How to use a PS4 controller on Steam

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Here's how to use a PS4 controller on Steam

How to Use a PS4 Controller on Steam

If you already own a PS4, it's well worth knowing how to use a PS4 controller on Steam too.

Back in 2018, Valve officially introduced support for the PS4’s DualShock 4 pad to Steam — and it’s actually impressively customizable. 

However, learning how to use a PS4 controller on Steam isn't quite as simple as plugging in an Xbox One pad and jumping into your game of choice — especially if you want to use it wirelessly. 

But we're here to help, so here’s our guide for how to use a PS4 controller on Steam.

1. Connect your DualShock 4 controller

If you’re happy using it wired, just connect a microUSB lead from the pad to your PC and then proceed to Step 10.

2. Check your PC has Bluetooth

If you want to use your DualShock 4 controller wirelessly with Steam, there are a few additional steps. First of all, make sure your PC has Bluetooth. If it doesn’t, Sony sells an official DualShock 4 USB adapter, though it’s pretty hard to find nowadays. Fortunately, any old dongle that supports Bluetooth 2.0 and above should suffice.

3. Press the Start button, then Settings

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — Start menu and settings

(Image credit: Microsoft)

In Windows, press the Start button, and then press Settings. 

4. Press Devices

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — press Devices

(Image credit: Microsoft)

From the next set of options, select Devices.

5. Switch on Bluetooth, then Add Bluetooth device

How to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on Steam – Bluetooth

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Ensure Bluetooth is switched on, and then press Add Bluetooth or other device.

6. Select Bluetooth

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — add Bluetooth

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Simply choose the top option on this menu.

7. Pair PS4 controller

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — pair controller

(Image credit: Sony)

Now take your PS4 DualShock 4 controller and hold down the PS button (the one between the two analogue sticks) and the Share button (the one above and to the right of the D pad). When the light bar on the controller starts flashing, it’s ready to be discovered by your computer.

8. Select Wireless Controller

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — Wireless Controller

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Back on Windows, the PS4 pad will now show up in the list of devices ready to be paired. It’ll be called the very generic “Wireless Controller”, so when that shows up, click it.

9. Look for 'Device ready' message

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — device ready

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If all goes well, you’ll see this. Success!

10. Go to Steam settings

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — Steam settings

(Image credit: Valve)

Log into Steam. Press the Steam menu in the top-left hand corner, and then press Settings.

11. Select Controller in Steam

How to use a PS4 controller in Steam — Steam controller settings

(Image credit: Valve)

In the submenu that appears press Controller, and then General Controller Settings.

12. Tick PlayStation Configuration Support

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — PlayStation Configuration Support

(Image credit: Valve)

Tick the box that says “PlayStation Configuration Support” to set it up for the final stage of the process. 

13. Customize your PS4 controller for Steam

How to use a PS4 controller on Steam — Customize controller

(Image credit: Valve)

Your PS4 pad is now ready to use in Steam, but to really supercharge it, return to the previous menu and play around with both Big Picture Configuration and Desktop Configuration. This will let you customize your controller in some really interesting ways both in game and generally when using Steam. 

In addition to remapping every button and adjusting the sensitivity of the thumbsticks, you can also take advantage of the controller's unique touchpad and gyroscope in a myriad of ways.

Want the DualShock 4's touchpad to behave like a mouse? Go for it. How about controlling the in-game camera by simply moving the controller? You can make that happen. If you like tweaking every possible parameter when setting up your controls for games, Steam's DualShock 4 features could keep you busy for hours.

Michael Andronico
Michael Andronico

Mike Andronico is Senior Writer at CNNUnderscored. He was formerly Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, where he wrote extensively on gaming, as well as running the show on the news front. When not at work, you can usually catch him playing Street Fighter, devouring Twitch streams and trying to convince people that Hawkeye is the best Avenger.

6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • fred_6253
    Man, Steam isn't recognizing my DualShock at all. Not even a glimmer of recognition. Ugh!
    Reply
  • mlkerney
    "Want the DualShock 4's touchpad to behave like a mouse? Go for it. How about controlling the in-game camera by simply moving the controller? You can make that happen."

    OK. SO HOW?
    Reply
  • Johken
    Only way steam on my pc recognizes my conroller is with it tethered to usb. idk how to connect it through a hub or shit lol but would be cool..
    Reply
  • Johken
    it behaves like a touchpad when connected to a pc using steam with the usb cable. once its recognized.. well even before it was fully recognized it still worked on which ever asssassins creed i was playing... so while i was using the map the touch pad moved it around..
    Reply
  • Johken
    i should add it behaves like a touchpad no matter what it is connected to ie pc or ps4... and id like to know about the controlling in game camera by moving controller too lol.. thats a lookup i gotta do
    Reply
  • HavocXN
    Unfortunately what none of guides tell you is that you still won't see the PlayStation button prompts, only the xbox's ABXY icons. After weeks of trying almost everything including ds4windows and inputmapper I ended up just buying the ABXY stickers and be done with it.
    Reply