Can You Use a PS5 Controller on PS4? Guide

Can you use a PS5 controller on PS4? We've already answered whether you can use a PS4 controller on PS5, but what about the other way around? Will the DualSense work with the PlayStation 4? As part of our PS5 guide, we're going to reveal whether you can use Sony's brand new pad on your current-gen console. For more information, be sure to check out the following: PS5 Controller: DualSense Features, Price, and Battery Life.

Can You Use a PS5 Controller on PS4?

Unfortunately, you cannot use a DualSense PS5 controller on PS4. Several people have tested this and found that, although a PS4 will charge a DualSense when plugged in, the controller won't be recognised by the console.

Tapping the PS button on a DualSense while wired to a PS4 doesn't do anything, and the DualSense won't work with the console if you try to connect via Bluetooth pairing, either.

There is one way to get it to work, and that's via Remote Play. Plug your DualSense controller into your PC and begin Remote Play with your PS4, and you'll be able to control your PS4 with the PS5 controller. It's a bit convoluted, but it works.

It's worth noting that new features such as adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and the built-in microphone array wouldn't work with PS4 games anyway. You won't get any of the benefits the DualSense brings because PS4 games are not built for them, so you might as well just use your regular old DualShock 4.


Were you hoping to use a PS5 controller on PS4? Check out our PS5 guide, and let us know in the comments section below.