Can You Use PS4 Controller on PS5? What Works & What Doesn't (2026)

Quick answer: Yes, you can connect a PS4 DualShock 4 controller to a PS5 — but only to play PS4 games on it. PS5 games will not work with a DualShock 4 and will block you from starting them. This is a Sony-enforced restriction, not a hardware limitation, and it has remained in place since the PS5 launched in November 2020.

This guide explains exactly what a DualShock 4 can and cannot do on PS5 in 2026, how to pair it, troubleshoot connection issues, and when it's worth using versus sticking with the DualSense.

What a PS4 Controller Can Do on PS5
What a PS4 Controller Cannot Do on PS5
Why Sony Blocks DualShock 4 for PS5 Games
How to Connect DualShock 4 to PS5
How to Use DualShock 4 as a Second Controller
What About PS3 Controller on PS5?
Is It Worth Keeping Your DualShock 4?
Frequently Asked Questions

What a PS4 Controller Can Do on PS5

Your DualShock 4 is fully functional for these use cases on PS5:

1. Play PS4 games (disc and digital)

PS4 backwards-compatible games accept DualShock 4 input. Nearly 99% of the PS4 catalog runs on PS5 with full PS4 controller support.

2. Play PS3 games via PS Plus Premium cloud streaming

PS3 cloud-streamed games use the DualShock 4 button layout. The PS3 games map to DualShock 4 controls natively via Sony's emulation layer.

3. Play PS2 and PS1 classics (PS Plus Premium)

The PS Plus Premium PS1 and PS2 Classics library accepts DualShock 4 input. Perfect for retro gamers.

4. Navigate the PS5 dashboard

You can control the main PS5 menu, browse the PlayStation Store, adjust Settings, and watch media (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+) with a DualShock 4.

5. Use as a second controller for PS4 co-op games

When playing PS4 couch co-op (Overcooked, It Takes Two, Rocket League couch split), your DualShock 4 works perfectly alongside a DualSense on Player 2.

6. Remote Play on your PC or phone

The PS Remote Play app supports DualShock 4 controllers — useful if you already own one.

What a PS4 Controller Cannot Do on PS5

These are the key limitations in 2026:

1. Play PS5 native games

Every PS5-exclusive game — Astro Bot, Spider-Man 2, Demon's Souls, Returnal, God of War Ragnarok PS5 edition — rejects the DualShock 4. When you launch the game, a message appears: "This game doesn't support the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller. Please use a DualSense wireless controller."

2. Use adaptive triggers or haptic feedback

These are DualSense-exclusive features. The DualShock 4's simple rumble motors cannot emulate them.

3. Use the microphone or speaker on the controller

DualSense has a built-in mic and speaker; DualShock 4 has only a headset jack. PS5 features that use the DualSense mic (voice commands, built-in game chat) are unavailable on DualShock 4.

4. Charge via PS5 USB in Rest Mode natively

The DualShock 4 uses USB Micro-B while PS5 ships with USB-C cables. You need a separate Micro-B cable or an adapter to charge from the PS5.

5. Use as the primary controller for PS5 firmware updates

Some PS5 firmware update flows require a DualSense — the controller setup prompts do not acknowledge a DualShock 4 at the initial boot step.

Why Sony Blocks DualShock 4 for PS5 Games

Sony gave a clear reason at PS5 launch: PS5 games are designed around DualSense features — adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, controller-specific gyro, touchpad pressure. Allowing DualShock 4 would fragment the PS5 player experience and force developers to build "fallback" control schemes.

This decision has been controversial. Many players argued for optional DualShock 4 support for competitive shooters (some pros prefer the DualShock 4's d-pad and sticks). Sony's position has not changed in 5 years and is unlikely to change now.

Will Sony ever add DualShock 4 support for PS5 games? No public indication. Multiple firmware updates since PS5 launch could have added this feature; none have. Assume the block is permanent.

How to Connect DualShock 4 to PS5

Method 1: USB cable (simplest)

Connect a USB-A to Micro-B cable between the DualShock 4 and the PS5.
Press the PS button on the DualShock 4.
The PS5 detects the controller and prompts you to sign in to a user profile.
Select your profile. The DualShock 4 is now the active controller for that user.

Which cable? The original DualShock 4 uses USB Micro-B (the older, slightly trapezoidal connector), not USB-C. If your original DualShock 4 cable is lost, buy a USB-A to Micro-B cable for $5-10.

Method 2: Bluetooth pairing

Turn off your PS5 completely (full shutdown, not Rest Mode).
On the DualShock 4, press and hold the PS button + Share button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing rapidly (~3 seconds).
Turn on the PS5.
On the PS5 dashboard, go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
Your DualShock 4 appears in the list as "Wireless Controller." Select it.
The PS5 pairs with the DualShock 4.

Method 3: Connect through PS4 first (if connection fails)

If the DualShock 4 won't pair directly:

Connect it to a PS4 first (where it was originally registered).
Turn off the PS4.
Attempt PS5 pairing via Method 2.
Sometimes this "clears" the pairing memory and allows the PS5 to connect.

How to Use DualShock 4 as a Second Controller

Couch co-op is where the DualShock 4 shines — the savings vs. buying a second DualSense ($79.99) are significant.

Pair the DualShock 4 using one of the methods above.
Start a PS4 couch co-op game (Overcooked 2, It Takes Two, Rayman Legends, etc.).
On the "Press any button to join" screen, have Player 2 press the PS button on the DualShock 4.
Assign the DualShock 4 to a different user profile from the DualSense.

Limitation: Only PS4 games support this. If you try this with Astro Bot or any PS5 exclusive, the DualShock 4 will be rejected mid-game.

What About PS3 Controller on PS5?

No. The PS3 SixAxis / DualShock 3 is not supported on PS5. You cannot pair it via Bluetooth or use it even for PS3 cloud-streamed games. The PS3 controller uses an older Bluetooth protocol (Bluetooth 2.0) that PS5 does not recognize.

If you want to play PS3 games on PS5 (via PS Plus Premium cloud streaming), use your DualSense or DualShock 4 — the controls are remapped automatically by Sony's emulation.

For full PS3 compatibility nostalgia, see our guide on how to play PS3 games on PS5.

Is It Worth Keeping Your DualShock 4?

Yes, in these scenarios:

You play PS4 games frequently — especially large backwards-compatible libraries.
You play with a partner or kids — second controller for couch co-op, $0 cost.
You value the DualShock 4's d-pad — some fighting game and platformer fans prefer it.
You use Remote Play on a PC or phone — DualShock 4 works great for PS Remote Play app.
You have multiple PS5 users — kids can use the DualShock 4 for PS4 games while you play PS5 titles on the DualSense.

Sell or store the DualShock 4 if:

You exclusively play PS5 exclusives — it adds no value.
The sticks are drifting and out-of-warranty — repair cost approaches DualSense Slim price.
You have multiple DualSense controllers already.

A used DualShock 4 on eBay sells for $25-40 in 2026. A new DualSense costs $79.99. Keeping a working DualShock 4 for co-op is almost always worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DualShock 4 to play PS5 games?

No. PS5 native games reject the DualShock 4 at launch. You will see an error message requiring a DualSense controller.

Does the PS4 controller charge on PS5?

Yes, via USB-A to Micro-B cable connected to the PS5. The PS5 supplies 5V power to USB ports during gameplay. In Rest Mode, USB charging depends on the Supply Power to USB Ports setting under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.

How do I pair a PS4 controller to my PS5 without a cable?

Put the DualShock 4 in pairing mode (hold PS + Share for 3 seconds until the light bar flashes rapidly), then add it via Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories on your PS5.

Can you use a DualShock 4 on PS5 for Fortnite?

Fortnite is a PS5-native game and does not accept DualShock 4 input on PS5. However, on PS4 version of Fortnite played via PS5 backwards compatibility, the DualShock 4 works normally.

Can third-party PS4 controllers (Scuf, Razer) work on PS5?

Same rule applies — officially licensed PS4 controllers from Scuf, Razer, Nacon etc. work for PS4 games on PS5 but not for PS5 games. Scuf's newer Reflex and Impact lines are designed for DualSense and support PS5 games natively.

Is there any workaround to use DualShock 4 for PS5 games?

No supported workaround exists. Some YouTube videos claim third-party adapters can bypass the block, but these typically violate PSN terms of service and may get your account flagged. For PS5 games, use a DualSense.

Published by Webnetic s.r.o. — independent PlayStation game developer and publisher.

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