Want to learn how to use a PS4 controller to play Google Stadia? You’ve come to the right place. This guide includes instructions for using a PS4 controller alongside Stadia on a PC, Android, or iOS device.

What to Know

  • Connect a PS4 controller to a PC, Android, or iOS and launch Google Stadia, which should automatically detect it.You can use Tandem mode with a Chromecast to connect a controller, but it requires a Stadia controller.

How to Use a PS4 Controller to Play Google Stadia on a PC

You can use the PS4 DualShock4 controller to play Stadia on a PC over a wired or Bluetooth wireless connection.

  • Connect your PS4 controller to your PC with a micro-USB cable or over Bluetooth.
  • Open the Google Chrome web browser.
  • You must have Google Chrome version 77 or greater to use Stadia.
  • Visit the Google Stadia web interface and log in to your account.
  • Launch a game through the web interface. Once launched, tap any button on the PS4 controller. A Controller Linked message should appear.

How to Use a PS4 Controller to Play Google Stadia on Android

You can use the PS4 DualShock4 controller over a wired or Bluetooth wireless connection on Android devices running Android 10.0 or greater.

Connect your PS4 controller to your PC with a micro-USB cable or over Bluetooth.

Open the Google Chrome web browser.

You must have Google Chrome version 77 or greater to use Stadia.

Visit the Google Stadia web interface and log in to your account.

Launch a game through the web interface. Once launched, tap any button on the PS4 controller. A Controller Linked message should appear.

  • Connect your PS4 controller to your Android device.
  • Launch the Google Stadia app.
  • Launch a game. The PS4 controller will automatically connect.

How to Use a PS4 Controller to Play Google Stadia on iOS

You can play Google Stadia on iOS, but not through the Stadia app. Instead, the Stadia for iOS beta is accessible only through a web browser. First, it’s important to follow Google’s instructions for setting up Stadia on iOS before attempting to connect your PS4 controller.

Connect your PS4 controller to your Android device.

Launch the Google Stadia app.

Launch a game. The PS4 controller will automatically connect.

Stadia for iOS only supports a Bluetooth wireless connection.

  • Connect your PS4 controller to your iOS device.
  • Launch Google Stadia using the icon created during the setup process.
  • Launch a game through the web interface. Once launched, tap any button on the PS4 controller. A Controller Linked message should appear.

What if My PS4 Controller Isn’t Working With Google Stadia?

Setting up a PS4 Controller with Google Stadia is simple. There’s nothing to configure. But what happens if the controller isn’t automatically detected?

Connect your PS4 controller to your iOS device.

Launch Google Stadia using the icon created during the setup process.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the PS4 controller from your device. If you’re using a wired connection, try switching to a Bluetooth wireless connection, or vice versa. Finally, disconnect any other controllers connected to your device.

Will the PS4 Controller Ever Work With Stadia on Google Chromecast?

Google hasn’t announced plans to make the PlayStation 4 controller compatible with Google Stadia on a Google Chromecast. This odd restriction is due to the lack of Bluetooth on older Chromecast Ultra models that support Stadia.

There is one way to use a PS4 Controller with a Chromecast. Stadia has an experimental feature called Tandem Mode. Plug a second controller into a Stadia controller’s USB-C port.

The second controller’s input is replicated through the Stadia controller and sent to the Chromecast over Wi-Fi. In other words, the Stadia controller becomes a big Wi-Fi dongle.

Tandem Mode works with a PS4 controller. Just remember it’s experimental and may not work in every game. You’ll also need to own a Google Stadia controller, which, for many gamers, defeats the point.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day