straight to it can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 just by plugging it in? Nope, not a chance! Sony’s super clear about this on their PlayStation Blog and FAQ pages. The DualSense uses fancy Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C stuff that the PS4’s older system (Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-A) doesn’t get. If you plug it into your PS4 with a USB-C cable, the PS4 just sits there like, “Huh? What’s this?”
The PS4 only knows how to talk to DualShock 4 controllers or some special third-party ones it’s like they speak different languages! Sony also wants you to use the DualSense on PS5 to enjoy its new tricks, so they didn’t make it work backward. Bummer, right? But don’t give up—there are ways to trick it into working! Let’s check those out next!
Trick #1: Using Remote Play to Make It Work
Here’s a cool way to answer “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”it’s called Remote Play! This is like magic from Sony it lets you play your PS4 games on another gadget, like a phone, tablet, or computer, and use the PS5 controller there. Here’s how it works:
- Get the Remote Play App: Download “PS Remote Play” from the App Store (iPhone/iPad), Google Play (Android), or PlayStation’s website (PC/Mac). It’s free!
- Set Up Your PS4: Turn on your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings, and click Enable Remote Play. Make sure it’s online and logged into your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
- Connect Your Device: Open the Remote Play app on your gadget, sign in with the same PSN account, and pick your PS4. It’ll connect over the internet cool, huh?
- Pair the PS5 Controller:
- On a phone/tablet: Hold the PS button and Create button until the light flashes, then pair it via Bluetooth in your device’s settings.
- On a PC/Mac: Plug the DualSense in with a USB-C cable, or pair it via Bluetooth if your computer has it.
- Play Away: Your PS4 screen shows up on your device, and you can use the PS5 controller to play yay!
Does It Work Great? Yup, but it’s not perfect. You need fast internet (like 15 Mbps or more) to avoid lag like when the game stutters. The DualSense’s fancy shakes and triggers won’t work on PS4 games either they’re just regular buttons here. Still, it’s a free way to say yes to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”pretty neat!
Trick #2: Using a Bluetooth Adapter
Here’s another fun answer to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”get a special gadget called a Bluetooth adapter! These little helpers trick your PS4 into thinking the DualSense is a regular controller. Here’s the scoop:
- Pick the Right Adapter: Look for ones like the Mayflash Magic-S Pro (about $20-$30) or Brook Wingman PS4 (around $40). They’re small USB sticks that plug into your PS4.
- How to Set It Up:
- Plug the adapter into a USB port on your PS4.
- Put the adapter in pairing mode usually, a light blinks (check the manual!).
- Hold the PS button and Create button on your DualSense until its light flashes.
- Wait a sec—they’ll connect, and the PS4 will see it as a controller!
- Start Playing: Now you can use your PS5 controller on your PS4 boom!
What’s Awesome? It’s direct—no extra device needed like Remote Play. You can play wirelessly, and it’s cheap compared to buying a new DualShock 4 (those are still $60 sometimes!).
Any Catches? Yup the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers don’t work, and some adapters might have tiny delays. Plus, not every game loves it simple games like FIFA work better than tricky ones like Dark Souls. Still, it’s a solid yes to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?” with this trick!
Trick #3: The Titan Two Adapter
Ready for a big-kid trick? The Titan Two adapter is another way to answer “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”but it’s fancy! Here’s how it rolls:
- What’s a Titan Two? It’s a box (about $140) that connects all kinds of controllers to all kinds of consoles super smart!
- Set It Up:
- Plug the Titan Two into your PS4 with a USB cable.
- Connect your DualSense to the Titan Two with another USB cable.
- Turn everything on it’ll trick the PS4 into using the PS5 controller!
- Game Time: You’re ready to play PS4 games with your DualSense cool beans!
Why’s It Great? It’s super reliable—no lag, and it works wired so no battery worries. It’s also a pro tool some grown-ups use it for extra gaming tricks.
Why Not? It’s pricey $140 is a lot when a new PS4 controller is cheaper! The fancy DualSense features still don’t work either. But if you’ve got cash and love gadgets, it’s a yes to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”
Why Doesn’t Sony Let It Work Normally
You might wonder, “Why can’t you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 without all this stuff?” Great question! Sony says the DualSense is made for PS5 games with its special shakes and triggers PS4 games don’t use those, and the PS4 doesn’t know how to talk to it. They also want you to buy a PS5 to enjoy the full DualSense fun sneaky, huh?
Xbox does it differently their new controllers work on old consoles, no problem! But Sony’s like, “Nope, new toys for new games!” That’s why we need tricks to make “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?” turn into a yes!
What Happens If You Try Without Tricks
Let’s test it can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 by just plugging it in? Grab a USB-C cable, stick it in your PS4, and… nothing! The PS4 doesn’t light up the controller or let you move stuff. It’s like plugging a toaster into a phone charger no dice!
Bluetooth won’t work either the PS4’s pairing mode ignores the DualSense. Sony locked it tight, so without help, it’s a big no to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”but our tricks fix that!
Which Trick Is Best for You
So, can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4? Yup, with help! Here’s how to pick:
- Remote Play: Best if you’ve got a phone or computer and fast internet—free and easy! Great for playing anywhere, but laggy if your Wi-Fi’s slow.
- Bluetooth Adapter: Awesome if you want it simple and cheap—$20-$40 and no extra gadgets. Perfect for home gaming, but no fancy features.
- Titan Two: Super if you’ve got money and love tech—$140 for a pro setup. Best for serious players, but overkill for most kids.
All say yes to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”pick what fits your fun!
What Do Other Kids and Grown-Ups Say
Lots of people on YouTube and gaming sites like Reddit have tried this! Kids say Remote Play’s cool for playing on their tablets some even use it at school (shh!). Grown-ups love adapters like Mayflash because they’re quick and cheap one said, “It’s like my DualSense got a new job!”
A few complain about lag with Remote Play or say Titan Two’s too pricey, but most agree it works. In 2025, tons of PS4 fans still use these tricks Scorelive’s got nothing on this gaming hack!
Can You Use It for All PS4 Games
Good news once it’s working, can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 for any game? Mostly yes! Simple stuff like Fortnite or Rocket League plays fine with any trick. But tricky games with lots of buttons might feel off with adapters test it first!
The DualSense’s mic works for chat on Remote Play, but not with adapters. No shakes or trigger magic though PS4 games don’t know those moves. Still, it’s a big yes to “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?” for most fun!
Conclusion
Wow, we’ve had a mega adventure with “Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?”and the answer’s yes, with a little help! Sony says no if you just plug it in, but Remote Play, Bluetooth adapters, or a Titan Two turn that no into a big yay! Whether you’re streaming on your phone, pairing with a cheap dongle, or going pro with a fancy box, you can make your DualSense work on your PS4.
It’s not perfect—no fancy shakes or triggers but it’s super cool for playing PS4 games in 2025. So grab your PS5 controller, pick a trick, and start gaming you’re the boss of fun now, pals! Keep playing and smiling!
FAQS
Q: Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 just by plugging it in?
A: Nope, it won’t work like that! The PS4 doesn’t know the PS5 controller without some sneaky tricks keep reading!
Q: How can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 with Remote Play?
A: Use the Remote Play app on your phone or computer, connect your PS4, and pair the PS5 controller it’s like magic gaming anywhere!
Q: Does a Bluetooth adapter help you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?
A: Yup! Plug in something like a Mayflash adapter, pair your controller, and boom! it works on your PS4 wirelessly!
Q: Will the PS5 controller’s cool shakes work on a PS4?
A: Nah, sorry! The fancy shakes and trigger tricks only work on PS5 the PS4 just uses it like a regular controller.
Q: Why doesn’t Sony let you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 easily?
A: Sony wants you to enjoy the PS5 controller’s special stuff on a PS5—they’re sneaky and want you to upgrade!
