Gamepad DualShock 3 ot Sony PlayStation 3 still remains a popular controller among gamers, despite the release of newer models. Its ergonomic design, tactile feedback and reliability make it an excellent choice for mobile gaming. However, connecting this device to Android smartphone via Bluetooth often causes difficulties: standard pairing methods do not work due to the peculiarities of the protocol DualShock 3which is not originally intended for interaction with mobile devices.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for different versions of Android, ways to bypass typical errors (for example, code 00:00:00:00:00:00 or lack of response to a button PS), as well as alternative connection methods - from using adapters to specialized applications. We will also look at which smartphone models support DualShock 3 "out of the box", and where manual configuration will be required. If you want to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged gaming console, read on.

Why the DualShock 3 does not connect to Android in the standard way

The main problem lies in Bluetooth protocol, which uses DualShock 3. Unlike modern gamepads (for example, DualShock 4 or Xbox Controller), this controller works according to an outdated standard Bluetooth 2.0 EDR with a proprietary protocol Sony. Android devices do not support this protocol by default, therefore:

  • 🔍 The smartphone “sees” the gamepad in the list of available devices, but cannot complete pairing.
  • 🔄 The button PS blinks, but the connection is reset after a few seconds.
  • 🚫 The Bluetooth settings display an error "Could not connect" or code 00:00:00:00:00:00.

In addition, DualShock 3 does not have a built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which complicates its detection by modern smartphones. Android manufacturers do not include drivers for this gamepad in standard OS builds, so successful connection will require additional manipulations from manually entering the MAC address to using third-party applications.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) support DualShock 3 can be enabled by default. Check the section Settings → System → Advanced → Developer mode → Enable support for PS3 gamepads (if there is such an item).

Ways to connect DualShock 3 to Android

There are three main methods for pairing a gamepad with a smartphone. Their effectiveness depends on the Android version, device model and the presence of root access. Let's consider each option in detail:

Method Requires root Compatibility Complexity
Via application Sixaxis Controller ❌ No Android 4.0–12 Medium
Manually adding a MAC address ✅ Yes Android 7.0+ High
Use OTG adapter ❌ No Any version Low

The most universal solution is application Sixaxis Controller (developer Dancing Pixel Studios). It emulates the necessary drivers and allows you to connect a gamepad without root access on most devices. However, for it to work you will need one-time connection of the DualShock 3 to the PC to obtain a MAC address —this step is required!

📊 Which connection method have you tried before?
Standard Bluetooth
Sixaxis Controller
OTG adapter
I haven’t tried anything

Connecting via Sixaxis Controller: step-by-step guide

This method works on most smartphones with Android 4.0 and higher. You will need:

  • 📱 Android smartphone;
  • 🎮 Gamepad DualShock 3;
  • 💻 Computer with Windows (to obtain the MAC address);
  • 🔌 USB cable for connecting the gamepad to PC;
  • 📲 Application Sixaxis Controller (paid, ~$3).

Follow the instructions:

  1. Install Sixaxis Controller on your smartphone (available in Google Play).
  2. Connect the DualShock 3 to the PC via USB and run the utility SixaxisPairTool (you can download it on official developer website).
  3. Write down the MAC address your gamepad (will be displayed in the window utilities).
  4. Open Sixaxis Controller on your smartphone, enter the MAC address and press "Start".
  5. Press the button PS on the gamepad - the indicators should stop blinking, and a message will appear in the application "Controller connected".

Download Sixaxis Controller on your phone|Install SixaxisPairTool on your PC|Connect DualShock 3 to your PC via USB|Write down the MAC address of the gamepad|Disconnect the gamepad from the PC-->

If the connection is not succeeded:

  • 🔄 Restart your smartphone and gamepad.
  • 📵 Make sure that DualShock 3 is not connected to other devices (for example, to PS3).
  • 🔧 In the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone, delete all previously saved devices from title "Wireless Controller".
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei), the application Sixaxis Controller may be blocked by the system as “unsafe”. To fix this, allow installation from unknown sources. in Settings → Security and add the application to the battery optimization exceptions.

Manually adding a MAC address (for devices with root)

If your smartphone has root access, you can manually register the MAC address DualShock 3 in Android system files. This method is more complicated, but works more stable than Sixaxis Controller. You will need:

  • 📱 Root access;
  • 📝 MAC address of the gamepad (can be obtained through SixaxisPairTool);
  • 🛠️ File manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Instructions:

  1. Open the file manager and go to the folder /data/misc/bluedroid/.
  2. Find the file bt_config.conf and open it in a text editor.
  3. Add the line: 
    RemoteOobDeviceAddress=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

    where XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX is the MAC address of your gamepad.

  4. Save the file, restart your smartphone.
  5. Turn on Bluetooth, press PS on the gamepad - it should connect automatically.

If the file bt_config.conf is missing, create it manually with the following contents:

[General]

RemoteOobDeviceAddress=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX


RemoteOobLinkKey=00000000000000000000000000000000

💡

Before editing system files, make a backup copy of them! This will help restore Bluetooth functionality if something goes wrong.

Connecting via an OTG adapter (without Bluetooth)

If your smartphone does not support DualShock 3 via Bluetooth or you don’t want to mess around with the settings, you can connect the gamepad via USB OTG adapter. This method works on any Android device with OTG support and does not require additional applications.

You will need:

  • 🔌 OTG adapter (Micro-USB or USB-C depending on the smartphone connector);
  • 🔋 USB cable for DualShock 3 (usually included with the gamepad);
  • 📱 Smartphone with OTG support (check in Settings → Additional → OTG mode).

How to connect:

  1. Connect the OTG adapter to your smartphone.
  2. Connect DualShock 3 to the adapter via a USB cable.
  3. Wait until the smartphone detects the gamepad (it may take a few seconds).
  4. Start the game - the controller should work automatically.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ No input delays (unlike Bluetooth).
  • ✅ Works on any version of Android.
  • ✅ Does not require root or third-party applications.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ The gamepad discharges faster (powered by a smartphone).
  • ❌ The cable limits freedom of movement.
What to do if OTG does not work?

If your smartphone does not recognize the gamepad via OTG, check:

1. Does your device support OTG (some budget models do not have this function).

2. Is the adapter working (try connecting a USB flash drive or keyboard).

3. Is the OTG option enabled in the settings (on some smartphones you need to activate it manually).

4. Is the smartphone firmware updated (older versions of Android may lack drivers for USB devices).

Setting up the DualShock 3 in games on Android

Even after successfully connecting the gamepad, it may be required set up in a specific game. Most modern projects (for example Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact or emulators) support controllers automatically, but in some cases you will have to assign buttons manually.

General recommendations:

  • 🎮 In the game settings, find the section "Control" or "Controller".
  • 🔄 If the game does not recognize DualShock 3, try emulating Xbox Controller through applications like Octopus or Tincore Keymapper.
  • 🔧 For emulators (PPSSPP, Dolphin), configure the buttons in the menu "Control Settings".

Example settings for PPSSPP:

  1. Open the game in the emulator.
  2. Go to Settings → Controls → Control mapping.
  3. Select "Pad 1" and assign buttons DualShock 3 to virtual keys.
  4. Save the profile.

For shooters (for example, PUBG Mobile) may be required:

  • 🎯 Activate controller mode in the control settings.
  • 🔄 Calibrate the sticks (if the cursor does not move accurately).
  • 🔋 Disable gamepad vibration to save battery.
💡

If the game does not support gamepads, use touch emulation applications (for example, Octopus). They convert button presses into virtual taps on the screen. Typical errors and their solutions When connecting to Android, users often encounter the same problems. Let's look at the most common of them and how to fix them: DualShock 3 into virtual taps on the screen.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When connected DualShock 3 Android users often face the same problems. Let's look at the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

Error Cause Solution
The gamepad is not detected in the list of Bluetooth devices There are no drivers or the gamepad is not in pairing mode Use Sixaxis Controller or connect via OTG
The button PS blinks, but the connection is reset Conflict with others Bluetooth devices Delete all saved devices and repeat pairing
Buttons do not work in games Incorrect button binding or lack of controller support Configure controls manually or use Tincore Keymapper
The gamepad connects, but disconnects after a few minutes Android power saving turns off Bluetooth Add Sixaxis Controller to battery optimization exceptions

If none of the methods helped, check:

  • 🔋 Gamepad battery charge (connect to charger for 10-15 minutes).
  • 📱 Compatibility of your smartphone (on some models MediaTek there may be problems with Bluetooth).
  • 🔧 Availability of firmware updates (sometimes in new versions of Android add support for legacy devices).
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with Android 13+ problems may arise due to the tightening of Bluetooth security policies. If Sixaxis Controller does not work, try rolling back to an older version of the application (for example, 1.4.3) or use an OTG connection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the DualShock 3 to Android

Is it possible to connect the DualShock 3 to Android without root and a computer?

Theoretically, yes, but with reservations. You can try applications like Bluetooth Auto Connect or Game Controller Mapper, but they are unstable. The most reliable way without root is to use OTG adapter. If you absolutely need a Bluetooth connection, you can’t do without a computer to get the MAC address.

Why does the DualShock 3 work in games, but is not recognized in the Android menu?

This is normal behavior. Android does not have built-in support DualShock 3 at the system level, so the gamepad will only work in applications that support controllers (games, emulators). It will not be displayed in the OS interface. To check the connection, use test utilities like Game Controller Tester.

How to reset the DualShock 3 if it does not connect?

To reset the gamepad to factory settings:

  1. Turn off the controller (press the button PS to 10 seconds).
  2. Turn over the gamepad and find a small hole next to the screw.
  3. Insert a paperclip or toothpick into the hole and hold for 5 seconds.
  4. Connect the gamepad to the smartphone again.

After the reset, all pairings will be deleted, and you will need to repeat the connection process.

Which Android games definitely support DualShock 3?

List of games with full support for controllers (including DualShock 3):

  • Call of Duty: Mobile (with manual button settings);
  • Genshin Impact (controller mode in settings);
  • PUBG Mobile (requires activation in Settings → General → Controller);
  • Minecraft (full support);
  • Emulators: PPSSPP, Dolphin, RetroArch;
  • Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (setting in the control menu).

For other games it may be required Tincore Keymapper or analogs.

How does DualShock 3 differ from DualShock 4 in terms of compatibility with Android?

DualShock 4 has a built-in one Bluetooth 4.0 and is supported by Android natively (starting from version 10). It can be connected like a regular Bluetooth device without additional manipulations. DualShock 3 it works using an outdated protocol that is not recognized by the system. In addition, DS4 has a built-in battery and touchpad, and DS3 requires charging via USB and lacks a touchpad.