Smartphone gaming has grown significantly since The Impossible Game and the original Temple Run. Mobile games can be as complex as console and PC video games, but some of them require external controllers for the best gaming experience. One controller you can use is the PlayStation 5 ‘s DualSense wireless controller, and pairs nicely with most Android devices.
Why connect DualSense to your phone?
Using a DualSense wireless controller on your Android phone gives you the feel of a big console on a portable screen, and it will work with any Android game that supports wireless controllers. The DualSense touchpad will not work in the same way as in PlayStation console games, and the vibration (tactile) function may not work. However, you will be more efficient in your gaming experience, especially if you are used to using DualSense.
Despite all the shortcomings, games like Call of Duty Mobile and GRID Autosport make the most of the gamepad. Both games work just like their original versions on gaming consoles.
In addition to Android games, Sony has an app on the Play Store called PS Remote Play. The app lets you connect your phone or tablet to your PS4 or PS5 console via Wi-Fi or mobile data to stream games from the console to the palm of your hand. Sony has introduced DualSense compatibility for Remote Play on Android 12 devices, and it will have the same feel as the console, complete with working vibration features, a touchpad, adaptive triggers, motion sensors, and a battery indicator.
Remote Play is a great feature if you’re sharing a TV with others, since your “TV”is your phone’s display. However, the setup is a bit different than just connecting a DualSense wireless controller for Android games. If you want to play PS4 or PS5 games on your phone, check out our guide to using PS Remote Play for remote gaming. To use the controller in Android games, follow these steps to set everything up.
What do you need before you start?
Sony indicates that DualSense controllers work on Android 12 devices, but does not mention Android 11 devices anywhere. However, most phones running Android 11 can connect to DualSense via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable, which is great for gaming or phone navigation, so there is no reason why your phone won’t work. Android 12 has just brought official support for Sony’s PS Remote Play service.
Disconnect DualSense from the console.
Before trying to pair, make sure the player indicator (the light between the touchpad and speaker) on the DualSense controller is off. If it is on, press and hold the PS button, centered below the touchpad, until it turns off. Also, if a USB cable is connected to the DualSense, disconnect it.
Turn on DualSense pairing mode
To enable DualSense pairing mode, press and hold the Create and PS buttons together until the light bar on the left and right sides of the touchpad flashes. The Create button is located to the left of the touchpad, above the direction buttons, and the PS button is centered just below the touchpad.
When the lights are flashing, your DualSense controller is in pairing mode and you have about two minutes before it automatically exits pairing mode.
Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone (if not already done)
Once again, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android phone. You can check the quick settings on your device or go straight to the Settings app.
In the Settings app, tap Connected Devices (on Pixels, select LG models, etc.), Connections (on Samsung models), or something similar. If you immediately see a “Bluetooth”toggle, make sure it’s turned on. If not, you may need to dig deeper. For example, on Pixel models running Android 12, go to Connection Options, then Bluetooth to find the toggle.
Find your PS5 controller and pair
It’s time to find the DualSense controller and pair it. If you have a Pixel, in the Bluetooth or Connected Devices menu, click Connect New Device. You will most likely need to enter the “Bluetooth”menu for other Android phones.
Whether you’re in the Bluetooth menu or the Pair New Device screen, you should see a list of all the available Bluetooth devices it detects. The DualSense controller should appear in the list of paired devices called “Wireless Controller”. Once connected, you can rename the controller to whatever you want, but for now, tap the name of the DualSense controller to pair the two devices.
You will know that the DualSense controller is paired correctly when its light bar flashes briefly and then turns blue, and when the player indicator lights up.
Once paired, you can easily connect to your DualSense controller in the future. Just press the “PS”button and select your controller from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone. However, wireless pairing doesn’t work after reconnecting DualSense to PS5.
Alternative Method: Use a cable connection instead
If you don’t want to use Bluetooth to pair your phone and DualSense controller, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead. Connect one end to the controller and the other to the phone. Your phone should automatically detect the device and turn it on, working just like it does wirelessly, only with less setup.
Navigate your phone with a DualSense controller
Your DualSense controller will now be able to control your phone like a PS5, so you can use it for more than just gaming. Here’s a rundown of how your controller will work on Android:
Directional buttons (D-pad): Move between options
Left stick: Move between options
◯ button: Exit the current screen
X button: Select
△ button: Add a space
□ button: Delete a space
Touch pad / touch pad button: Use as a mouse cursor; press
down or tap to select
Improve your DualSense GamePlay on Android
Playing games with a controller is much better than just using touch controls, but you’ll have to put your phone down to play if you don’t have an accessory that can hold your phone while you use the controller. Your best option is a DualSense controller phone mount to keep your gaming experience as mobile as possible.
We recommend the OIVO PS5 Mount Clip for DualSense controllers as the mount is strong, creates a good distance between the controller and the phone, and doesn’t block the USB-C port on the controller if you want to use a wired connection instead of Bluetooth. OIVO has a cheaper model as well. Both models come with phone stands for when you don’t want extra weight in your hands. And both are suitable for PS Remote Play.
OIVO PS5 mount for DualSense controllers. Image via OIVO
Other options include phone cases with a built-in horizontal stand to support your phone wherever you go, and a simple phone dock that’s a little less portable, but perhaps more durable and adjustable.
Which games use DualSense exclusive features?
Android games generally don’t support the more advanced DualSense features, but when connected via PS Remote Play, haptics, adaptive triggers, and the touchpad will work as intended for PS5 games. While some PS5 games don’t allow you to use all the features, many do. Here is a short list of games that make the best use of the DualSense features: