How to use a PS5 controller on the PS4

Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4? The solution to this isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, but we’ll go over your options right here. 

Officially, connecting a PS5 controller to a PS4 is not possible. While the DualShock 4 was compatible with some PlayStation 3 games, backward compatibility has been disabled for the current consoles.

While this is as unfortunate as it sounds, we do have a solution: using a Brook Converter. This device connects a wide range of controllers, including the PS5’s DualSense, to your PlayStation 4. Brook Converters function through wireless or wired connections and can be plugged directly into the controller.

Brook claims that the PS5’s DualSense should function as a PS4 controller. However, compatibility issues have been reported by some Redditors and fighting game community members when using arcade sticks. As always, individual experiences may differ.

Another option is the MayFlash Pro, which supports DualSense PS5 controllers on PS4. However, it does not support MayFlash’s own arcade stick on the PS5.

To check if your preferred controller is compatible, refer to Brook’s comprehensive list.

Where to buy a Brook Converter or Mayflash Pro converter

Brook Converter Wingman XE on Amazon US

MayFlash Pro converter on Amazon US

Brook Converter

How to use a PS4 controller on PS5 games

First, you’re going to need to download the PlayStation Remote Play PC app. After this is installed, connect your PS4 controller to your PC. You can use either Bluetooth or a mini-USB cable.

Unfortunately, the PlayStation remote app will only support DualShock 4 or DualSense.

Connecting your PS4 controller via Bluetooth for the PS Remote Play PC/Mac app will result in the following not being supported:

• The touchpad is not supported.
• The color of the light bar cannot be changed. 
• Rumble, motion sensors, and the headphone jack’s audio connection are not supported. 

We recommend using your phone for this, as you’ll be able to keep the full functionality of the controller.

To connect your PS4 controller to your device, press and hold the PS and Share button until it flashes. Then head into your Bluetooth options to connect it up.

Turn on your PS5 and head through to:

Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play.

From the Settings menu, you can use the Power Saving options to also turn on the PS5 from your network – in case you’re wanting to play on the go.

On the PlayStation Remote Play app, you can then sign in with your PSN ID and connect to your PlayStation 5 – with a DualShock 4 in tow.

Can you use a PS4 controller on PS5?

A PS4 controller will work on a PS5, only in PlayStation 4 games, but not on the current generation of titles. This might seem like a missed opportunity, but we believe it’s due to Sony wanting that clear cut-off from the PS4 to the PS5.

The DualSense uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is backward compatible with the PS4’s Bluetooth 4. This isn’t a hardware issue, but a software one. It’s also possible that Sony is avoiding letting PS5’s DualSense onto the PS4 to keep things simple.

In theory, the controller scenario should work just fine – as seen on the Xbox Series X and S. There, Xbox One controllers are forward compatible, as Series X and S controllers are also backward compatible.

However, there is an incredibly convoluted way to get your DualShock 4 working on the PS5. It’s not ideal and we don’t recommend it, but follow along and you’ll see what we mean.

Make sure to check out our other guides

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