This wikiHow teaches you how to use a PlayStation 3 controller on an Android phone using the Sixaxis Controller app. Sixaxis Controller is a root-only app, which means it can only be used on Android devices that have been hacked with the root method in order to function. You also need to buy this application for around Rp. 40,000 to be able to use it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparation Stage
Step 1. Root Android
You can purchase the Sixaxis Controller app from the Play Store without rooting, but the controller won't work when paired with the app unless your Android device is rooted.
Rooting the phone will void your device's warranty. At your own risk
Step 2. Purchase a USB adapter cable
Since the PS3 controller uses a USB 2.0 cable to connect to the PS3, you need a way to connect the USB 2.0 cable to the Android micro USB port. The trick, buy a USB 2.0 to micro USB adapter cable.
If your Android device uses a USB-C charging port, you will need a USB 2.0 to USB-C adapter cable
Step 3. Make sure that you have an original PlayStation 3 controller
The Sixaxis app is unreliable if you're using a third-party PlayStation 3 controller so make sure the PlayStation 3 controller you're using comes directly from Sony (for example, one that's part of the PlayStation 3 bundle).
- We recommend that your PS3 controller's battery has enough charge to run it without charging.
- You can buy Sony's original PS3 controllers at game stores or the internet, for example at Tokopedia or Bukalapak.
Step 4. Disconnect the PlayStation 3 power cord from the electrical socket
If you have a PlayStation 3, we recommend that you unplug the power cord from the wall socket to prevent the PlayStation 3 controller from accidentally connecting to the console.
Step 5. Enable Bluetooth on Android
Usually, you can do this by swiping down from the top of the screen, pressing the icon Bluetooth
long, then tapping the gray "Bluetooth" or "OFF" button so that it turns blue
Depending on the number of modifications made after rooting your Android, the Bluetooth activating process may vary
Part 2 of 3: Checking Compatibility
Step 1. Download the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker app
This app is free, and works to tell if your phone and PS3 controller are compatible with each other.
- Tap the search bar.
- Type in sixaxis compatibility checker
- Tap Sixaxis Compatibility Checker
- Tap INSTALL (install)
- Tap ACCEPT (accept) when prompted.
Step 2. Open the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker app
Tap OPEN (open) in the Google Play Store, or tap the PS3 button-shaped app icon in the Android app drawer.
Step 3. Tap Start
This is a power icon
in the upper left corner of the screen. The app will start determining whether the phone can use the PlayStation 3 controller or not.
Step 4. Wait for the confirmation request
If your phone is compatible with a PS3 controller, you will see a confirmation prompt appear on the screen. You'll also see the Android Bluetooth address appear at the bottom of the screen.
- If the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker app doesn't show a confirmation prompt and a Bluetooth address, it means that your phone is not compatible with the PS3 controller.
- If your phone is not rooted when you run the Compatibility Checker app, the app will tell you that your phone is not compatible with the PS3 controller, even though they are technically compatible.
Step 5. Pay attention to the Bluetooth address
Write down the address that appears next to the " Local Bluetooth Address " heading at the bottom of the screen. You'll need it when pairing your PS3 controller with your phone.
Part 3 of 3: Connecting the PlayStation 3 Controller
Step 1. Purchase and download the Sixaxis Controller app
The method:
-
Reopen Google Play
Androidgoogleplay again.
- Tap the search bar.
- Type in sixaxis controller and tap Search or Enter
- Tap Sixaxis Controller
- Tap the button that says app price
- Tap ACCEPT, then enter your payment information if prompted.
Step 2. Open Sixaxis Controller
Tap OPEN in the Play Store, or tap the Sixaxis Controller icon shaped like a PS3 button.
Step 3. Connect the adapter cable to the Android device
Insert the small end of the adapter cable head into the Android charger port.
Step 4. Connect the PS3 controller to the adapter cable
Insert the small end of the PS3 controller's charging cable into the corresponding port, then connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port on the Android adapter cable.
You will see four lights on the front of the PS3 controller flashing while doing this process
Step 5. Tap Start
Like the Compatibility Checker app, this button is a power icon
on the top left side of the screen.
Step 6. Wait until Sixaxis Controller recognizes your PS3 controller
When Sixaxis Controller recognizes the controller, you'll see " Successfully configured Bluetooth " followed by " Listening for controllers …" near the bottom of the screen.
Step 7. Tap on Pair Controller
This button is located under options Start. Press it to bring up a pop-up window with your controller's Bluetooth address.
Step 8. Make sure that the PS3 controller's address matches the phone's address
In the pop-up window, you will see the Bluetooth address in the same format that was written earlier. If the Bluetooth address for the controller doesn't match the phone, tap the address to open a text box, then type the Android Bluetooth address again.
Step 9. Tap PAIR
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 10. Tap OK when prompted
This step will start connecting the controller with the Android device.
Step 11. Wait until the PS3 controller is connected
When you see "Master address updated" appear near the bottom of the screen, please proceed to the next step.
Step 12. Disconnect the controller from the cable
Just disconnect the PS3 controller itself from the cable.
Step 13. Turn on the controller
Press the controller's "On" button to complete the pairing process. You will see the phrase "Client 1 connected" near the bottom of the screen.
