You can connect a PS4 controller to most tablets using Bluetooth, but the process and what works depend on your tablet's operating system
A PS4 controller (DualShock 4) pairs with Android tablets and iPads through Bluetooth wireless connection. The steps differ between the two systems, and not every game or app will recognize the controller even after it pairs successfully. Android tablets generally have broader controller support than iPads, though both can work with the right setup.
The connection itself takes about two minutes once you know where to look in your settings. The harder part is often finding apps and games that actually use the controller — many tablet games are designed for touch only, so pairing the hardware is just the first step.
Key Takeaways
- PS4 controllers connect to Android tablets and iPads through Bluetooth, but the steps are different for each system.
- On Android, you hold the PS and Share buttons together until the light bar flashes, then select the controller in Bluetooth settings.
- On iPad, you hold the PS and Share buttons together, then pair it like any other Bluetooth device in Settings.
- Not all games and apps recognize a connected PS4 controller, so check whether your favorite apps support external controllers before pairing.
- The controller will disconnect if the tablet goes to sleep or moves out of Bluetooth range, and you may need to re-pair it occasionally.
Connecting a PS4 controller to an Android tablet
On an Android tablet, put the PS4 controller into pairing mode by holding down the PS button and the Share button at the same time. Hold them for about three seconds until the light bar on the back of the controller starts flashing white. This means the controller is searching for a device to connect to.
Open your tablet's Settings app and go to Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your PS4 controller should appear in the list of available devices — it will show as "Wireless Controller" or sometimes just "PS4 Controller." Tap it to pair. The light bar will stop flashing and turn solid once the connection is made.
After pairing, the controller will reconnect automatically the next time you turn on Bluetooth and wake up the controller by pressing any button. If it does not reconnect, go back into Bluetooth settings and tap the controller name again.
Connecting a PS4 controller to an iPad
The pairing process on iPad is nearly identical to Android. Hold the PS button and Share button together for three seconds until the light bar flashes white. Then open Settings on your iPad and tap Bluetooth.
Look for "Wireless Controller" in the list of available devices and tap it. The iPad will pair with the controller, and the light bar will turn solid. Unlike some Android tablets, iPads do not always show a confirmation message, but if the light bar stops flashing, the pairing worked.
iPad pairing can be less stable than Android pairing. If your controller keeps disconnecting, try unpairing it (tap the info icon next to the controller name in Bluetooth settings and choose "Forget This Device"), then pair it again from scratch.
What games and apps actually use the PS4 controller
Not every game on your tablet will work with a connected PS4 controller, even after you pair it successfully. Many tablet games are built only for touch input and ignore external controllers entirely. You will need to check each app individually to see whether it supports controllers.
Games that typically support external controllers include emulators (for older gaming systems), some streaming apps like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Remote Play, and a handful of premium games designed for console-style play. Free-to-play games and casual apps almost never support controllers. If you open a game and the controller does not work, the app straightforward was not built to use it.
Before pairing your controller, look at the app description in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Many will mention "controller support" or "gamepad compatible" if they work with external hardware. This saves you from pairing and then discovering the game ignores your controller.
Troubleshooting a PS4 controller that will not pair or stay connected
If your controller does not appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure it has battery. A PS4 controller with a dead battery will not enter pairing mode. Plug it into a USB cable (the same type that charges most phones) and wait five minutes, then try pairing again.
If the controller pairs but disconnects after a few minutes, your tablet's Bluetooth may be turning off automatically. Check your tablet's power settings — some tablets disable Bluetooth when the screen locks. You may also need to move closer to the tablet, as Bluetooth range is usually only 20 to 30 feet.
If pairing fails repeatedly, forget the controller from your Bluetooth settings and try again. On Android, hold the PS button and Share button for ten seconds (longer than the normal three) to fully reset the controller's pairing mode. On iPad, tap the info icon next to the controller and choose "Forget This Device," then pair from the beginning.
Using PlayStation Remote Play to stream PS4 games to your tablet
If you own a PlayStation 4 console, you can stream games directly to your tablet using the PlayStation Remote Play app. This is different from pairing a controller — it lets you play actual PS4 games on your tablet screen while the console does the work.
read the PlayStation Remote Play app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPad). Sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and the app will find your PS4 console on your home network. Once connected, you can use your PS4 controller to play games on your tablet as if the console were in the same room.
Remote Play works best on the same WiFi network as your console. If you try to use it over mobile data or a different network, the connection will be slow and games may lag. The PS4 console must be turned on or in rest mode for Remote Play to work.
Battery life and charging your PS4 controller
A PS4 controller holds a charge for about four to eight hours of active use, depending on how much you use the vibration and light bar features. When the battery gets low, the light bar will turn red and dim.
Charge the controller using any USB cable with a micro-USB connector — the same type that charges many Android phones and older tablets. Plug it into a power adapter or your tablet's USB port. The light bar will turn orange while charging and turn off when fully charged, which usually takes about two hours.
If your controller will not hold a charge or drains very quickly, the battery may be worn out. PS4 controller batteries can be replaced, but it requires opening the controller case. Buying a replacement controller is often simpler than replacing the battery yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PS4 controller on any tablet?
PS4 controllers work with any tablet that has Bluetooth, including Android tablets and iPads. However, not all apps and games on those tablets will recognize the controller. The hardware pairing works on almost any tablet, but software support depends on the individual app.
Why does my PS4 controller disconnect when my tablet goes to sleep?
Most tablets turn off Bluetooth when the screen locks to save battery. This is normal behavior. When you wake up your tablet, press any button on the controller to reconnect. If disconnection happens even when the screen is on, move the controller closer to the tablet or check your tablet's Bluetooth settings for power-saving options.
Do I need to pair my PS4 controller every time I use it?
No. Once you pair the controller, it stays paired in your tablet's memory. The next time you turn on Bluetooth and press a button on the controller, it will reconnect automatically. You only need to pair it again if you forget the device from Bluetooth settings or pair it with a different tablet.
Can I use a PS5 controller on my tablet instead?
Yes. The PS5 DualSense controller pairs with tablets the same way as a PS4 controller. The pairing process is identical, and app support is the same — it depends on whether the individual game or app recognizes external controllers.
What if my tablet does not have Bluetooth?
Older tablets without built-in Bluetooth cannot connect to a PS4 controller wirelessly. You would need a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the tablet's charging port, though these are uncommon and may not work reliably with all tablets. For most users, upgrading to a tablet with Bluetooth is simpler than trying to add it.