PS4 Controller paired over bluetooth "Connected" but not working

I'm attempting to connect my PS4 controller to a laptop over the built-in bluetooth. I pair by either holding the ps button and options (which my laptop autodetects and pairs) or holding the ps button and share and then explicitly pairing using "Add Bluetooth or other device".

The pair succeeds but when I try to actually connect the controller (by pressing the ps button), the bar flashes then goes off. On the laptop it appears as "Connected" very briefly then immediately switches to "Driver error".

I have previously managed to get it to connect without the driver error but it didn't actually work (buttons had no effect). Connecting via USB works fine.

Edit: I've now managed to get it to connect without the driver error again but nothing apart from windows' bluetooth devices screen detects it.

I've tried updating drivers and multiple reinstalls with no luck.

I don't actually own a PS4 (I bought this controller especially to use with my laptop). I'd really appreciate any help as I'm rather short on USB ports.

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4 Answers

You mentioned you updated the drivers, but DS4 has no official driver on Windows 10 so I assume you are using an unofficial driver like DS4Windows.

There was a change to Windows that broke DS4Windows and effectively renders the DS4 device unusable until the user manually re-enables it. To work around this issue, you'll need to re-enable the DS4 and use a patched version of DS4Windows.

The Jays2Kings version is no longer being maintained and doesn't have a fix for this issue. If you were previously using this version, it's recommended that you update to Ryochan7's fork:

More info about the device detection issue and how to fix your DS4 here:

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There is a simple solution for this.

First thing:

The reason for your controller behaviour is simply because of your USB cable, IF it's one of those with a ferrite choke (a bulge in the wire container near the end of the cable). It doesn't cause any issues with your signal, but it DOES hamper your controller charging, e.g. it will look like the controller is fully charged, but in actuality it isn't and your laptop will not charge it, since it doesn't recognize it. So it works fine while the cable's plugged in, but it has issues with Bluetooth. Use another non-ferrite choke cable, and you will see your controller battery is actually completely depleted.

2nd thing:

• Remove the Bluetooth pairing for the controller(s).
• Install DS4, if you haven't already.
• Go to its settings, and access the Bluetooth pairing Windows control panel via the hyperlink in the DS4 driver settings. DO NOT Access it directly through Windows - access it via that hyperlink.
• Click on the bottom right when you restart the Bluetooth pairing process.
• It will work, and the DS4 program will detect it as well. Don't use the cable while plugged in. Then you will know the real battery percentage of your controller, and it will display in DS4 as well.

Hope that helps.

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You cannot use the PS4 controller over Bluetooth without purchasing the "PS4 DualShock USB Wireless Adaptor", or using the USB cable. If you want to save yourself some money, using a USB cable is the easiest option.

Unfortunately, either option will take up a USB port on your laptop.

Below is a screenshot from the MacOS version of PS4 Remote Play app, indicating the two ways in which the DS4 will work. The Windows version of the Remote Play app has a similar message. I understand that you may not be using the Remote Play app on your own PC, but the message is a good indicator of what is supported.

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I have a similar problem on my MacBook. My controller connected successfully at the first time, but failed to connect the next time. The bluetooth preferences interface said that the controller is connected but showed a loading indicator (like it's connecting) and finally failed.

I succeeded to fix it by deleting the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist file.

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