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Using DualSense with PS Remote Play on Android
Sony’s DualSense controller works with PS Remote Play on Android, letting you play PS5 games on your phone or tablet with a real controller instead of awkward touchscreen controls. The DualShock 4 is also supported for PS4 Remote Play sessions. Both controllers connect over Bluetooth and work with most Android devices running Android 12 or later.
This guide covers how to pair your controller, set up PS Remote Play, and troubleshoot common connection issues.
What You Need Before Starting
Before connecting your DualSense to PS Remote Play on Android, make sure you have the following:
- A PS5 console connected to the internet and set up for Remote Play
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 12 or newer
- A DualSense wireless controller (or DualShock 4 for PS4 Remote Play)
- The PS Remote Play app installed from the Google Play Store
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (5 GHz recommended for lower latency)
Remote Play works best when your PS5 is connected to your router with an Ethernet cable and your Android device is on the same network. You can also use Remote Play over mobile data, but expect more input lag.
How to Pair the DualSense Controller with Android
The DualSense connects to Android devices over Bluetooth. Here is how to put it in pairing mode and connect it.
We also cover Samsung Galaxy phones in a separate article worth checking out.
- On the DualSense controller, press and hold the PS button and the Create button (the small button to the left of the touchpad) at the same time.
- Hold both buttons until the light bar starts flashing blue rapidly. This means the controller is in pairing mode.
- On your Android device, open Settings and go to Connected Devices or Bluetooth.
- Tap “Pair new device.” The DualSense should appear as “Wireless Controller” in the list.
- Tap it to pair. The light bar will turn solid when connected.
Once paired, the controller reconnects automatically in future sessions. Just press the PS button to wake it up and it will link to whatever device it was last paired with.
How to Set Up PS Remote Play on Android
With the controller paired, the next step is configuring the Remote Play app.
- Open the PS Remote Play app on your Android device.
- Sign in with the same PlayStation Network (PSN) account linked to your PS5.
- Make sure your PS5 is turned on or in rest mode with Remote Play enabled. (On the PS5, go to Settings, then System, then Remote Play, and toggle it on.)
- In the app, tap “PS5” to start searching for your console.
- The app will connect and stream your PS5’s screen to your phone or tablet.
Once the stream starts, your paired DualSense controller works just like it does on the console. All buttons, the analog sticks, triggers, and the touchpad respond as expected.
DualShock 4 Setup for PS4 Remote Play
If you are using a DualShock 4 with PS4 Remote Play, the pairing process is similar.
- Press and hold the PS button and the Share button on the DualShock 4 simultaneously.
- Wait for the light bar to start flashing rapidly.
- Go to Bluetooth settings on your Android device, tap “Pair new device,” and select “Wireless Controller.”
The DualShock 4 supports the touchpad, motion sensors, and battery indicator when used with Remote Play on Android 12 and later. The light bar also functions as a status indicator during gameplay.
If you are still exploring options, our how to set up WiFi router without computer guide is a solid next read.
Compatibility Details
Here is a quick breakdown of controller support across platforms:
- DualSense: Android 12 and later, iOS 14.5 and later, Windows PC, Mac
- DualShock 4: Android 10 and later, iOS 13 and later, Windows PC, Mac
Both controllers work with other Android games and apps that support standard Bluetooth gamepads, not just Remote Play. Many cloud gaming services (like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW) also recognize these controllers.
Tips for a Better Remote Play Experience
Remote Play quality depends heavily on your network setup. Here are some practical tips to reduce lag and improve the stream.
- Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network instead of 2.4 GHz. The faster band reduces latency and provides more stable throughput.
- Connect your PS5 to your router with an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi.
- Sit close to your Wi-Fi router when using Remote Play on your phone.
- Close background apps on your Android device to free up processing power.
- In the Remote Play app settings, adjust the video quality. Lowering the resolution from 1080p to 720p can reduce input lag on slower connections.
- Keep your PS Remote Play app and controller firmware updated to the latest versions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Controller Not Showing in Bluetooth List
Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (light bar flashing rapidly). If it connected to your PS5 or another device recently, it may try to reconnect there instead. Turn off your PS5 or other Bluetooth devices, then try pairing again.
Input Lag During Gameplay
High latency usually comes from network issues. Switch to a 5 GHz network, move closer to your router, and lower the stream resolution in app settings. Avoid using Remote Play over mobile data for action-heavy games.
Remote Play App Cannot Find Console
Confirm that your PS5 is on or in rest mode, that Remote Play is enabled in the console’s settings, and that both devices are on the same PSN account. Restarting the app and the console often resolves this.
