There was a dark period way way back, (around 2013), when Android was still a platform in its very early stages, and to get its best features unlocked, you were compelled to root your device.
But all that is in the past now. One of the several things you can now achieve without engaging in any form of rooting is connecting your PS4 controller to your Android phone through Bluetooth.
Lemme break down how to get this done and how to tackle an annoying lag issue that some users have when they make use of the PS4 controller with Android.
Connect A PS4 Controller To Your Mobile Phone
This process is very easy, just do exactly what you’d do with any other Bluetooth device you plan to connect. First and foremost, activate Bluetooth on your device, then head to the Bluetooth menu (in the Quick Menu or the Settings menu -> Connected devices).
When you get to the Connected Devices menu, click “Pair new device.” for the smartphone to start searching for Bluetooth devices.
After that, hold down the Share and Playstation button on your PS4 controller till the light bar on the controller begins to flash, which signifies that its searching for Bluetooth devices.
The PS4 controller should be seen on the “Pair new device” screen as a “Wireless Controller.” Click on it to aid the connection of the PS4 controller to your Android device. You are now fully connected and can navigate your Android homescreen and even crucially, enjoy games using the controller.
Play Android Games Using Your PS4 Controller
This will work differently, as it depends on the game you are playing, but normally controller-compatible games should detect the PS4 controller and instantly map the right buttons to it. You will also be presented with the option to re-map the controls in each game if the default layout is not suitable for you, and all emulators will allow you the option to remap the controls, so that will not be an issue.
However, there is an issue with the PS4 controller on Android that you should be concerned about, but that too we can proffer a solution to.
Rectify PS4 Controller Delay On Android
An experience you might have after you connect the PS4 controller to your Android device is some input delay which makes games needing quick reflexes unplayable. An app named Bluetooth Auto Connect can rectify this.
This application instantly connects Bluetooth devices you designate to your mobile phone, and you can edit it with several things like “Continuous connect,” which will automatically connect your device every x seconds. Just download the Bluetooth Auto Connect App, make sure it is the version 4.2.2 as users have stated that it is better than the newest version. Do not forget to allow unknown sources to download the APK.
After that, install the APK and launch the Bluetooth Auto Connect. Then scroll down to “Advanced Options” as your PS4 controller is connected, scroll again to the very bottom and click “Connect Now.” This will zap your PS4 controller into working the way it should.
If you keep battling the issue, head to “Advanced Options” in Bluetooth Auto Connect, click “Continuous Connect,” and decide on the number of seconds between 2 to 15, which will aid you to be free from the annoying delay issue. You can try out various times to conclude on the one that you fancy the most.
Wrapping Up
The PS4 controller to Android connection is not the most perfect process yet but it is pretty close to getting to that stage, and if you are ready to make those little alterations, it will shock you how much of a gaming machine your device can be.
