This article explains how to connect a PS3 wireless controller to the Sony console of the same name, but also how to use it in conjunction with a Windows or Mac platform. You can also connect a PS3 controller with an Android device, although in this case you need to first "root" the smartphone (or tablet). When you want to connect a PS3 controller to another device it is essential to use the official ones manufactured by Sony; third-party controllers are unreliable and are often prone to malfunctions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: PlayStation 3
Step 1. Turn on your PlayStation 3
Press the "Power" button on the front of the console. When preparing to connect a new controller for the first time, the console cannot remain in standby mode and must be turned on.
Step 2. Connect the cable to the controller to recharge the batteries
The mini-USB connection port is located in the center of the top of the device between the two shoulder buttons.
Step 3. Plug the other end of the cable into a USB port on the PS3
The connector on this end of the connection cable is a normal USB that must be inserted into a free port on the console.
Depending on the version of the PS3 you are using, you will have 2 or 4 USB ports available
Step 4. Turn on the controller
Press the "PlayStation" (or "PS") button visible in the center of the top of the controller. The lights on the front of the device will start flashing.
Step 5. Wait for the controller lights to stop flashing
When only one light stays on without blinking the controller will be synced with the PS3.
The light on also indicates the number of the controller you are using (the one associated with player 1, player 2, etc.)
Step 6. Disconnect the USB cable from the controller
The latter should be properly synchronized with the console, so it should also be possible to use it wirelessly without any problems.
Remember that the wireless connection mode can only be used in conjunction with the original DualShock 3 controllers manufactured by Sony. All third-party controllers only support wired connection
Step 7. If the controller fails to stay on, recharge the batteries
If the controller turns off immediately after unplugging it from the PS3 it means that the batteries are most likely dead. In this case, leave it connected to the console for a few hours, so that they are fully charged.
Step 8. If the controller fails to complete the PS3 pairing process, try resetting it
To reset a DualShock 3 controller follow these instructions:
- Flip the controller upside down to locate the button Reset. It is located on the underside of the device near the "L2" button.
- Use a paper clip or other pointed object to hold the button down Reset. Pressing it correctly you should feel it sink slightly and hear a slight "click".
- Press and hold the button Reset for at least 2 seconds, then release it.
- Now try again to sync the controller with the PS3.
Method 2 of 3: Windows systems
Step 1. Make sure you have an official DualShock 3 controller made by Sony and its connecting cable available
The program you are going to use to connect the controller to the computer works correctly only with the DualShock 3 controllers produced by Sony, which must be connected to the system using the special cable supplied.
While you may be able to functionally use a third-party controller (or use a genuine DualShock 3 wirelessly), the only safe and reliable way to connect a PS3 controller with a Windows computer is to '' use one of the original devices manufactured directly by Sony
Step 2. Turn off the PlayStation 3 completely
If the controller is within range of the console you will need to disconnect the console from the mains so that the two devices do not automatically connect wirelessly.
Step 3. Reset the controller
Use a paper clip or other pointed object to hold the button down Reset controller for at least 2 seconds. This way you will not have any problems during the pairing process of the device with Windows due to the previous synchronization with the PS3.
Step 4. Turn on the controller
Press the "PlayStation" (or "PS") button visible in the center of the top of the controller. The lights on the front of the device will start flashing.
Due to a glitch that occurs with some Windows computers it is a good idea to turn on the controller before connecting it to the system
Step 5. Connect the controller to the computer
Insert the smaller connector of the connecting USB cable into the communication port on the controller, then insert the larger connector into a free USB port on the computer.
Step 6. Download the SCP Toolkit program
This is free software that allows the Windows operating system to communicate with a DualShock 3 controller.
- Access the SCP Toolkit official website using the browser of your choice.
- Click the link ScpToolkit_Setup.exe placed inside the section called "Assets".
- Wait for the download of the installation file to complete.
Step 7. Install the SCP Toolkit program
Follow these instructions:
- Double-click the installation file;
- When prompted, press the button Yup.
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Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen until the button appears Install, then press it.
You may have to press several buttons before you locate the one that will initiate the actual installation
- If you are prompted to install additional components necessary for the program to function properly, press the button Next until all these tools have been installed.
- When prompted, press the button Finish.
Step 8. Run the "ScpToolkitDriver" installation program
Double-click the application icon visible directly on the computer desktop.
Step 9. Turn off unnecessary options
Uncheck the "Install DualShock 4 Controller" and "Bluetooth" checkboxes, as well as any other options present that you do not wish to use.
If you do not know the meaning or function of the other check buttons or additional options visible within the other screens of the installation wizard, do not change their status
Step 10. Press the "Choose DualShock 3 Controllers to Install" button
It is located on the left side of the window.
Step 11. Select the "Wireless Controller" check button
A list of all devices connected to the computer will be displayed (eg keyboards, mice, webcams, etc.). The PS3 controller is identified by the designation "Wireless Controller (Interface [number])".
The "[number]" parameter refers to the USB port of the computer to which the controller has been connected
Step 12. Press the Install button
It is located on the right side of the window. In this way the SCP Toolkit program will start installing the drivers necessary for using the DualShock 3.
When the installation is complete you will receive a sound notification. At this point you should be able to use the PS3 controller to play any video game that supports it
Method 3 of 3: Mac
Step 1. Turn off the PlayStation 3 completely
If the controller is within range of the console you will need to turn it off and disconnect it from the mains, so that the two devices do not accidentally connect during the pairing process should it turn on.
Step 2. Reset the controller
Use a paper clip or other pointed object to hold the button down Reset controller for at least 2 seconds. This way you will not have any problems during the pairing process of the device with the Mac due to the previous synchronization with the PS3.
This is an optional step but highly recommended
Step 3. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 4. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 5. Select the Bluetooth option
It is characterized by the following icon
and is visible in the center of the "System Preferences" window.
If you can't find the icon indicated, press the button ⋮⋮⋮⋮ to return to the main page of the "System Preferences" dialog.
Step 6. Press the Turn on Bluetooth button
It is located on the left side of the page. This will activate the Mac's Bluetooth connection mode.
If the indicated button has the words Turn off Bluetooth, it means that the Mac's Bluetooth connectivity is already working.
Step 7. Connect the controller to the Mac
Insert the smaller connector of the connecting USB cable into the communication port on the controller, then insert the larger connector into a free USB port on the computer.
If your Mac only has USB-C ports (rounded rectangular shape) instead of regular USB 3.0 ports (rectangular shape), you'll need to purchase a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter. You can find one online at Amazon or at any electronics store
Step 8. If necessary, recharge the controller battery
If the controller has not been charged in a while, it may be best to let it charge for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the Bluetooth connection.
Step 9. Press and hold the "PS" button on the controller for 2 seconds
It is placed in the center of the upper side of the latter. This will cause the lights on the front of the device to start flashing.
Step 10. Disconnect the DualShock 3 from the Mac and wait for the sync to finish
After a few seconds the controller will be displayed in the pane of devices paired with the Mac with the words "Connected".
Step 11. If prompted, enter the security code 0000
If the system requires a code to be entered to complete the pairing procedure, enter 0000 and press the button Match. If you're using a modern Mac, this step isn't usually necessary.
Step 12. Configure the in-game controller of your choice
Now that your DualShock 3 is connected to your Mac via Bluetooth connection you can use it to play any video game that supports the use of a gamepad. It may be necessary to manually configure some controller settings (for example the functions performed by the individual buttons) which may vary depending on the title in use.
Step 13. Finished
Advice
- Keeping your PlayStation 3's operating system up-to-date can be helpful in solving the most common problems affecting the controller connection to the console.
- If the first attempts to connect the PS3 controller to the console or computer did not give the desired result, try repeating the procedure using another controller (but always made by Sony). If the latter works correctly it is very likely that the former is broken or malfunctioning.
