Apple TV 4K and DualShock PS4 controller will not connect when powered on again

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Level 1

5 points

Apple TV 4K and DualShock PS4 controller will not connect when powered on again

I just bought a new Apple TV 4K and a DualShock PS4 controller to be used with the Arcade games, it pairs and works ok, but when I power off both the Apple TV and the DualShock and on another day I start them to play again the controller does not get connected to the Apple TV. I have tried powering on first the Apple TV, first the DualShock and the result is the same, it does not connect automatically.

I have also tried using the "connect" option from the Apple TV but it does not connect, the only solution I have found is to forget the control and re-pair it again and works the first session correctly but won't be connected on future sessions. I must also say I do not own a Sony PS console, I just got the control as my Xbox ones are not the right version and they would power on the Xbox if tried to be used on the Apple TV. Please let me know if I am doing something wrong, thanks.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 15

Posted on Mar 19, 2022 7:36 AM

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Answer 1

M_Alva523

Community Specialist

Mar 20, 2022 8:54 AM in response to lheimpel

Hello lheimpel,

When you power on your Apple TV to use your DualShock 4 Wireless Controller after the first connection, do you receive any messages? Per Apple's resource, Pair a PlayStation controller to your Apple device, it states the following:

If your DualShock 4 Wireless Controller pairs but then you see a Connection Unsuccessful notification, press the PS button in the middle of the controller and wait for it to connect.

Have you tried this step? We look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. Have a good one!

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Answer 2

Omar_A1

Community Specialist

Mar 22, 2022 12:56 PM in response to lheimpel

lheimpel,

Thank you for those details.

Are you able to test your controller with another Apple TV, or test your Apple TV with another controller? This will help us further isolate the issue.

Let's also review these steps:

If you can't pair a Bluetooth accessory or if it loses connectivity

Follow these steps. After each step, see if you still need help.

Make sure that you're in range of your Apple TV and there isn't interference in the area.
Check that your accessory is fully charged and powered on.
Make sure that the software on your Bluetooth accessory and your Apple TV is up to date. For example, if you have Beats wireless headphones, check for firmware updates.
Move your Apple TV to a different location near your television.
Look for your accessory in Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth. If you see it but you can’t connect to it, use the steps above to unpair your accessory. Then try to pair it again.
If you need more help connecting or using a Bluetooth accessory with your Apple TV, contact the manufacturer of the accessory.

More information can be found here: Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple TV

Good Luck!

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Answer 3

lheimpel Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 22, 2022 12:43 PM in response to M_Alva523

I get no error message, it simply will not connect, I tried powering on the controller before and after the AppleTV is powered on, with the same result. The control powers on correctly but stays colored in white instead of changing to red which identifies it as the first controller connected. This happens when the AppleTV is powered off and then powered on the next day to use it, I have not seen error messages, and I have to "forget" the control on the AppleTV and pair it again for it to work, besides this problem both the control and the AppleTV work fine but it is a little uncomfortable to be pairing it each time I want to use it; I do not have a PS console so the control is used exclusively for the AppleTV. Thanks.

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Apple TV 4K and DualShock PS4 controller will not connect when powered on again

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