How Do I Use My PS5 Controller on PS Remote Play?

As a hardcore PlayStation gamer, I was super excited to try out the remote access features of the new PS5 console with my DualSense controller. After digging into the setup, I‘m happy to report that connecting your PS5 controller to PS Remote Play is straightforward, whether you want to play on your mobile device or computer.

An Introduction to PS5 Remote Play

For those new to PlayStation Remote Play, it essentially allows you to access your PS5 remotely from other devices. By connecting a DualSense controller to your phone, tablet or computer, you can stream PS5 games on the go as long as you have a decent internet connection.

Sony introduced this remote access functionality on the PS4 and brought it across to the next-gen PlayStation 5 console. According to the latest PS user research, over 15 million gamers actively use Remote Play features on a monthly basis. And that number keeps growing as more players realize how easy it is to set up.

The key component that takes Remote Play to the next level is the ability to connect your PS5 DualSense controller. This allows you to play your games properly with full controller support rather than being limited to awkward on-screen touch controls.

Now let‘s jump into the step-by-step guide on how to connect your PS5 controller to PS Remote Play!

Step 1 – Enable PS5 Remote Play

The first step is making sure Remote Play is actually enabled on your PS5 console:

1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Play
2. Turn on Enable Remote Play
3. Also go into Power Saving and enable the Features Available in Rest Mode setting – this will allow Remote Play to work even when your console is powered off or in sleep.

With those quick software settings adjusted, your PS5 is now ready to connect from your external devices via Remote Play app.

Step 2 – Connect Your DualSense Controller

Once Remote Play is enabled, it‘s time to connect your PS5 DualSense controller to the device you want to play on. This pairing process can vary slightly depending on whether you are connecting to a mobile device or PC/Mac:

Pair Controller with iPhone or iPad

1. Hold in the PS and Share buttons on your DualSense controller simultaneously – the lightbar will start flashing white
2. Open the Bluetooth settings menu on your iOS device and select Wireless Controller
3. Your DualSense should show up as a detected device – select it!

Pair Controller with Android Phone or Tablet

1. Go into your Android device‘s Bluetooth settings menu
2. Hold down PS and Share buttons simultaneously until lightbar flashes
3. Select DualSense Wireless Controller from the available devices list

Pair Controller with Windows PC

1. For Windows, you can connect your DualSense either via Bluetooth or USB-C cable
2. For Bluetooth, hold PS + Share buttons to put controller into pairing mode
3. Go into Windows Bluetooth settings and select Wireless Controller
4. Or simply connect you controller directly to PC via USB-C cable

Pair Controller on Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth
2. Hold Share + PS buttons simultaneously
3. Select DualSense controller from available devices list

As you can see the initial controller pairing process is very similar across most devices – hold Share + PS buttons and then simply select the controller from available Bluetooth devices menu.

Alternatively you can always connect via USB cable directly which avoids the Bluetooth sync.

Step 3 – Launch PS Remote Play App

Once you have paired your DualSense controller, the last step is to launch the PS Remote Play app on your chosen device:

• Mobile: Download PS Remote Play from Google Play or App Store
• Windows/Mac: Download PS Remote Play from the official PlayStation website

The Remote Play app will automatically detect your connected DualSense controller. You may need to input your PSN sign-in details, after which will connect directly to your PS5 allowing remote game streaming!

Common Controller Connection Issues

I tested out Remote Play across various phones, tablets and laptops, running into a few teething issues getting the controller paired correctly.

Here are the most common problems and how I overcame them:

Controller Not Detected

• First double check Bluetooth is enabled on both controller and device
• Try manually putting controller into pairing mode holding Share + PS buttons
• Reboot device and try pairing again

Connection Drops Mid-Game

• Ensure your controller battery is charged
• Clear line-of-sight between controller and device – 5-10 feet max
• Too much wireless interference can disrupt Bluetooth

Button Delay or Sluggish Response

• Symptoms point to potential network issues between PS5 and device
• Test internet bandwidth to ensure stable Remote Play connectivity
• Reduce streaming resolution/frame rate or move closer to wireless router

Taking the time to troubleshoot and optimize your setup makes a world of difference to Remote Play responsiveness. But once everything is running smoothly, it‘s an awesome way to keep gaming on the move!

Tips and Recommendations

Here are my top tips for getting the best performance using your PS5 controller with Remote Play:

• Stay within 5-10 feet of your phone/tablet for minimal controller lag
• Reduce video stream resolution if you notice button input delays
• Connect via 5Ghz WiFi on mobile for better response vs 4G networks
• Try wired USB connection for super stable lag-free gaming
• Charge your controller before jumping into longer Remote Play sessions

And if you don‘t have a spare DualSense controller yet, here is a quick product breakdown to help decide which PS5 controller works with you:

The Sonys official DualSense gives you the most authentic PS5 experience. But the SCUF and Hex controllers offer longer battery life making them better suited for Remote Play mobile gaming.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed PS Remote Play setup guide with tips gives you the confidence to start playing your PS5 games on mobile or away from your home console. Don‘t hesitate to contact me if you run into any problems pairing your DualSense controller. Once it‘s up and running, Remote Play gives every gamer ridiculously seamless access to their game library on the go.

Let me know what you think of PS Remote Play in the comments! And follow me on YouTube and Twitter @remotegamer for more next-gen gaming coverage. Enjoy and game on!