3 Easy Ways to Connect PS5 Controller to Steam Deck

Connecting your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck is a seamless and straightforward process that opens up a world of gaming possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the handheld console, this guide will empower you with the knowledge to pair your controller effortlessly. As you embark on this journey, you’ll discover the versatility of your Steam Deck, enabling you to enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience.

To initiate the connection, begin by ensuring that both your Steam Deck and PS5 controller are powered on. On your Steam Deck, navigate to the “Settings” menu located in the bottom-left corner of the screen. From there, select “Bluetooth” and activate it if it’s not already enabled. Next, press and hold the PlayStation button on your PS5 controller to put it into pairing mode. As the controller enters this mode, its light bar will start flashing. Return your attention to the Steam Deck’s Bluetooth settings and wait for the “Wireless Controller” option to appear. Once it does, select it to complete the pairing process.

With your PS5 controller now successfully connected to your Steam Deck, you’re ready to immerse yourself in the vast gaming library available to you. The controller’s intuitive layout and responsive buttons provide an exceptional gaming experience, whether you’re navigating menus, exploring virtual worlds, or engaging in intense battles. Enjoy the seamless integration of your PS5 controller and Steam Deck, and discover the boundless opportunities it presents for gaming on the go.

Connecting via Bluetooth

Before you can connect your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck via Bluetooth, you’ll need to make sure that both devices are powered on and within range of each other. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps:

On your Steam Deck, press the "Steam" button to open the main menu.
Select "Settings" from the menu.
Scroll down and select "Bluetooth" from the sidebar.
Make sure that the "Bluetooth" toggle is turned on.
Your Steam Deck will now start scanning for available Bluetooth devices.
Once your Steam Deck has found your PS5 controller, select it from the list of available devices.
Your Steam Deck will now pair with your PS5 controller.
Once the pairing process is complete, your PS5 controller will be connected to your Steam Deck and you’ll be able to use it to play games.

Connecting via USB-C Cable

Connecting your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck via a USB-C cable is a straightforward process:

Wired Connection Options

Wired Connection Method	Requirements
USB-C to USB-C Cable	USB-C port on both the Steam Deck and PS5 controller

Detailed Steps

Prepare the Cable: Ensure you have a USB-C to USB-C cable that is compatible with both your Steam Deck and PS5 controller.
Connect the Cable: Plug one end of the USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the Steam Deck and the other end into the USB-C port on the PS5 controller.
Check Connection: Once connected, the Steam Deck should automatically recognize the PS5 controller. You can verify the connection by going to the "Controller Settings" menu on your Steam Deck and checking if the PS5 controller is listed as a connected device.
Configure Controls: If necessary, you can customize the controls of the PS5 controller by going to the "Controller Settings" menu and selecting the "Configure Controls" option for the PS5 controller.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Check Bluetooth Connectivity

Ensure that both your PS5 controller and Steam Deck have Bluetooth enabled. On your Steam Deck, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and ensure that the toggle is set to “On.” Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller until it starts blinking to put it into pairing mode.

Try a Wired Connection

If you’re experiencing problems connecting via Bluetooth, try using a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect your PS5 controller directly to your Steam Deck. This method provides a more stable and reliable connection.

Update Firmware and Drivers

Make sure that both your PS5 controller and Steam Deck are running the latest firmware and drivers. Firmware updates for the controller can be checked on the PS5 console under Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Firmware. For the Steam Deck, go to Settings > System > Software Update.

Restart Devices

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, try restarting both your PS5 controller and Steam Deck. Turn off the devices, wait a few minutes, and then turn them back on. This can often help reset the Bluetooth connection and resolve any temporary glitches.

Reset PS5 Controller

If all else fails, you can try resetting your PS5 controller to its factory settings. Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 shoulder button. Use a small tool, such as a paperclip, to press and hold the button for about 5 seconds until the controller light bar starts flashing rapidly.

Factory Reset Steam Deck

As a last resort, you can consider performing a factory reset on your Steam Deck. This will erase all data from the device, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Factory Reset.

Troubleshooting Method	Steps
Check Bluetooth Connectivity	– Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. – Put the controller in pairing mode.
Try a Wired Connection	– Connect the devices using a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Update Firmware and Drivers	– Check for firmware updates on the PS5 console. – Check for software updates on the Steam Deck.
Restart Devices	– Turn off and restart both devices.
Reset PS5 Controller	– Locate the reset button on the controller. – Press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
Factory Reset Steam Deck	– Create a backup of important files. – Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced > Factory Reset.

Customizing Controller Settings

Once you’ve connected your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck, you can customize its settings to your liking. To do this, open the “Settings” menu on your Steam Deck, then select “Controller”. Under the “Controller Settings” tab, you’ll find a variety of options that you can adjust, including:

Button mapping:

You can remap any of the buttons on your PS5 controller to any other button or function. To do this, select the “Button Mapping” tab in the “Controller Settings” menu, then click on the button you want to remap. A list of all the possible remappings will appear. Simply select the remap you want to use, and click “OK”.

Analog stick sensitivity:

You can adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks on your PS5 controller. To do this, select the “Analog Stick Settings” tab in the “Controller Settings” menu, then adjust the sliders for “Sensitivity” and “Dead Zone”.

Trigger sensitivity:

You can adjust the sensitivity of the triggers on your PS5 controller. To do this, select the “Trigger Settings” tab in the “Controller Settings” menu, then adjust the sliders for “Sensitivity” and “Dead Zone”.

Vibration:

You can turn off the vibration on your PS5 controller. To do this, select the “Vibration Settings” tab in the “Controller Settings” menu, then uncheck the box next to “Enable Vibration”.

Setting	Description
Button Mapping	Reassign any button to a different function.
Analog Stick Sensitivity	Adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks.
Trigger Sensitivity	Adjust the sensitivity of the triggers.
Vibration	Enable or disable controller vibration.

Using Bluetooth

1. Turn on your PS5 controller by pressing the PlayStation button in the center.
2. Hold down the Share button and the PlayStation button simultaneously until the light bar starts flashing blue.
3. On your Steam Deck, go to Settings > Bluetooth and scan for devices.
4. Select the PS5 controller from the list of available devices and pair it.
5. Once the controller is paired, you can use it to play games on your Steam Deck.

Using a USB Cable

1. Connect your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck using a USB-C cable.
2. The controller will automatically be detected and configured for use with Steam Deck.

Using PS5 Controller Features

The PS5 controller has a number of features that can be used with Steam Deck, including:

Feature	How to use
Adaptive triggers	These triggers provide different levels of resistance depending on the game you’re playing. To use them, press down on the triggers until you feel resistance.
Haptic feedback	This feature provides physical feedback during gameplay, such as vibrations and rumbling. To use it, enable haptic feedback in the game’s settings.
Motion controls	These controls allow you to use the controller’s motion sensors to control the game. To use them, enable motion controls in the game’s settings.
Gyro	This sensor allows you to use the controller to aim and control the camera. To use it, enable the gyro in the game’s settings.

Connecting Your PS5 Controller to Steam Deck

1. Ensure that your PS5 controller is powered on and discoverable. Hold down the PlayStation button on the controller until the light bar starts flashing.

2. Open the Settings menu on your Steam Deck by pressing the Steam button and selecting “Settings” from the Power menu.

3. Navigate to the “Bluetooth” section in the Settings menu.

4. The Steam Deck will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Once it detects your PS5 controller, select it from the list.

5. A pairing code will appear on your Steam Deck’s screen. Enter this code on your PS5 controller using the directional buttons and X button.

Switching Between Controllers

Once you have connected your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck, you may want to switch between it and the Steam Deck’s built-in controller or other Bluetooth controllers.

Here are the steps on how to switch between controllers:

Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck to open the Quick Menu.
Select the “Controller Settings” option.
Under “Paired Controllers,” you will see a list of all currently connected controllers.
To switch to a different controller, simply select it from the list.
The selected controller will become the active controller for your Steam Deck.
You can also use the “Switch Controller” option in the Quick Menu to quickly switch between controllers without having to go through the Settings menu.

Calibrating PS5 Controller

After connecting your PS5 controller to Steam Deck, you may need to calibrate it to ensure optimal performance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Steam and go to “Settings.”

2. Click on the “Controller” tab.

3. Select the “Calibration” option.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process.

There are additional calibration options available:

1. Left Stick Deadzone: Adjusts the sensitivity of the left analog stick.

2. Right Stick Deadzone: Adjusts the sensitivity of the right analog stick.

3. Trigger Deadzone: Adjusts the sensitivity of the triggers.

Use the sliders to fine-tune the settings until you’re satisfied with the controller’s responsiveness.

Calibration Option	Description
Left Stick Deadzone	Adjusts the sensitivity of the left analog stick.
Right Stick Deadzone	Adjusts the sensitivity of the right analog stick.
Trigger Deadzone	Adjusts the sensitivity of the triggers.

Updating PS5 Controller Firmware

Updating your PS5 controller’s firmware ensures compatibility with the Steam Deck and addresses any known issues. Follow these steps to update it wirelessly or via a USB cable:

Wireless Method:

Connect the PS5 controller and Steam Deck via Bluetooth.
Go to Settings on the Steam Deck.
Select Controller.
Highlight the connected PS5 controller and press Update Firmware.

USB Method:

Connect the PS5 controller to the Steam Deck via a USB-C cable.
Go to Settings on the Steam Deck.
Select Controller.
Highlight the connected PS5 controller and press Update Firmware.

Verifying Controller Compatibility

Not all PS5 controllers are compatible with Steam Deck. To ensure compatibility, check the manufacturer’s website or look for controllers specifically designed for Steam Deck usage.

Pairing via Bluetooth

1. On your Steam Deck, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Make sure your PS5 controller is in pairing mode (hold the PS button and Share button simultaneously).
3. Select your PS5 controller from the list of available devices and click Pair.

Pairing via USB-C Cable

1. Connect your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck using a USB-C cable.
2. The controller should be automatically detected and paired.

Configuring Buttons and Controls

1. On your Steam Deck, navigate to Settings > Controller.
2. Select your PS5 controller and click Edit Layout.
3. Remap buttons and adjust sensitivity as desired.

Updating Controller Firmware

If your PS5 controller is not functioning properly, try updating its firmware.
1. Connect your controller to your PS5 console.
2. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Update System Software.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the controller firmware.

Troubleshooting

Controller Not Detected

– Ensure that your controller is in pairing mode.
– Restart your Steam Deck.
– Try using a different USB-C cable.

Buttons Not Working Properly

– Remap buttons in the Steam Deck settings.
– Update the controller firmware on your PS5 console.
– Check for any physical damage to the controller buttons.

Using Third-Party PS5 Controllers

While some third-party PS5 controllers may be compatible with Steam Deck, their functionality may be limited. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use officially licensed PS5 controllers.

To pair a third-party PS5 controller, follow the same steps as outlined for first-party controllers. However, some third-party controllers may require additional software or drivers for full functionality.

Here is a table summarizing the compatibility and features of different PS5 controller types:

Controller Type	Bluetooth	USB-C	Button Customization
Official PS5 Controller	Yes	Yes	Yes
Third-Party PS5 Controller	May vary	May vary	May vary

Resetting PS5 Controller Connection

If you’re experiencing issues connecting your PS5 Controller to your Steam Deck, you may need to reset the controller’s connection. Here’s how to do it:

Turn off your Steam Deck.
Hold down the PS button and the Share button on the PS5 Controller simultaneously.
Keep holding the buttons until the controller’s light bar flashes white.
Release the buttons.
Turn on your Steam Deck.
Your PS5 Controller should now be reset and ready to pair with your Steam Deck.
If you’re still having trouble connecting your PS5 Controller, try the following:
- Make sure that your PS5 Controller is in pairing mode. To do this, hold down the PS button and the Create button on the controller simultaneously until the light bar flashes white.
- Make sure that your Steam Deck’s Bluetooth is turned on. To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your Steam Deck and make sure that the Bluetooth toggle is turned on.
- Restart your Steam Deck. To do this, hold down the power button on your Steam Deck for at least 10 seconds until the device turns off. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on.

	Troubleshooting
1.	Make sure that your PS5 Controller is in pairing mode.
2.	Make sure that your Steam Deck’s Bluetooth is turned on.
3.	Restart your Steam Deck.
4.	Try connecting your PS5 Controller to a different device.
5.	Contact Steam Support for further assistance.

How To Connect PS5 Controller To Steam Deck

Connecting a PS5 controller to a Steam Deck is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. To begin, ensure that both your Steam Deck and PS5 controller are powered on. Next, locate the Bluetooth settings on your Steam Deck by navigating to “Settings” and then “Bluetooth.” Once in the Bluetooth settings, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled and then click on “Pair New Device.” Your Steam Deck will now begin scanning for available Bluetooth devices. Once your PS5 controller appears in the list of available devices, click on it to pair it with your Steam Deck. Once the pairing process is complete, you will be able to use your PS5 controller to play games on your Steam Deck.