What is the fix to a PS4 controller connecting to Apple TV (14.6) but does not work.

Does anyone have a solution…

As others have experienced and reported elsewhere, I am able to "pair" and "connect" a ps4 Dual Shock 4 controller to an Apple TV HD (14.6) but have it immediately disconnect. All the buttons on the controller no longer do anything.

I've tested the controller with an iPhone and it pairs, connects and works as expected.

I've done all the usual - re-paired, reset controller. rebooted ATV, reset ATV. Nothing helps.

On tvOS when I pair the controller it shows the notification saying it is connected and for a second I can use the controller to navigate the menu. Then it stops working and the notification comes up saying it has disconnected.

Interestingly I can use the "Identify" menu option to get the controller to vibrate - but none of the buttons do anything.

As others have suggested said it seems to be something to do with the remote taking over. Both the remote and the controller don't work at the same time.

However I've found a work around which might be helpful for others. When you want to use the controller:

First make sure your controller is paired AND connected to your Apple TV.

Go to the "Remotes and Devices" settings screen (actually you can do this anywhere but this screen shows what is happening).
Take your Apple Remote and disconnect it from the Apple TV…

- Hold down Volume Down (minus) and Home (TV Screen) buttons at the same time. A few seconds and the remote will disconnect. A few seconds later a "Remote disconnected" notification shows.

Use your controller. Yeah!
Reconnect your remote with any remote button press. Takes a few seconds. Controller will no longer work.

Sadly you need to re-pair the controller after a reboot or sleep.

That works for me!

Hope Apple fixes this as it's still a PITA to go through the steps when you want to use your controller with the Apple TV.

Posted on Jun 2, 2021 1:05 AM

Top-ranking reply

Stooo75

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Nov 1, 2021 8:25 AM

Thank you buzzart!

This was driving me mad. I bought a third party ps4 wireless controller to use with the Apple TV as I had a trial of the Arcade after purchasing an iPad. I have an Apple TV 4 which is up to date with tvos 15.1

First I tried with a borrowed genuine ps4 dual shock controller and all seemed ok but didn’t use it for long.

I then purchased a cheap Powerextra Ps4 controller which connected fine but after 10-30secs would lose connection. I sent it back for a replacement but that was the same. Then I found this post which solved the problem.

This works for me…

with the apple remote connected, pair the controller.
turn off the apple remote (tv and volume down for a few secs)
press the ps button on controller to turn on the controller and it works!
when finished playing I just turn the apple remote back on with any button and the controller just disconnects. No need to re-pair anything, just have one connected at a time.
I tried connecting two ps4 controllers at the same time and the same thing happens, one drops out. Not sure if it’s possible to have more than one connected?

In conclusion, there’s obviously a clash between the ps4 controller and apple remote, maybe it’s because I’m using a third party controller (which was half the price of an original), but maybe it’s a bug for apple to look at. At least I can use the controller to play games, just not as seamless as you expect from apple.

Hope this helps others.

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What is the fix to a PS4 controller connecting to Apple TV (14.6) but does not work.

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