The simple guide to connect your second PS4 controller and play together

THE QUICK METHOD (WITH USB CABLE)

1. Turn on your PS4 with your main controller.
2. Connect the second controller to the console with a USB cable.
3. Press the PS button on this second controller.
4. On the screen, choose a user profile.

That’s it! You can play. For more details and troubleshooting solutions, keep reading.

Method 1: Connecting with a USB cable (the most reliable)

The easiest and fastest way to sync a new controller is to use a USB cable. This guarantees immediate recognition by the console.

Step-by-step guide to sync your DualShock 4

1. Turn on your PS4 console and sign in with your first synced controller.
2. Plug your second controller into one of the USB ports on the front of the PS4 using a micro-USB cable.
3. Press and hold the round PS button in the center of the second controller for about 3 seconds.
4. The controller’s light bar will turn on. On the screen, the PS4 will then ask you to choose a profile for this second player.

Choosing a profile: which option should you select on screen?

The PS4 will offer several options. Here are the two most common:

Option A: "New User" (to save progress).

Select this option if the second player plans to play again on your console. They will be able to create their own profile (or sign in to their PlayStation Network account), and all their game saves and trophies will be stored on their account.

Option B: "Play as Guest" (no save).

This is the ideal option for a friend who’s just visiting. The player will be able to play normally, but once the session ends and the console is turned off, no game data will be saved.

Not working? The 3 solutions to common problems

If the controller doesn’t turn on or isn’t recognized, don’t panic. It’s a common issue, and the solution is often very simple.

Solution #1: Check your USB cable (not all of them transfer data!).

This is the number one cause of connection failures. Many USB cables (often those that come with small electronic devices) are designed only for charging and don’t allow data transfer. The controller charges, but the console can’t “see” it.
The solution: Try another cable, preferably the one provided with your PS4 console or with a smartphone, as those are almost always compatible.

Solution #2: Reset your controller using the "Reset" button.

Sometimes, the controller needs a quick reset to clear a conflict.
The solution:

1. Take a thin object like a paperclip or a SIM card ejector.
2. Locate the small hole on the back of the controller, near the top-right screw.
3. Insert the paperclip and hold the button down for 5 seconds.
4. Reconnect the controller with the USB cable and try the connection procedure again.

Solution #3: Is the controller charged enough?

A completely drained controller may not have enough power to initialize properly, even if plugged in.
The solution: Leave it connected to the console (in rest mode) or to a USB charger for about 15 minutes before trying to sync again.

Method 2: How to connect the second controller wirelessly (Bluetooth)

This method is useful if you don’t have a data cable at hand.

When to use this method?

Use this procedure if you’re sure your USB cable doesn’t work for syncing, or if you simply prefer to do everything wirelessly.

Guide to finding and pairing the controller in PS4 settings

1. On your PS4, using the first controller, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
2. Take the second controller (turned off). Press and hold the PS and SHARE buttons simultaneously.
3. Keep holding until the light bar on the back of the controller starts flashing rapidly in white. The controller is now in pairing mode.
4. On the PS4 screen, the name "DUALSHOCK 4" should appear in the list of Bluetooth devices. Select it with your first controller to complete the pairing.

FAQ: Your questions about PS4 controllers

How many controllers can be connected to a PS4?

You can connect up to four controllers simultaneously to a PlayStation 4 console. The light bar of each controller will have a different color (blue, red, green, pink) to identify them.

Is the process the same for a Nacon Pro controller?

Yes, absolutely. For officially licensed PlayStation® controllers like the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro, the syncing process is exactly the same. Plug it into the console with its USB cable, press the PS button, and the PS4 will instantly recognize it as a standard controller. This ensures a simple, hassle-free experience.

Do I need to repeat the process every time?

No. Once a controller is synced ("paired") with your PS4, you don’t need to repeat the process. Just press the PS button for it to automatically connect to the console, unless you synced it with another PS4 in the meantime.