A powered controller may still lack a USB data connection. Test the cable, port, host mode, and driver in that order.
Likely cause
Charge-only cables, unpowered hubs, wrong mode switches, or missing maker drivers can block input.
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Diagnosis and next steps
- Use a known USB data cable connected directly to the host.
- Select the controller's documented USB or XInput mode and check OS device detection.
- Review the maker's driver or firmware instructions, then test in a controller-supported game.
Important limit
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Relevant model evidence
| Model | Game / use context | Evidence status | Connection | Conditions and limits | Official evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth | Check game and feature support | Pair and connect DualSense with PS5 — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Direct console input | Not supported | See source | This is not supported as a directly connected primary PS4 console controller. | PS5: The Ultimate FAQ — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth | 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11. A controller-enabled game or app is required. Mobile and Mac do not provide every haptic, microphone, or speaker function available on PC or PS5. | DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth | macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later. A controller-enabled game or app is required. Mobile and Mac do not provide every haptic, microphone, or speaker function available on PC or PS5. | DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth | iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later. A controller-enabled game or app is required. Mobile and Mac do not provide every haptic, microphone, or speaker function available on PC or PS5. | DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | Bluetooth | tvOS 14.5 or later. A controller-enabled game or app is required. Mobile and Mac do not provide every haptic, microphone, or speaker function available on PC or PS5. This record covers Bluetooth only. A USB-C port does not by itself establish a USB input route. | DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| DualSense Wireless Controller | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth | Android 12 or later. A controller-enabled game or app is required. Mobile and Mac do not provide every haptic, microphone, or speaker function available on PC or PS5. | DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S generation) | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | Xbox Wireless, USB | Check game and feature support | Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S generation) | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | Xbox Wireless, USB | Check game and feature support | Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S generation) | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | USB, Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless Adapter | Windows 10 or 11 and the receiver hardware required by this wireless mode. Do not assume ordinary Bluetooth provides the same features as the Xbox Wireless receiver. | Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S generation) | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | Bluetooth | A supported OS and a controller-enabled game or app are required. | Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S generation) | Controller-supported games | Documented with conditions | Bluetooth | A supported OS and a controller-enabled game or app are required. | Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30 |
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If the issue persists
Record the exact model label, host or console version, game version, and connection mode. Compare the linked maker instructions. You can report an outdated result with an official source URL.
Official evidence
- Pair and connect DualSense with PS5 — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30
- PS5: The Ultimate FAQ — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30
- DualSense on PC, Mac and mobile — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-30
- Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft Xbox, checked 2026-10-30
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