In this article, you will learn how to connect a PS3 controller to a PS3 wirelessly, as well as how to use the controller on a Windows or Mac OS X computer. You can also connect the controller to an Android device, but this requires root access to a smartphone or tablet. … We recommend using controllers made by Sony, because third-party controllers fail quickly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: On the PlayStation 3
Step 1. Turn on the PlayStation 3
To do this, press the power button on the front of the PS3. Keep in mind that the console must not be in standby mode when you connect a controller to it.
Step 2. Connect the charging cable to the controller
The charging port (miniUSB port) is located on the upper end panel of the controller (between the upper buttons).
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the PS3
Plug it into the USB port located on the front of your PS3.
On the front of the console, you'll find two or four USB ports (depending on your PS3 model)
Step 4. Turn on the controller
Click on the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller. The LEDs located on the front of the controller will start blinking.
Step 5. Wait for the controller LEDs to stop blinking
When one LED remains on (not blinking), the controller is in the process of synchronizing with the PS3.
A lit LED indicates the controller in use (P1, P2, etc.)
Step 6. Disconnect the USB cable from the controller
The controller has connected to the PS3 wirelessly.
Only Sony DualShock 3 controllers can be connected wirelessly. For third-party controllers, do not disconnect the cable
Step 7. Charge the controller (if needed)
If the controller turns off when you unplug the cable, its battery is low. Turn on the console and connect the controller to it using a cable; wait a few hours for the controller to charge.
Step 8. Reboot the controller if it cannot connect to the console
For this:
- turn the controller over and locate the "Reset" button; you'll find this button at the top of the back of the controller (next to the L2 button);
- unfold the paper clip, and then press and hold the "Reset" button; a click will be heard;
- hold the "Reset" button for at least two seconds;
- try connecting your controller to your console again.
Method 2 of 3: On Windows
Step 1. Make sure your controller and charging cable are manufactured by Sony
The program through which the PS3 controller will be connected to the computer works reliably with Sony DualShock 3 controllers, which are connected to the computer via the controller's charging cable.
You can connect third-party controllers (or Sony controllers wirelessly) to your computer, but the most reliable way to connect your PS3 controller to your Windows computer is to use a cable and controller made by Sony
Step 2. Disconnect the PlayStation 3 from the power source
If your controller is near your console, unplug it to prevent accidentally connecting the controller to your PS3.
Step 3. Reboot the controller
Using a straightened paper clip, press the Reset button located on the back of the controller. So you get rid of errors that may arise during the process of connecting the controller to the computer.
Step 4. Turn on the controller
Click on the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller. The LEDs located on the front of the controller will start blinking.
Due to crashes on some Windows computers, you need to turn on the controller first
Step 5. Connect the controller to your computer
Connect one end of the charging cable to your controller and the other end to your computer's USB port.
Step 6. Download SCP Toolkit
With it, the PS3 controller can be connected to the computer.
- go to the SCP Toolkit page in a browser;
- click "ScpToolkit_Setup.exe" in the "Assets" section;
- wait for the installation file to download to your computer.
Step 7. Install SCP Toolkit
For this:
- double click on the installation file;
- click "Yes" when prompted;
- follow the instructions on the screen and then click “Install”;
you may need to click a few Install buttons;
- if you need to install additional software, click “Next” until it is installed;
- click “Finish” when prompted;
Step 8. Run the ScpToolkitDriver installation wizard
To do this, double-click on its icon on the desktop.
Step 9. Disable unnecessary options
Uncheck “Install DualShock4 Controller” and “Bluetooth” and other unnecessary options.
If you do not know what an option is for, do not clear the checkbox
Step 10. Check the box next to “Choose DualShock 3 Controllers to Install”
You will find it on the right side of the window.
Step 11. Check the box next to the Wireless Controller option
You will see a list of all devices connected to the computer (for example, keyboard, mouse, webcam, and so on). The PS3 controller is designated “Wireless Controller (Interface [number])”.
Here refers to the USB port to which the controller is connected
Step 12. Click Install
It's on the right side of the window. The SCP Toolkit will install the controller drivers.
When the installation is complete, a beep will sound; the PlayStation 3 controller can now be used to control any compatible game
Method 3 of 3: On Mac OS X
Step 1. Turn off your console and unplug it from the power source
If you have a PS3 that you are connecting a controller to, turn off the console to prevent it from accidentally turning on when you connect the controller to your computer.
Step 2. Reboot the controller
Using a straightened paper clip, press the Reset button located on the back of the controller. So you get rid of errors that may arise during the process of connecting the controller to the computer.
This is a recommended step, not a required step
Step 3. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will open.
Step 4. Click System Preferences
It's in the drop-down menu. The System Preferences window will open.
Step 5. Click on Bluetooth
This icon
located in the middle of the System Preferences menu.
If you do not see this icon, press the ⋮⋮⋮⋮ button to return to the main System Preferences menu
Step 6. Click Turn on Bluetooth
It's on the left side of the page. The computer's Bluetooth module will be activated.
If this button is called “Disable Bluetooth”, Bluetooth is already activated
Step 7. Connect your PS3 controller to your Mac
Connect one end of the charging cable that came with your PS3 controller to the charging port on the controller and the other end to a USB port on your computer.
If your computer has USB-C ports (oval) rather than USB 3.0 ports (rectangular), buy a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter. These adapters are sold at electronics stores
Step 8. Charge the controller (if needed)
If the controller's battery is dead, charge it for 30 minutes, then start Bluetooth pairing.
Step 9. Press and hold the PlayStation button for 2 seconds
It's in the middle of the controller. The LEDs on the top of the controller will start blinking.
Step 10. Disconnect the controller and wait for it to connect to the computer
After a few seconds, the PS3 controller will appear as Connected in the list.
Step 11. Enter 0000 as the passcode when prompted
If your computer prompts you to enter a controller passcode, enter 0000, then click Pair. You probably don't need to do this on newer Macs.
Step 12. Configure the controller in the game
Now that the PS3 controller is connected to your computer via Bluetooth, it can be used with any game that supports gamepads. You may need to manually assign certain game functions to the controller buttons (this depends on the game).
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