Can I use a DualShock controller with PS4 Remote Play?

PS4 and controller charging dock
PS4 and controller charging dock (Image credit: Android Central)

Best answer: Yes, as long as Android devices are updated to Android 10 and iOS devices are updated to iOS 13, DualShock 4 controllers will be supported via Bluetooth. PC also supports DualShock controllers with a wired connection.

Plug it in: DualShock 4 controller (black) ($47 at Amazon)

How can I use my DualShock 4 on PC or Mac with PS4 Remote Play?

In order to use a DualShock 4 on PC, you'll need to connect it via USB. It will not work with PS4 Remote Play wirelessly on your computer through a Bluetooth connection. This may not be the case in the future if Sony finally allows support for it wirelessly, but you're stuck with a USB connection until that happens.

Macs received support for DualShock 4 controllers via Bluetooth back in October 2019 with the macOS Catalina update.

Is a DualShock 4 natively compatible with PS4 Remote Play on any mobile device?

Yes. So long as you are running Android 10 or iOS 13 (or later), DualShock 4 controllers will be compatible through Bluetooth. Previously, it was only compatible with Sony Xperia phones, and since [checks sales numbers] about two people in the world owned one, it was practically useless before.

What are the workarounds to using it on iOS without the latest update?

If you don't have iOS13, you'll need to use a workaround to get a DualShock controller working.

It should be noted that this only works if you're close enough to your PS4 that the DualShock can connect to it.

  1. Log-in to your secondary account on PS4.
  2. Connect the secondary account to PS4 Remote Play.
  3. After the controller automatically deactivates, turn it on by pressing the PS button and log-in to your primary account through the Remote Play screen.

At this point it should let you use your controller because PS4 Remote Play is still being streamed from your secondary account.

Bluetooth limitations

The following features and buttons are not supported via Bluetooth when connected to Apple or Android mobile devices.

  • PS Button
  • Touchpad
  • The color of the light bar cannot be changed
  • Rumble, motion sensor and headphone jack audio connection
Jennifer Locke
Games Editor - PlayStation, Android, VR

Jennifer Locke has been playing video games nearly her entire life. You can find her posting pictures of her dog and obsessing over PlayStation and Xbox, Star Wars, and other geeky things.