Sync a PS3 Controller

This article teaches how to connect your PS3 controller wirelessly to your PS3, as well as use it to play PC, Mac, and Android games.

Steps

Syncing to a PlayStation 3

  1. Turn on the PlayStation 3. Press the Power button on the front of the console. The PS3 cannot be in Standby mode.
  2. Connect a Mini-USB cable to your controller. You'll find the Mini-USB port on the back of the controller.
  3. Connect the other end to a USB port on the PS3. You'll find two or four on the front of your PS3, depending on the model.
  4. Press the PlayStation button on the controller. You'll find this button in the center of the controller. This turns the controller on.
  5. Wait for the controller lights to finish blinking. Once a single light is on, your controller is synced with the PS3. The light that is on indicates which controller you are using (P1, P2, etc.).
  6. Disconnect the USB cable from the controller. You can now use the controller wirelessly.
    • Bluetooth wireless functionality is only available on official Sony DualShock 3 controllers.
  7. Charge the controller if it doesn't stay on. If your controller turns off after unplugging it, it may be out of charge. Keep it plugged in for a few hours with the PS3 on to charge the battery.
  8. Reset the controller if it still won't sync. If you still can't get your controller to sync with the PS3, you may need to reset it:
    • Turn over the controller and locate the Reset button. You can find it along the top of the backside, near the L2 button.
    • Use the paperclip to press the Reset button. You should be able to feel it click.
    • Try connecting and syncing the controller again.

Syncing to a PC

  1. Connect your Bluetooth dongle to your computer (optional). If you plan on using your PS3 controllers wirelessly with your PC, connect a Bluetooth dongle to an open USB port on your PC. Even if your computer already has Bluetooth support, using a separate dongle is recommended since only PS3 controllers will work with it after setup.
    • Allow Windows to install the default drivers automatically after connecting it.
  2. Connect all of the PS3 controllers that you want to sync via USB. Make sure you connect all of the controllers that you plan on using before you start the setup process. Allow Windows to install the default drivers.
  3. Visit the SCPToolkit download site. This is a utility created to allow the PS3 controller to appear in games as if it were an Xbox 360 controller (which is fully supported in Windows).
  4. Click the ScpToolkit.exe link. This will begin downloading the installer.
  5. Run ScpToolkit.exe. This will begin the installation process.
  6. Check the I agree box and click Next.
  7. Click Install to begin installation.
  8. Click Yes if prompted by Windows.
  9. Click the Run Driver Installer button. This appears at the end of the installation process.
  10. Click Yes if prompted by Windows.
  11. Click Choose Bluetooth dongles to install.
  12. Check the box for your Bluetooth dongle. If you have multiple dongles installed, make sure you're selecting the one you want to dedicate to PS3 controllers.
  13. Click Choose DualShock 3 controllers to install.
  14. Check the boxes for each DualShock 3 controller.
  15. Click the Install button.
  16. Start a game that supports controllers. If you're using Steam, look for "Full" or "Partial Controller Support" in the game's Details.
  17. Configure your controller in game. Each game will have a different controller configuration process. In many games, you won't need to configure anything and can begin playing with the controller immediately.
    • The pairing process will not be necessary in the future. Simply turning the paired controller on will sync it with your Android.

Syncing to a Mac

  1. Power down and unplug your PS3. If you have a PS3 nearby that you normally use your controller for, turn it off and unplug it to prevent accidentally turning it on while you pair the controller with your Mac.
  2. Click the Apple menu on your Mac. You'll see this in the upper-left corner of the screen.
  3. Click System Preferences.
  4. Click Bluetooth. If you don't see this option, click the ⋮⋮⋮⋮ button to return to the main System Preferences menu.
  5. Click Turn Bluetooth On (if it isn't).
  6. Connect the PS3 Controller to your Mac via USB. You'll need a Mini-USB to USB cable. You can use the one that came with your controller or any other Mini-USB cable.
  7. Let the controller charge (if necessary). If the controller hasn't been charged for a while, you may want to let it charge for about 30 minutes before proceeding with setting up the Bluetooth connection.
  8. Press and hold the PlayStation button for 2 seconds. You should see the lights start to flash on the top of the controller.
  9. Unplug the controller and wait for it to sync. It may take a moment, but the PS3 controller will appear in the list as "Connected."
  10. Enter 0000 as the passcode if prompted. If your Mac prompts you for the device's passcode, type 0000 and click Pair. This usually isn't required on newer Macs.
  11. Set up your controller in game. Now that the PS3 controller is connected to your computer via Bluetooth, you can use it in any game that supports gamepads. You may have to manually set the controller buttons for game functions; this varies from game to game.

Syncing to an Android Device

  1. Root your device. In order to connect a PS3 controller to your Android, the Android will need to be rooted. This means you have root access to the system files, which is locked for most devices. The rooting process is complex and different for every device.
    • Gaining root access is only recommended for advanced users, and has the potential to brick your device.
  2. Open the Play Store. Once you have root access, you can install the app that will allow you to pair your PS3 controller with your Android device.
  3. Search for "sixaxis."
  4. Tap the Sixaxis Compatibility Check app.
  5. Tap Install and then Open. The Open button appears after installation is complete.
  6. Tap the Start button. If the app is able to gain root access and initialize your Bluetooth, you'll be able to install the Sixaxis Controller app and pair your controller.
  7. Download the Sixaxis Pair Tool for PC. You'll need this program for your first pairing in order to determine your controller's MAC address. This program is only available for Windows. You can download it here.
  8. Connect the PS3 controller to your PC via USB. Plug the PS3 controller into any available USB port on your computer and allow Windows to install any default drivers.
  9. Run the downloaded setup program. You can leave the settings at their defaults.
  10. Run the SixaxisPairTool program. You'll find this in your Start menu after installation is complete.
  11. Click Yes if prompted by Windows.
  12. Leave the window open with the MAC address displayed. You'll need to change this in a moment, so leave the window open.
  13. Return to the Play Store on your Android. You should still see your search results.
  14. Purchase the Sixaxis Controller app. This app requires a purchase, which is why you should run the compatibility test first.
  15. Tap Install after purchasing.
  16. Tap Open after installation is finished.
  17. Tap Pair Controller.
  18. Type the MAC address displayed on your Android into SixaxisPairTool on your PC. Type the address you see on your Android screen into the Change Master field in the SixaxisPairTool window.
  19. Click Update. This will change the MAC address of your PS3 controller to match the master address of your phone.
  20. Disconnect the controller from your computer.
  21. Press and hold the PlayStation button for 2 seconds. This will turn on the controller and sync it with your Android. Look for the solid indicator light on the controller.
  22. Configure your controller in game. If the Android game you are playing supports gamepads, you'll be able to use your newly-paired controller. You may have to configure the controller before using it.



Tips

  • Replace your controllers. If your controllers seem to be the source of the trouble, they may be defective. Try borrowing a friend's controller and syncing it. If it works fine, chances are you'll need to replace your own to fix the problem.
  • Check your PS3 firmware. If your PS3 is rarely connected to the Internet, bring it online and check for firmware updates. In some cases, these can fix connectivity problems left over from older, out-of-date updates.

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