Whether you are running on a Windows or a Mac operating system you can hook up your PS4 controller to the compatible games on your PC. While Mac users do have less options than Windows users you should not be deterred from using the controller of your choice. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Here's how to set up PS4 Remote Play for PC & Mac.
When it comes to playing video games on your Mac, you may want another option to the keyboard and trackpad. Perhaps you not a fan of keyboard and mouse controls or you like the comfort of using a PS4 controller.
Also see our article How To Use a PS4 Controller on Your PC
As you may or may not be aware connecting your PS4 controller on your Mac can get done with minimal effort on your part. Plus, you can get your PS4 controller connected to your Mac in a few different ways.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Connect a PS4 Controller via Bluetooth
Grab your PS4 Controller and we’ll get started connecting it to your Mac. You can go to the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar on your Mac’s screen and click it to turn Bluetooth on from your Mac.
Then, you’ll either click on open Bluetooth preferences or go to system preferences and click on Bluetooth.
Now you’re able to see the Bluetooth connections you already have between your Mac and other devices if you have any. This is where you’ll also have the option to pair your PS4 controller once it’s in pairing mode.
To get your PS4 controller to pair with your Mac, you’ll need to press the PS4 button and the share button on the PS4 controller at the same time. That should then, give you the ability to pair the PS4 controller and your Mac. You’ll know that your controller is in pairing mode because the light on the front of it will flash rapidly.
Next, go back to the Bluetooth menu you’ve opened on the screen and it should list your PS4 controller as a device. It’ll only appear as a wireless controller in the list.
Just click on pair next to wireless controller once it shows in the list. When it’s successfully paired, it’ll say wireless controller connected and the light will be solid on your PS4 controller.
That’s all not too complex but some effort is required. Now sit back relax and play your game. Start enjoying using your PS4 controller while gaming on your Mac.
Need more than one way to get the job done? Fear not we’ve got another trick up our sleeve.
Connect a PS4 Controller via USB
You can simply use you mini USB cable that came with your PS4 controller to connect it to your Mac computer.
Plug the PS4 controller cable into a USB port on your Mac.
Then, turn on your controller by holding down the PS4 button located between the two controller sticks.
Next, go to the Apple logo on the upper left-hand side of your Mac’s screen and click on it. Go to about this Mac and select it.
Click on the system report button and go down to USB in the list to the left. You’ll now see your wireless controller listed as connected to your Mac via USB.
You are now able to play your Mac and Steam video games with your PS4 controller. This is the easiest way to connect your PS4 controller to your Mac directly.
Wrapping Up
So, no reason to go out and buy different controllers for playing video games on your Mac. You can use your already available PS4 controller.
You can either connect right away by plugging the micro USB cable directly into your Mac or go through a few extra steps to play wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Get the connection between your PS4 controller and Mac setup. It takes minor effort. If you’d rather not have the cabled connection between your PS4 controller and Mac while playing video games, you’re able to use the Bluetooth option.
Archived
Hi there!
I posted this on both r/apple and r/PS4 to help out those wanting to do the same as I did.
First off, don’t listen to those Apple/PlayStation support forums claiming it is not possible to play a PS4 on a Mac. It is possible, and it works flawlessly. I am not talking about some Windows partition or streaming software that causes lag - I am talking about the real thing, using a Mac as a monitor for the PS4.
I tried this on a 2014 5K iMac running Yosemite without problems.
It is quite simple, but it did cost around $150 for an adapter. You might be wondering why anyone would bother with this method when one can just use an HDTV. Well, in my case, I do not own a television, so it was either spending $300+ on a new television or just using the iMac’s 27” gorgeous display and a $150 adapter. Another plus is that I can use this method on the MacBook Pro when traveling or visiting a friend’s place.
Things Needed:
A Mac with a USB 3.0 port running 10.9, 10.10, or 10.11.
A PS4 (with controller, HDMI cable, and power cord).
AVerMedia ExtremeCap U3 ($150 on Amazon).
Ps4 How Tonset Up Manual Macbook Pro
Set Up:
Download and install RECentral for Mac (AVerMedia Site)
Connect ExtremeCap to Mac with the included USB 3.0 cable.
A few steps and $150 is all it takes. No lag, no hardware or software issues.
Ps4 How To Set Up Manual Mac Mini
It also looks fantastic on the iMac. Even though the 5K iMac has a resolution of 5120 x 2800, and the PS4 resolution is at most 1080p, any blurriness or fuzziness is barely noticeable.