Instructions apply to official PS3 controllers from Sony.
Support for third-party controllers is mixed, especially controllers that require a separate dongle.
Sony recommends using the cable provided with the system.
If you have trouble syncing with a third-party cable, try using a different cable.
Most third-party cables work well, but there are some that do not.
Here’s how to sync a PS3 controller to a PlayStation 3 console:
Turn on your PlayStation 3.
Connect a mini USB cable to your controller.
Connect the other end of the cable to your PS3.
Push thePlayStationbutton in the middle of the controller to turn it on.
Wait for the lights on the controller to stop flashing.
Once the lights have stopped flashing, unplug the mini USB cable from the controller.
Your PS3 controller is now ready to use.
If the controller isn’t charged, leave it plugged in to finish charging.
This can usually be fixed by resetting the controller and then attempting to sync it again.
If it still does not sync after a reset, you may have a battery or hardware problem.
Locate the reset button access hole.
Hold it down for at least two seconds.
When the reset button is depressed, you should feel a click.
If you do not feel a click, you may have missed the button.
Remove the paperclip and attempt to sync the controller again.
You will also need a mini USB controller to connect the controller to your gear.
Using the SCP ToolKit to connect a PS3 controller to a Windows computer takes over the Bluetooth connection.
You will be unable to connect any other Bluetooth devices.
Press thePlayStationbutton on your controller to turn it on.
Using a mini USB cable, connect the controller to your setup.
Download and set up the SCP Toolkit.
Launch the SCP Toolkit Driver installer program.
Wait for your controller to show up, selectInitialize all connected devices, then selectNext.
Selectinitialize all connected devices, then selectNext.
SelectInstall virtual Xbox 360 controller driver, then selectNext.
SelectInstall Windows Service, then selectNext.
Once the installation procedure is complete, your PS3 controller will be ready to use with your Windows computer.
PS3 controllers are old, and the SCP Toolkit program is no longer in active development.
You must be runningmacOSSnow Leopard or later and have Bluetooth enabled.
double-check that your Mac has Bluetooth turned on.
Connect your PS3 controller to your Mac with a mini USB cable.
If your controller isn’t charged, leave it plugged in for a while to charge before you proceed.
Press the PlayStation button on the controller to turn it on.
Look for your PS3 controller in the list of Bluetooth devices on your Mac.
When prompted, enter the code0000and selectPairorAccept.
Your PS3 controller is now connected and ready to use.
Thinking about buying the Playstation 5 one day?
Learn more about it and start saving those pennies.
Go toSettings>Security prefs>Parental Controls.
To change your parental controls password, goSettings>Security parameters>Change Password.
