What is the Bluetooth PIN Code for Connecting a PS3 Controller?
The default Bluetooth PIN code for wirelessly connecting a PlayStation 3 controller is 0000 (four zeroes). Read on for an in-depth guide on pairing your PS3 controller via Bluetooth, troubleshooting connection issues, spec breakdowns, and tips for using it across devices.
As a hardcore PS3 gamer myself, I‘ve spent lots of time digging into the best way to set up my wireless controllers. A reliable Bluetooth connection is essential for an immersive gaming experience without lag or interruptions. Hopefully this info saves you some headaches!
Pairing a PS3 Controller via Bluetooth – Step-by-Step
Getting your controller linked up wirelessly is quick, as long as you follow the right steps.
Here‘s how to pair a PS3 controller using the PlayStation console itself:
Turn on your PS3 system and make sure your controller is charged up.
Navigate to Settings > Accessory Settings > Manage Bluetooth Devices > Register New Device.
Press and hold the PS button and Share button simultaneously on your controller until the LEDs start rapidly blinking, indicating pairing mode.
Back in the PS3 settings, choose Search for Bluetooth Device. It should detect a Wireless Controller nearby.
When asked for a passcode, enter 0000.
That‘s it! The PS button LED should now activate – indicating a successful Bluetooth link.
Some quick troubleshooting tips if you run into issues:
- Make sure no other devices (like headphones) are connected simultaneously via Bluetooth. This can interfere.
- Try resetting the controller using the tiny reset button on the back with a paperclip. Then redo the pairing process.
- Charge via USB first to make sure the battery isn‘t depleted.
- Move the controller closer, within 30 feet distance, during pairing.
Re-doing the steps above from scratch usually resolves any stubborn connectivity problems. But let‘s explore what‘s happening behind the scenes…
Bluetooh 2.0 – How PS3 Controllers Connect Wirelessly
All PlayStation 3 controllers since 2009 utilize Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology to sync up with the console. This includes both the DualShock 3 and Sixaxis controller models.
Bluetooth has gone through several revisions over the years, with the latest standard being Bluetooth 5.0 as of 2016. Here‘s a quick comparison to give context:
| Bluetooth Version | Data Transfer Rate | Range | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 3 Mbps | Up to 30 feet | 2007 |
| 4.0 | 24 Mbps | Over 60 feet | 2009 |
| 5.0 | 50 Mbps | Over 200 feet with fast discovery | 2016 |
So the PS3‘s Bluetooth 2.0 spec has some technical limitations – hence the shorter wireless range compared to newer versions. But for gaming within the same room as your TV/console setup, it gets the job done!
Fun fact: The PS3 console also contains a separate Wi-Fi 802.11b/g antenna for connecting to the internet. So it really packs two wireless standards to handle both controller connectivity via Bluetooth and online multiplayer gaming. Pretty advanced for a 2006 gadget!
Using a PS3 Controller on Other Devices via Bluetooth
Can you connect a PS3 controller to modern phones, tablets, laptops or gaming PCs via Bluetooth? Let‘s see…
The controllers were designed specifically around the PS3 and Sony PSP Go. But with some workarounds, you can get them working wirelessly on Android devices too.
PS3 Controller on Android Phones and Tablets
If your Android phone or tablet has Bluetooth capability (most modern ones do), then apps like Sixaxis Controller can handle the pairing. Just make sure Android OS 4.0.3 or higher is installed.
The process involves a bit more setup than on PS3:
- Download and install Sixaxis Controller app
- Enable Bluetooth and pair controller in the Android settings
- Launch Sixaxis app and connect controller
- Map custom touch controls for games lacking controller support
Sixaxis maps touchscreen presses to physical controller buttons behind the scenes. So it enables games lacking any controller integration to still work! Pretty neat.
Of course this only works well for casual games. More advanced PS3-level graphics and gameplay would tax most mobile hardware.
Oh, and your Android device needs to be rooted to allow the advanced integration Sixaxis provides. This opens up admin-level permissions for assigning controller inputs.
What About iPhone or iPad?
Unfortunately direct wireless pairing of a PS3 controller to an iPhone or iPad isn‘t possible today in 2023.
Apple maintains tight restrictions around Bluetooth connections for gaming devices and controllers. PS3 controllers aren‘t officially supported.
Instead, you need to use a wired USB connection to an iPhone/iPad for any hope of linkage. This means grabbing a Lightning to USB camera adapter. Not quite as seamless!
Can I Connect a PS3 Controller to My Computer via Bluetooth?
Again, the direct wireless pairing won‘t fly here since Windows/Mac don‘t include native support for PS3 controllers.
However, Sony does offer an official wireless adaptor that plugs into a USB port. This then provides the translation layer needed for the computer to understand your PS3 controller input.
So with the help of this USB dongle, yes you can hook up a PS3 controller to a laptop or gaming PC rig wirelessly via Bluetooth. It just requires that extra intermediary hardware piece to work.
The adaptor basically emulates a classic wired gamepad as far as your computer is concerned. Then it handles passing the Bluetooth data to/from the actual wireless PS3 controller behind the scenes. Pretty slick!
Stay Tuned for More PS3 Gaming Insights!
Hopefully this guide gave you the exact PS3 controller Bluetooth PIN code needed (0000). And way beyond that, I aimed to provide helpful troubleshooting advice from my own experience getting these controllers hooked up wirelessly.
Let me know if this helped or if you have any other questions! I love geeking out about PlayStation gear and gaming tech in general. So feel free to hit me up in the comments or via Twitter.
And make sure to subscribe for more PS3 coverage, controller breakdowns, and general gaming knowledge coming your way soon. Thanks for reading!
