The PlayStation 5 is a hit among gamers, but it’s arguably the DualSense controller that completes the next-gen experience, offering a combination of advanced haptic vibration and force feedback triggers to help simulate effects like pulling the trigger of a gun for a more immersive gaming experience.
While third-party controller support on Android can be a little complicated, the good news is that the DualSense controller is compatible with Android devices – with a few caveats. We explain how to pair your DualSense controller with your smartphone and outline some of the limitations of the controller right here.
Pairing the DualSense controller to an Android smartphone
Thankfully, pairing your controller to your smartphone is a simple process:
- On your DualSense controller, hold the PlayStation button (below the trackpad) and Share button (top-left) until the LED around the trackpad begins to flash.
- On your Android smartphone, head to the Settings app.
- Tap Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is toggled on.
- Tap Sony DualSense in the list of available devices to pair the controller with your smartphone.
After a few seconds, your DualSense controller should successfully pair with your smartphone, ready to play any controller-supported game on the go.
It’s worth noting that you’ll need to re-pair your controller with your PS5 before you’ll be able to turn the console on using the controller – a process that simply requires you to connect the controller via the included USB-C cable.
Are there limitations to using the DualSense controller on Android?
While the DualSense controller, when paired with the PS5, offers an impressive gaming experience complete with advanced haptics and force feedback triggers, these features likely won’t be available when playing Android games.
The PS5 and DualSense controller are still relatively new, meaning fewer controllers in the wild compared to the likes of the Xbox One and DualShock 4 controllers, so it’s unlikely that developers would add support for features used by such a small portion of their player base.
That could change in future as DualSense controllers and force-feedback triggers become more commonplace, but for now, expect it to function much in the same way as any other Bluetooth-connected controller.
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Author: Lewis Painter, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Lewis Painter was once a Tech Advisor Senior Staff Writer. He covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware.