Connect via Bluetooth on Android or iPad

A PlayStation 5 controller (DualSense) connects to a tablet the same way any wireless gamepad does — through Bluetooth. The process takes about two minutes and works on both Android tablets and iPads. You'll need to put the controller in pairing mode, then select it from your tablet's Bluetooth settings.

The controller pairs once and then reconnects automatically whenever you turn it on near your tablet. You don't have to pair it again unless you reset the controller or pair it with a different device.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the PlayStation button and the Create button together for three seconds to put the DualSense controller into pairing mode — the light bar will flash white.
  • On your tablet, go to Bluetooth settings and select the controller from the list of available devices.
  • Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your tablet.
  • Not all games and apps support controller input, so check whether the app you want to use recognizes the DualSense before you pair it.
  • If the controller won't pair, restart both devices and try again — this fixes most connection problems.

Steps to Put the Controller in Pairing Mode

The DualSense has a small reset button on the back, near the L2 trigger. To enter pairing mode without using that button, hold down the PlayStation button (the one with the PlayStation logo) and the Create button (on the left side of the touchpad) at the same time for about three seconds. The light bar on the back of the controller will start flashing white, which means it's ready to pair.

Keep holding until you see the white flash — if you let go too early, the controller will just turn on normally and won't be in pairing mode. Once the light is flashing, you have about three minutes to complete the pairing on your tablet before the controller times out and goes back to sleep.

Pairing on iPad

On an iPad, go to Settings, then tap Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your iPad will show a list of available devices. Look for "Wireless Controller" in that list — that's the DualSense. Tap it to pair.

The iPad will connect in a few seconds, and the light bar on the controller will stop flashing and stay on. You're now paired. The next time you turn on the controller near your iPad, it will reconnect without you having to do anything.

Pairing on Android Tablets

On an Android tablet, open Settings and go to Bluetooth (sometimes labeled Connected devices or Connections, depending on your tablet brand). Turn Bluetooth on if it isn't already. You'll see a list of available devices. Select "Wireless Controller" to pair.

Android may ask you to confirm the pairing — if it does, tap Pair or OK. Once connected, the controller's light bar will stop flashing. The next time you power on the controller, it will find your tablet automatically.

Check Whether Your Apps Support the Controller

Not every app or game recognizes a connected controller. Many tablet games are designed for touch input only, and adding controller support isn't always a priority for developers. Before you pair the DualSense, check whether the specific app you want to use mentions controller support in its description on the App Store (iPad) or Google Play (Android).

Some apps that do support controllers include Netflix, Disney+, certain emulators, and games built for console play. If you pair the controller and an app doesn't respond to it, the app straightforward doesn't have that feature — pairing the controller won't add it.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If the controller won't pair, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Turn off the controller by holding the PlayStation button for ten seconds until the light bar goes dark. Then restart your tablet. After both devices are back on, try pairing again from the beginning.

If the controller pairs but then disconnects, make sure Bluetooth is still enabled on your tablet — some tablets turn off Bluetooth automatically after a period of inactivity. Also check that the controller has battery. A low battery won't prevent pairing, but it can cause the connection to drop. Charge the DualSense using a USB-C cable for about an hour.

If you've paired the controller with multiple devices (a PS5, a phone, a computer), it may try to reconnect to the last device it was paired with instead of your tablet. To fix this, unpair the controller from those other devices, or put it in pairing mode again on your tablet and select it fresh.

Resetting the Controller if Pairing Still Won't Work

If restarting doesn't work, you can reset the controller using the small reset button on its back. Use a paperclip or a thin tool to press and hold the reset button for about five seconds. The light bar will flash and then go dark. Wait a few seconds, then try pairing again from the beginning.

Resetting the controller clears all its pairing history, so it will no longer connect to any of your other devices automatically. You'll need to pair it fresh with each device you want to use it with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PS5 controller on my tablet without Bluetooth?

No. The DualSense only connects wirelessly via Bluetooth. There is no wired connection option for tablets. If your tablet doesn't have Bluetooth or Bluetooth isn't working, you won't be able to use the controller.

Will the controller drain my tablet's battery faster?

Bluetooth uses very little power. The controller itself will drain its own battery, but it won't noticeably affect your tablet's battery life. If you're concerned about battery, charge the controller regularly and turn it off when you're not using it.

Can I pair the same controller with my PS5 and my tablet at the same time?

No. A controller can only be actively connected to one device at a time. If you want to switch between your PS5 and your tablet, you'll need to turn off the controller, then turn it back on near the device you want to use it with. It will reconnect to whichever device it was last paired with.

What if my tablet doesn't show the controller in the Bluetooth list?

Make sure the controller is in pairing mode — the light bar should be flashing white. If it's not flashing, hold the PlayStation and Create buttons together again for three seconds. Also check that your tablet's Bluetooth is turned on. If the controller still doesn't appear, restart both devices and try once more.

Do I need a special app to use the controller on my tablet?

No. Once the controller is paired, any app that supports controller input will recognize it automatically. You don't need to install anything extra. If an app doesn't support controllers, pairing won't change that.