To connect a PS5 controller (DualSense) to a PS5, the quickest way is to plug it in with a USB‑C cable, turn on the console, and press the PS button; it will pair instantly and then work wirelessly once unplugged.

How to Connect PS5 Controller to PS5

Method 1: Easiest Wired Setup

Use this first, especially for a brand‑new or recently reset controller.

  1. Turn on your PS5 console.
  2. Plug a USB‑C cable into the controller , and the other end into a USB port on the PS5.
  1. Press the PS button in the middle of the controller.
  1. Wait a moment until the light bar glows steadily and the screen asks you to pick a user profile.
  1. Select your profile; you can now unplug the cable and use the controller wirelessly.

After this first “handshake,” the controller will usually reconnect just by pressing the PS button when the console is on.

Method 2: Wireless Pairing (Bluetooth)

Use this if you already have one controller connected and want to add another without a cable.

  1. Make sure your PS5 is on and a primary controller is working.
  2. On the PS5, go to:
    • Settings → Accessories → Bluetooth Accessories.
  1. On the new controller, press and hold PS + Create together until the light bar starts rapidly flashing (pairing mode).
  1. On the screen, select “DualSense Wireless Controller” when it appears in the list.
  1. Confirm, then assign a user profile; the light should turn solid once paired.

Method 3: If the Controller Won’t Connect

If nothing seems to work, a small reset usually fixes stubborn connection issues.

  • Flip the controller over and find the tiny hole near the L2 trigger.
  • Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button inside for about 5 seconds.
  • Plug it back into the PS5 with a USB‑C cable.
  • Press the PS button to pair it again like in Method 1.

You can also update controller software via Settings → Accessories → Controllers → Wireless Controller Device Software to prevent random disconnects and glitches.

Quick Scoop: Extra Tips & “Forum Style” Notes

“Most of the time it’s not ‘broken’—it’s just not paired the first time with a cable. Do that once and it magically works wireless after.”

  • Always do the first connection with a cable if possible; it avoids a lot of pairing confusion.
  • If the light just keeps flashing and nothing happens, charge the controller for at least 15 minutes and try again.
  • When adding more controllers for couch co‑op, repeat the same steps: plug in, press PS, assign a profile, unplug, then play.
  • Recent guides and videos from late 2024–2025 still recommend USB‑first pairing as the most reliable approach.

TL;DR:
Plug the DualSense into the PS5 with a USB‑C cable, press the PS button, pick your user, then unplug and play wirelessly; for extra controllers, either repeat that or use Bluetooth pairing via Settings → Accessories → Bluetooth Accessories with PS + Create held on the new pad.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.