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To get started, plug in your DualShock 4 controller to your Mac via a micro-USB cable. Then, press the PS button on your DualShock 4 controller to turn it on. You should see the light on the front of the controller turn on, indicating that it is ready to be used. That’s it, your DualShock 4 is ready to go! Mar 18, 2015 The Mac should quickly detect the controller and it will appear in the Bluetooth devices list as “Wireless Controller” or “PLAYSTATION(4) Controller” to pair the PS4 controller Once it has appeared in the Devices list of Bluetooth panel, you can close System Preferences and use the controller as intended in your game(s) of choice. Click the Bluetooth icon on the top bar of the Mac. Meanwhile, on the PS4 controller, press the PS4 and Share buttons simultaneously. The controller will flash and will be ready to be paired with your Mac. Click again the Bluetooth icon and select Open Bluetooth Preferences.
Making the jump from console gaming to playing on a Mac can be a difficult transition, especially if you buy into the idea that the average Mac gamer is more skilled than their console equivalent.
Besides, you’ll also need to consider the fact that by moving to Mac you’ll no longer be able to use your library of console games, or play with friends you’ve made on there. Plus, you’ll have to learn to use a mouse and keyboard. Or will you?
If you’re wondering how to use Xbox One controller on Mac, or the one from PS4, you’re in the right place. This article is about using Xbox One controller on Mac, as well as PS4, to play games like Overwatch, Minecraft, Eve: Valkyrie, House of the Dying Sun, Thumper, Elite Dangerous, and Star Trek: Bridge Crew (be warned: you might need virtual PC software for some of these titles).
The great thing about having a choice in which controller to use is that, even though both of them are around the same price point, they have a few distinct differences, meaning every Mac user can pick the one more suitable for them. An Xbox One controller is, for example, a little heavier and boasts haptic feedback triggers, whereas the lighter Sony DualShock 4 has an additional (touchpad) button, integrated lithium ion battery, and motion sensitivity.
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How To Connect PS4 Controller To Mac
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, many Mac gamers prefer the DualShock 4 to an Xbox One controller because there are a few different ways of connecting PS4 controller to Mac. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is to use an official wireless adapter.
Connecting PS4 controller to Mac wirelessly
It’s likely that many of you reading this, namely those who have struggled with unofficial products and sketchy workarounds in the past, will be breathing a sigh of relief to learn that an official DualShock USB Wireless Adaptor exists.
The official wireless connector is a decent solution for Remote Play or playing Mac games that support the use of external controllers. But the critics may be sceptical about the high price of the accessory — the top video on YouTube that mentions this product is titled “WHY DID THEY MAKE THIS???” — as much cheaper options are readily available: such as micro USB and Bluetooth.
How to use PS4 controller on Mac with micro USB
If you’re not, for whatever reason, picky about whether you play wirelessly or not, then you can just connect PS4 controller to Mac using the micro USB cable that you’d usually use to plug it into your PlayStation.
The extra benefit of using micro USB is that the cable also charges your controller while you play. When you plug it in, you’ll see an orange light appear on the touchpad indicating that it’s charging.
Pair PS4 controller with Mac via Bluetooth
The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to start playing is to connect PS4 controller to Mac with Bluetooth via PS4 Bluetooth pairing. To do that:
- Open System Preferences > Bluetooth
- Press the PS and Share buttons simultaneously on your controller until you see a light on your DualShock 4 start blinking to indicate that it’s ready to pair
- Look for the wireless controller in the list of Bluetooth devices on your Mac
- Click Pair, and the light on your controller will go from blinking to lit
An even quicker and easier PS4 Bluetooth pairing option is to use ToothFairy, a utility that lets you add and manage all your Bluetooth devices:
- Simply launch ToothFairy
- Highlight the controller from the list of devices
- Click Select
In Settings, you can also choose to add an icon to your menu bar that will connect to your chosen device (in this case, your PS4 Bluetooth controller) with a single click. At this time, there’s no controller icon, but you could use something like a keyboard symbol or the magic wand in its place.
Get ToothFairy for quick connection
Install ToothFairy for free and forget about any Bluetooth trouble. Any device will be paired with your Mac in a click.
If you love shortcuts, ToothFairy gives you an option to record a hotkey to connect or disconnect your controller, and show how much battery life your DualShock 4 has left next to its icon. As long as your controller is awake, ToothFairy is really handy for connecting it to your Mac with a single click!
Best of all, ToothFairy is available for free during your trial with Setapp, along with more than 150 top Mac utilities and apps. Try it out for seamless PS4 Bluetooth experience.
How to connect Xbox One controller to Mac
Since it’s so easy to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac, and since Xbox One controllers have built-in support for connecting to Windows, you could be forgiven for thinking that connecting Xbox One controller to Mac would be simple. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong — consider it a casualty of the ongoing Windows vs. Mac war!
It’s possible to connect Xbox One controller to Mac, but doing so requires a little bit of extra work. For a start, you can’t use Bluetooth to connect, so that’s the wireless route blocked right off the bat. You’ll also need to purchase a micro USB cable, since one isn’t included with Xbox One controllers like it is with a PS4 handset.
Once you’ve got your controller and cable in hand, you’ll need to download an Xbox One controller driver for Mac before you can plug anything in:
- Head to GitHub (yes, it’s shocking that mapping an Xbox One controller requires unofficial drivers downloaded from GitHub)
- Download the latest release
- Double click the .dmg file that appears in your Downloads folder
- Run the .pkg file
- Follow all of the instructions, check out the Read Me file, and then click Install to progress to the next step
- Restart your computer and you’ll find an Xbox controller icon in your System Preferences menu
Now it’s time to (finally) plug your controller in, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter if necessary, and head to Security & Privacy to bypass the popup that’ll appear when you plug the controller in.
Once all that’s done, you should be connected!
Which controller should you choose?
Just a quick glance at the instructions above shows that listing how to connect Xbox One controller to Mac takes up almost as much space as three different ways of explaining how to pair PS4 controller with Mac. So for some readers, that will make the decision of which controller to use a no-brainer.
If you already own an Xbox controller, it’s worth remembering that, while the above may look like a bit of a headache, the process is something that you only need to go through once.
Console and Mac gaming often tend to be treated as polar opposites, as if they are on different ends of the spectrum, and never the twain shall meet. But in reality, there’s a huge grey area in the middle that offers up a lot of fun.
Using a controller can, for example, be a really compelling way to enjoy VR titles that aren’t “on rails.” In fact, until someone starts mass producing those omnidirectional treadmills from Ready Player One, they are the best way to do so.
Whichever option you choose, using a controller offers an intuitive and familiar experience that’s backed up by all of the processing power a high-end Mac can offer. And don’t forget to make sure your Mac is properly optimized for games.
There are certain viewpoints that are widely held by gamers — those who play mobile games aren’t for “real” gamers, a Mac doesn’t make for an effective gaming laptop or desktop, and that “controllers are for consoles, mice and keyboards are for computers.”
Don’t buy any of that for a second! Gaming should be something that brings you joy and, whether that means crushing candy all the livelong day or using a controller with your Mac, more power to you.
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If you’re unsure how to connect PS4 controller to Mac, then read on. This article will show you some tips that will set your rig up for the perfect gaming experience.
With gaming, the ability to use a controller is convenient and engaging. Connecting your controller to your Mac is even better, as it enhances your PC gaming time.
How to Connect PS4 Controller to Mac
You can connect your controller to your Mac through an official wireless adapter, a micro USB cable, or a Bluetooth wireless connection. The easiest way to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac is through the Micro USB cable.
A Detailed Look at Controller Connections
Before attempting a connection, make sure you have the latest controller available for the optimal settings. You can find them on Amazon.
Micro-USB cable
A Micro USB first requires a cable to link your controller to the Mac. Press the Playstation button in the center of the gamepad to turn it on. Then select Apple and About this Mac. Click on System Report and then USB. Look for the wireless controller icon.
The icon will show as “wireless” despite being linked through a cable. If you see this icon, then your controller is configured and ready for use. There is one thing to note if you use Steam. Steam offers full DuckShock 4 controller support across Mac and PC. This means you won’t need to adjust any settings when playing a supported game on Steam.
Official Wireless Adapter
Although the Mac doesn’t have any “plug and play” support for the DualShock 4, Sony has a wireless USB adapter you can use. The adapter enables wireless connections for Macs and PCs; but they are pricey and cheaper alternatives exist, like the Micro-USB.
Bluetooth Wireless Connection
Using Bluetooth to connect your PS4 to a Mac is convenient as you can game wirelessly and without buying the official adapter. Configuring a PS4 controller through Bluetooth is more tedious than other methods, but it isn’t difficult.
Begin by turning your Bluetooth on. Open the System Preferences under the Apple menu. Click Bluetooth. Place the controller in Discovery Mode by pressing the Playstation button and Share button simultaneously. The front of your controller should flash quickly, and the Wireless Controller icon will display within the Bluetooth window. Click the pairing option. Once the light on your controller remains steady, your controller is connected via Bluetooth.
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Connect Ps4 Controller To Macbook
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
- The dualshock 4 wireless controller features a built-in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable.
- ♜ Third Party Product - Compatible with Sony Playstation 4 PS4 console & PC & Android OS.Not made by Sony.Charge Efficiently: This wireless controller can easily be recharged, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
- ♕ Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games.And permanent software update service.
- ♜ Refined Analog Sticks:Improved analog sticks and trigger buttons allow for unparalleled accuracy with every move.
- ♕ Sharing At Your Fingertips: The addition of the share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button.Upload gameplay videos and screen shots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, without disturbing the game in progress.
- ♜ New Ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker will offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamer who want to listen from their games in private.
FAQ
1. How Do I Unpair a PS4 DualShock Controller From My PlayStation?
If you plan to use a controller that is already linked to a Playstation, you need to unpair it from the console before configuring it for a Mac. To do this, turn on your Playstation. Select Settings from the menu screen. Then click Devices, Bluetooth Devices, DualShock 4, and disconnect.
2. Does the Controller Charge While Connected to the Mac?
![How to connect ps4 controller to macbook How to connect ps4 controller to macbook](https://static.decalgirl.com/assets/items/ps4/800/ps4-oldglory.jpg)
Ps4 Controller To Macbook
If you’re using the Micro-USB, the controller can charge while you play. When you plug it in via the cable, an orange light should appear on the touchpad. This indicates the device is charging.
2. Is There an Easier Way to Connect to Bluetooth?
Macbook Game Controller
Yes, you can make the Bluetooth connection better by using an app called ToothFairy. This app lets you add and manage any Bluetooth devices. Launch ToothFairy and highlight the controller from the device listing. In the settings, you can add an icon that will connect your controller with a single click. ToothFairy also provides hotkey support and battery life warnings for your DualShock 4.
![Controller Controller](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/68/11/8c6811d5ab0ef2534b9a4377f50583f5.png)
3. What Options Are There on Steam?
You can change the controller settings by opening Steam and choosing Settings, then Controller, and General Controller Settings. Now select the name of the joystick from the menu.
To access additional customizations, open Steam and enable Big Picture Mode by clicking the controller in the top-right of the window. You can also click the View menu to enter Big Picture Mode. Click the gear icon for the settings and select PS4 Controller. This will enable you to adjust mappings and other settings.
4. What Else Can I Do With My PS4 Controller on Mac?
With a program named Open Emu, one of the best Mac emulators available, you can support DualShock 4 for retro games. Plug the controller in and the program should detect and sync your DualShock 4. Mapping to an NES or another retro controller may take a few minutes. You can also use Open Emu for some computer-only games.
Conclusion
Syncing your PS4 controller to your Mac is easy once you understand the steps involved. With a linked controller, you’ll experience the convenience and joy of using your controller on your Mac, whether wirelessly or with a Micro-USB cable. Remember to de-sync your controller from your console before linking to your Mac. Happy gaming!
Last update on 2021-03-02 at 14:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API