Your DualSense controller isn't just good for your PS5. In fact, it can be paired with a number of other devices, so you can play games on things like your computer, smartphone, or tablet. (It even works with an Apple TV—go figure.)

If you've ever tried actively switching between these devices to play, however, it gets old fast. That's because you can't simply choose to start playing on a new device after wrapping up on another: If you've paired your DualSense controller to your iPhone, for example, you'll need to pair it with your PS5 again before picking up a PlayStation game. Then, you'll need to pair it with your computer before playing a game on Steam. If you're used to products that can quickly switch between paired devices, like AirPods, for example, it's especially frustrating.

That's a problem Sony is working on solving. The company's latest system update beta for PS5 comes with a new feature that enables your DualSense controller to pair with up to four devices at once. That means you can keep your DualSense controller paired to your PS5, but also your PC, your Android phone, and your iPad. When you want to stop playing on the couch and move to your computer, your controller will already be paired, so you can start playing right away. It's a small feature, but one that brings a lot of convenience, especially if you play across multiple devices with the same controller.

How to pair a PS5 controller with multiple devices

At this time, the only way to try this out is to enroll your PS5 in Sony's beta program. You can sign up here, though you'll need to wait for an invite to join—no guarantees.

If you're running the beta, or you're reading this when Sony has released the update to the general public, here's how this new feature works: First, check that the player indicator and light bar on your controller are turned off. If they aren't, hold down the PS button until they are.

Next, you're going to put your controller into pairing mode, and choose one of the available "slots." Each of the action buttons on your controller (triangle, circle, cross, and square) denote a slot. To set pairing mode to a particular slot, press and hold one of these action buttons and the PS button for more than five seconds. You'll see the light bar and player indicator flash twice.

Now, make sure to enable Bluetooth on the device you want to pair to, and select the option to add Bluetooth devices. Then, choose your controller from the list. If it worked, the light bar will light up, and the player indicator lights will blink in accordance with the slot number:

1. Triangle

2. Circle

3. Cross

4. Square

You can repeat these steps for each of the four slots until you've maxed out your pairings.

Switching devices with your PS5 controller

Once paired, you can switch devices at any time, whether your controller is on or off. To do so, make sure the device you want to switch to is on, then press and hold the corresponding action button and PS button. Let go when the light bar and player indicator blink, which should happen after about three seconds.

from Lifehacker https://ift.tt/iUBmFA1