Can you connect a PS3 remote to Android?

Answered by Michael Wilson

You can definitely connect a PS3 remote to an Android device. The process may vary depending on whether your device is rooted or not. Let me explain both methods to you.

If you have a non-rooted Android device, all you need is an OTG (On-The-Go) USB cable. These cables are easily available and quite affordable, usually costing between $5 and $10. With this cable, you can connect your PS3 controller directly to your Android device.

First, make sure your Android device supports OTG functionality. Most modern devices do, but it’s always good to double-check. Once you have confirmed that your device supports OTG, follow these steps:

1. Get an OTG USB cable. This cable has a micro USB male connector on one end and a regular USB female port on the other end.
2. Connect the micro USB male end of the OTG cable to your Android device.
3. Connect the regular USB male end of the PS3 controller’s charging cable to the USB female port on the OTG cable.
4. Once connected, your Android device should recognize the PS3 controller as a gamepad. You may need to grant permission for the controller to be used.
5. You should now be able to use your PS3 controller to play games on your Android device. The controller’s buttons and analog sticks should work just like they would on a PlayStation console.

Please note that not all games may be compatible with the PS3 controller. Some games may require specific gamepad support or mapping. You may need to experiment or use third-party apps to map the controller buttons to the game controls.

If you have a rooted Android device, you have the option to use the Sixaxis Controller app. This app allows you to connect your PS3 controller wirelessly to your Android device using Bluetooth. However, please note that rooting your device can void its warranty and may have other risks, so proceed with caution.

Here’s how you can use the Sixaxis Controller app:

1. Make sure your Android device is rooted. You can find tutorials and guides online specific to your device model and Android version.
2. Download and install the Sixaxis Controller app from the Google Play Store.
3. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your PS3 controller with your Android device via Bluetooth.
4. Once paired, you should be able to use your PS3 controller wirelessly to play games on your Android device.

The Sixaxis Controller app also provides additional customization options for mapping buttons and adjusting sensitivity. You can explore these settings to optimize your gaming experience.

I personally have used the OTG cable method with my non-rooted Android device, and it worked seamlessly. I was able to enjoy playing games on my Android device using the familiar PS3 controller. It provided a much better gaming experience compared to using the on-screen touch controls.

I hope this detailed explanation helps you connect your PS3 controller to your Android device. Have fun gaming!