Many gamers want to know how to connect PS3 controller without USB. PlayStation 3 or PS3 is one of the best-selling consoles in the world from Sony.
If you want to know the answer to this prevalent question, you are in the right place. Because we are going to share all the ins and outs of the PS3 controller with you in this post.
So, let’s dive right in…
How To Connect PS3 Controller Without USB
How Many Ways You Can Connect YourPS3 Controller?
PlayStation 3 came out with a lot of new features when it launched back in the day. Right now, those features might not intrigue you. However, that time, this was a hit.
Now, we are on the verge of PlayStation 5. And, Sony has come a long way since then. You should already know that the controller of PlayStation 3 is also known as DualShock 3 or DS3.
Interestingly, there are two ways to connectyour PlayStation 3 controller with your console. Yes, you can connect the DS3controller with your PS3 console via a cable or even without one. It featuresBluetooth connectivity by default.
So, if the host device comes with Bluetooth, it can be easily connected to the other device.
As always, you can also connect the controller with your host device or the console using the USB cable in the most conventional way. Thus, we can tell that the DualShock 3 controller is both a wired and a wireless controller.
Is it Possible to Connect PS3Controller without USB Cable?
The answer to this question is – Yes and No. First of all, as the controller supports Bluetooth connectivity, it is possible to connect the PS3 controller without a USB cable or wirelessly.
Then again, the controller also comes with a USB cable with which you can connect it to the console. In this way, you can also charge the controller for when you are going to use it wirelessly.
Now, the problem arises when you are using the PS3 controller for the first time. Even though this is a Bluetooth enabled device, Sony has made pairing the controller a bit complicated.
Typically, any Bluetooth enabled devices can be connected to any other Bluetooth devices wirelessly.
But in the case of the PS3 controller, you will have to plug in the controller to the console or a PC to pair wirelessly for the first time paring. It is known as syncing the controller to the other device.
So, want it or not, you must connect the PS3 controller using a USB cable to pair it wirelessly for the first time.
Now, what if you don’t have the supplied USB cable with your PS3 controller? Fortunately, you can use any general USB cable with your PS3 controller.
You don’t have to use the USB cable that came with the PS3 controller by default. So, if you have lost the USB cable and need to pair it up with a new console or charge the controller, then you can use any normal USB cable.
How to Connect PS3 Controllerwithout USB Cable?
As we have mentioned above that the PS3 controller is both a wireless and a wired controller. So, you can connect your PlayStation 3 controller to your PS3 console without a USB cable.
But, you have to remember that if it is the first time connecting your PS3 controller to the console wirelessly, you will need the USB cable regardless.
But if you have already synced or paired yourDualShock 3 controller with the console, you will be able to connect thecontroller wirelessly without the need for the USB cable. Here’s how to do that…
- Turn on your PlayStation 3 console
- Then turn on the PS3 controller by holding the PS or PlayStation button on the controller. Make sure, the controller has enough charge
- In doing so, the 4 LED indicator light will start to blink. That means the DS3 controller is searching for nearby Bluetooth enabled host devices
- Once it finds the PlayStation 3 console, it automatically gets paired up and connected with the console. After that, the blinking light will stop to blink and will stay on
- That means the PS3 controller is now connected to the PlayStation 3 wirelessly
Once you have paired your PS3 and the DS3 controller for the first time, you will be able to use it wirelessly from the next time without any issue.
Simply, turn on both the console and the controller and wait for a bit until they connect automatically. And that’ how you connect your PS3 controller without a USB cable.
How to connect PS3 controller to Mac
You can in theory connect your ps3 controller to a Mac, but it won’t come without issues. You will also have to run MacOS Snow Leopard for this to work and obviously have Bluetooth enabled on your Mac.
It is recommended to have a USB C Mini cable for easy connection.
Here’s how to connect your PS3 controller to your Mac:
- First, make sure your PS3 is nowhere near your Mac because your controller will automatically connect to your PS3 console instead.
- Reset your PS3 controller by using a paper pin or toothpick in the back side where the reset button is. Click it for around 3 seconds to reset
- Double check that your Mac has Bluetooth turned on and that the controller is close by to the Mac to pick up the Bluetooth signal.
- If you have a USB to USB C mini cable with adapter, use that to connect the remote to the Mac
- Otherwise, click the PS button on the controller to turn it ON
- Now open your Bluetooth menu on your Mac and locate your PS3 controller
- When it’s asking you, enter the code 0000 and select Accept or Pair
- Your PS3 controller is now connected to your Mac and ready to use
UPDATE – After doing some research, we learned that while the PS3 controller uses Bluetooth, For the first time trying to connect it to your Mac you will need a cable.
it is causing many issues and notoriously hard to pair without a USB cable. If you have a Mac with ONLY USB C Mini ports, your best bet will be either a dongle or a USB cable with adapter.
We also learned that the PS4 controllers have a better Bluetooth connectivity and easily connect to Macs
How to Reset PS3 Controller?
There are reports that the PS3 controller sometimes starts to malfunction or loses connection from time to time. In that case, you can try resetting the PS3 controller.
For your information, there is a reset button in your PlayStation 3 controller.
This is located under the controller near the L2button. So, locate the reset button and press it with a thin object like a pinor toothpick. In doing so, the PS3 controller will be reset. Then you will haveto pair the controller with your console once again.
Warning: Before you reset your PS3 controller, you should know that you willneed to pair it with your console again to use it wirelessly. So, you will needthe USB cable again
Can You Connect PS3 Controller toPC?
Fortunately, you can use your DualShock 3controller with your Windows PC. However, for that, you should disconnect thecontroller with the PS3 in the first place. Better yet, turn off the PS3 whileyou are using the PS3 controller with your PC.
However, you will need a Bluetooth enabled PC.Most laptops come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. However, if your PCdoesn’t have Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth dongle with your PC. Also, yourWindows should have all these required software and drivers installed:
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Visual C++
- DirectX Web Installer
- A PS3 controller driver
- SCP Driver Package
- SCP Toolkit
For more information, you can search the web forinstructions on how to connect your DS3 controller with your Windows PC bothwirelessly and using a USB cable. But the thing is that you can use your PS3controller with a PC.
Closing Thoughts
Chances you are using the PS3 controller wirelessly with your console. Yet, you will need the USB cable to charge it or to sync it with any other console or devices for the first time.
In this post, we have tried to show you how to connect your PS3 controller without USB cable. In the process, we have explained more than a few methods.
It is not that hard to connect the PS3 controller without the USB cable to your PS3. But, for the first time use, you must need the USB cable. And, lucky for you, any generic USB cable will also do.
So, even if you have lost the supplied cable, you have the chance of using your PS3 controller wirelessly with any new devices.
As usual, if you happen to have any questions or queries, you can share your thoughts in the comments below. And, if you are curious about Sony, you can give a read to our informative post on facts about Sony.
FAQs
How do I connect my PS3 controller without the USB for the first time? ›
As long as the controller's battery is charged, it can be connected by simply pressing the PlayStation button and waiting. The four LEDs at the top – generally used to designate controller number – will blink briefly as the DualShock 3 searches for nearby devices it can connect to.
How do I connect my PS3 controller to my PS3 wirelessly? ›Press the “Connect” button on the USB Controller Adaptor. The LED light will begin flash rapidly. Press the “Home” button on the Pro Elite Wireless Controller. When the controller is properly synced to the PS3™, the LED light on the USB Controller Adaptor and Controller channel indicator will stay illuminated.
Can you sync a PS3 controller without a cord? ›Sadly no, you need a USB cable, specifically one that can transfer data like the original PS3 USB cable that came with it - OR - one from a GPS unit.
How do I connect a new controller without USB? ›Connect a second controller via Bluetooth
Press the PlayStation button on your controller for a few seconds. The lightbar starts blinking. 3, To to 'Settings' on your PlayStation. Select 'Devices' and click 'Bluetooth devices'. Select your new controller and follow the instructions on the screen.
You can connect your PlayStation 3 wirelessly to the Internet, if you have a home WiFi network. If you are unsure if you have a WiFi network in your home, contact your Internet service provider. 1. Go to Settings, then Network Settings, press X.
Are PS3 remotes Bluetooth? ›Dualshock 3 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller? s USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PlayStation 3 system at anytime.
Why is my controller not pairing? ›If your Xbox controller won't connect, you should first make sure the batteries aren't dead. You can also try updating your Xbox One controller and console to fix the issue. Check that there are no interfering objects or devices, and move or disconnect them if necessary.
How do you fix it when your PS3 controller won't connect? ›- Turn off your PS3 console.
- Plug the controller into the USB port on the console.
- Turn on your PS3.
- Look for a small hole on the back on the controller near the L2 shoulder button. ...
- Press the PS button on the controller to re-pair it with the PS3.
Go to Settings>About Phone>Status and find the line that says "Bluetooth address". A number that looks like this - 1A:2B:3C:4D:5E:6F, should be displayed, and if it is not, make sure your Bluetooth radio is really switched on.
How do you sync a controller without cable? ›- Turn on your Xbox One.
- Insert either AA batteries or rechargeable batteries from the Xbox One Play & Charge Kit into the controller. ...
- Turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button . ...
- Press and release the Pair button on the Xbox.
How do I connect my PS3 controller to my iPhone via Bluetooth? ›
Pair and connect the controller
Press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash. The controller is now in pairing mode, which makes it discoverable by your Apple device. Open Bluetooth settings on your Apple device, then select the controller from the list of nearby devices.
The Wired Method
Plug your controller into a USB port with a USB-to-micro-USB cable. That's it, as far as connecting the controller goes.
Register the PSP™ system or the mobile phone to be used for remote play with the PS3™ system. Follow the on-screen instructions to register (pair) the devices. 1. On the PS3™ system, select (Settings) > (Remote Play Settings).
Can you connect a PS3 controller to a phone via Bluetooth? ›Connect an OTG cable to your Android, then connect the controller's USB charging cable to the female end of the OTG cable. If you rooted your Android device, install the Sixaxis controller app to use your PS3 controller wirelessly via Bluetooth.
How do I make my PS3 wireless? ›- Power ON your PlayStation®3, then go to Settings > Network Settings.
- Scroll-down and make sure that the Internet Connection is set to Enabled.
- Scroll-down to Internet Connection Settings and press the X button on the controller.
- Select Easy and press right.
- Choose Wireless and press right.
As you unbox your PlayStation 3 game console, make sure you have all the necessary components you'll need for initial setup. For the best picture quality, HDMI is preferable, unless your TV does not support HDMI. This cable is used to connect your PS3 controller to your console to both play and charge.
How do you make a Bluetooth device for PS3? ›Select Settings. Select Accessory Settings. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices. Select Register New Device.
What Bluetooth version is PS3? ›Bluetooth 2.0 support, and built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi (except CECHBxx).
How do you manually reset a controller? ›Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Use a small tool to push the button inside the tiny hole. Hold the button down for roughly 3-5 seconds. Plug in your console, connect your controller using a USB cable and press the PS button.
Why is my controller blinking and not connecting? ›3. If Your Xbox One Controller Is Blinking. If you press the Xbox button on your controller and it blinks or flashes, this usually indicates that your controller isn't paired to a console. As mentioned above, this can happen when you pair the controller to another system and aren't in range of it.
Why is my controller blinking instead of connecting? ›
The batteries are low. Just plug in your controller to recharge its internal battery. Once it's charged, the blinking will stop.
Why won't both my Playstation controller connect? ›If your PS4 controller won't connect, try a different USB cable, in case the original one has failed. You can also reset the PS4 controller by pressing the button on the back of the controller. If your controller still won't connect to your PS4, you might need to get support from Sony.
How do I put my controller into Bluetooth pairing mode? ›Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth (on Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices). Select the controller, and then select Remove device. Press the Pair button on your controller. On your Windows device, choose the controller from the list of available devices, and then select Pair.
Why does my PS3 controller keep blinking and won't connect? ›It sounds like it's lost it's Bluetooth pairing with your console. It's easy to fix. Just plug the controller into the PS3 using a usb cable and hit the PS Button. It should stop blinking and assign itself to a port.
How do I know if my controller is Bluetooth? ›If it's the same plastic as the face of the controller, without any seams, you have a Bluetooth gamepad. If it's the same plastic as the bumper buttons, with a seam between the Guide button and the controller's face, it's a non-Bluetooth gamepad.
How do I find my Bluetooth IP address? ›Retrieve Bluetooth Address for Windows
Click the Hardware menu, and then click Properties. Click the Details menu, and then select the Property as Bluetooth Device Address . The Value is the Bluetooth address of the device.
DualShock 3
Like the Sixaxis, it is a wireless controller with a mini-USB port on the rear that is used for charging, as well as playing while charging.
No, It needs to be plugged in.
How do you connect a controller with a cord? ›The most straightforward way to connect your Xbox controller and PC is with a micro-USB cable (for Xbox One controllers) or a USB-C cable (for Series X|S controllers). Simply plug the slim end into your Xbox controller and the other end into a USB port on your PC.
How do I activate my controller? ›Connect that USB receiver to an available USB port on the front or back of your computer. After connecting the USB receiver to your computer, find the power switch on the joystick or gamepad, and flip that switch to the on position.
Why won't my Bluetooth connect to my ps3? ›
Ensure your Bluetooth device is powered on. Check your Bluetooth device's battery power. Charge the battery if necessary, or replace old or depleted batteries if need be.
How do I connect my ps3 controller without Bluetooth? ›Plug the DualShock 3 into your PC via a mini-USB cable. If your computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth support, plug in your wireless Bluetooth dongle. Download and run ScpToolkit Setup.exe. It should automatically download all of the other files it needs, so just follow all the prompts.
How to connect PS3 controller to iPhone without USB? ›- iPhone, iPad: Connect Bluetooth devices.
- Apple TV: Connect Bluetooth devices.
- Mac: Connect Bluetooth devices.
Confirm that the console is powered "ON," and make sure you have properly charged the wireless battery in the controller prior to use, or connect it to the USB Adapter using a USB cable. Confirm that the USB Adapter is properly connected to a USB port on your PS3 game console.
Is there Bluetooth in PS3 controller? ›Dualshock 3 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller? s USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PlayStation 3 system at anytime.
What happens if your controller won't connect? ›If you aren't able to connect to the console at all, replace the controller batteries with fresh ones and make sure the controller is powering on.
Can I Bluetooth my PS3 controller to my Iphone? ›Pair and connect the controller
Press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash. The controller is now in pairing mode, which makes it discoverable by your Apple device. Open Bluetooth settings on your Apple device, then select the controller from the list of nearby devices.
Register the PSP™ system or the mobile phone to be used for remote play with the PS3™ system. Follow the on-screen instructions to register (pair) the devices. 1. On the PS3™ system, select (Settings) > (Remote Play Settings).
How do I sync my wireless controller? ›- Select "Controllers" on the HOME Menu.
- Select "Change Grip/Order".
- Hold the SYNC Button on the controller you want to pair. (Release the button once the controller LED starts flashing.) ...
- When the message "Paired" appears on the screen, the pairing is complete.
Plug the DualShock 3 into your PC via a mini-USB cable. If your computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth support, plug in your wireless Bluetooth dongle. Download and run ScpToolkit Setup.exe. It should automatically download all of the other files it needs, so just follow all the prompts.
Does the old PS3 have Bluetooth? ›
The PS3 has built in bluetooth support; why can't I use bluetooth headphones to listen to games, movies, etc.? I bought a pair of bluetooth headphones to use with my phone/mp3 player, PC, and PS3 since they all support it. Well, I just found out that it supports headsets but ONLY for voice chat.