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 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!