How to connect PS3 controller to a Mac or PC

How to connect PS3 controller to a Mac or PC.md

How to connect PS3 controller to a Mac or PC

This is how you connect PS3 controller to Mac OSX, PC, etc. when previously connected to a PS3. You will need a Mini USB cable. Overcome your laziness, get up of your chair, and go get one!

A big misconception is that keep holding PS button will reset the controller's pairing. It DOES NOT! From my testings, the controller keeps paring with the last machine it was CONNECTED VIA A USB CABLE.

Here are the steps:

1. Turn OFF your PS3 controller by either...
   • hold PS button -> Turn off Controller, OR
   • insert paperclip into pinhole near L2 button.
2. Use a USB cable, connect the controller to your new machine you want.
3. Wait a second until the red light on the controller flashes, unplug the USB cable. Now the controller's setting is reset.
4. On your computer, go to System Preferences (OS X) or Control Panel (PC)
5. Open Bluetooth settings page. Start Scanning.
6. Turn ON the controller by pressing the PS button. Wait a few seconds.
7. If it asks for Access Code, enter 0000.
8. Now connected! (yey)

Tested on:

• PS3 Console
• MacBook Pro (Early 2011) with OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Note:

• If you have Steam opened, hitting PS button will switch Steam into full screen mode. Pretty sleek.

I got something! I did so many things in my High Sierra Macbook Pro 2012 that is difficult to say why is working. But I can say this: I have three ps3 controllers, one 100% original untested (will use only with my console), a good imitation and a bad imitation. The bad imitation won't even apear on the bluetooth list, it's virtually impossible to connect. The good imitation can be used. It will connect but will blink all the time and the bt will say is not connected, but I can play Alien Isolation! However, I have to keep it wired or it will turn off automatically. Maybe with some third-part software will work properly.

Also, I must say the bluetooth control of macOS High Sierra is the same crap of all predecessors systems. The panel is to simplistic, does not give any details of devices, does not provide any feedback of tasks, it's unstable and not even my iPhone works right, I gave up using bluetooth mouse. I cannot understand why Apple did so lazy job with Bluetooth.

You can also take help of google or watch video on youtube to solve your problem.
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Doesn't work from PowerPC Leopard (10.5)... I'm investigating this...

Hi i'm on a macbook air 2017 with 10.15
It keeps flashing and won't stop flashing
help?

Worked perfectly on 10.15.2. Thanks!

Having issues under MacOS 11, wired with a USB Cable I am able to receive the input on the M1 MacBook Pro, but once I go wireless even though a connection is displayed in the BT menu I am not able to register any inputs or even that a controller is available.

was troubleshooting with https://gamepad-tester.com and https://vividmachine.com/controllers/

Doesn't work from PowerPC Leopard (10.5)... I'm investigating this...

I'm just curious what you're running in 2019 on Leopard! Haha

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I too had the same problem with my Play station 3 and I could not find it untill Play station 4 came into business. I really want to solve this problem but what else can we do I had to go to buy new PS4 and I want to tell you that it is really amazing. Thanks for listening to me. Also, the information shared here is amazing.
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I tried, but this doesn't work with a motion controller or navigation controller (I think). It'd be completely pointless, because I think they'd register as seperate controllers, but I'm a little disappointed.

don't work on Monterey anymore

is there is any work around or script to get it working?

Found a solution! Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FU5oQs7jnw
😄

just a quick note to say that I've managed to pair my ps3 controllers. on Ventura 13.6.3, macbook pro 16'', M1 max (mid 2021)
could play OpenLara without any trouble.
Weirdthing is that it's recognized as "Gamepad" (even though it's supposed to be a genuine sony controller. But bought over ebay, came with a genuinely old sony box. feel ligther than the one I had with the ps3 tbh.

I had to completely switch off the PS3 btw before the pairing worked.

@dseddah glad it worked!