Have you ever found yourself sitting in your Tesla, perhaps while Supercharging, and thought, "Man, I wish I could properly game right now"? Well, you're in luck! Tesla's infotainment system, especially with its "Arcade" feature, offers a surprising amount of gaming fun, and what better way to experience it than with the familiar comfort of your PlayStation 4 controller? Connecting your PS4 controller to your Tesla is a straightforward process that can significantly elevate your in-car gaming experience. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to get you set up and ready to game!
Step 1: Prepare for Gaming in Your Tesla
Before you even think about pairing your controller, let's ensure your Tesla and PS4 controller are ready for the connection. This initial preparation sets you up for a smooth process.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Tesla is Ready
First and foremost, safety is paramount. You can only play games in your Tesla when the vehicle is in Park. Attempting to play while driving is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Vehicle in Park (P): Make sure your Tesla is fully stopped and in "P" (Park). The infotainment system will often restrict gaming functions if the car is not in this mode.
Software Update: Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date. Tesla frequently releases updates that include improvements to connectivity and gaming compatibility. While older versions might support controllers, having the latest software ensures the best performance and compatibility. You can check your software version by tapping
Controls>Softwareon your Tesla's touchscreen.Power On: Naturally, your Tesla's touchscreen needs to be powered on and responsive.
Sub-heading: Prepare Your PS4 Controller for Pairing
Your PS4 DualShock 4 controller needs to be in a "discoverable" or "pairing" mode for your Tesla to find it.
Charge Your Controller: Make sure your PS4 controller has sufficient battery life. Nothing's worse than getting it connected only for it to die mid-game!
Reset if Necessary: If your PS4 controller was recently connected to a PlayStation console, it might try to connect back to it. It's often a good idea to perform a quick reset of your controller. To do this, locate the tiny reset button on the back of your controller, near the L2 shoulder button. Use a small, unfolded paper clip or a similar thin object to press and hold this button for about 5 seconds. The controller will turn off. This clears its previous pairing memory.
Step 2: Initiating Bluetooth Pairing on Your Tesla's Touchscreen
Now that both your Tesla and PS4 controller are ready, it's time to tell your Tesla to start looking for new Bluetooth devices.
Access Bluetooth Settings: On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, tap the Bluetooth icon. This icon is usually located at the top of the screen, near the clock and Wi-Fi indicator. Tapping it will open the Bluetooth settings menu.
"Add New Device" or "Pair New Device": Within the Bluetooth menu, you'll typically see an option like "Add New Device" or "Pair New Device." Tap this to begin the search for new Bluetooth devices.
"Start Search": Once you've selected "Add New Device," the screen will likely display a "Start Search" button. Tap this to initiate the Bluetooth scanning process. Your Tesla will now actively look for nearby discoverable Bluetooth devices.
Step 3: Putting Your PS4 Controller into Pairing Mode ✨
This is the crucial step for the PS4 controller itself. You need to activate its Bluetooth pairing mode so your Tesla can "see" it.
Simultaneous Button Press: On your PS4 DualShock 4 controller, press and hold down two buttons simultaneously:
The PlayStation (PS) button (the circular button in the center, between the analog sticks).
The Share button (located on the left side of the touchpad).
Observe the Light Bar: Keep holding both buttons until the light bar on the back of your PS4 controller starts to rapidly flash white. This rapid flashing indicates that the controller is in Bluetooth pairing mode and is actively broadcasting its presence.
Step 4: Connecting the Controller to Your Tesla
With both devices in discovery mode, it's time to make the connection!
Select "Wireless Controller": Back on your Tesla's touchscreen, you should now see "Wireless Controller" (or something similar, like "DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller") appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices. This might take a few seconds to show up.
Tap to Connect: Once you see your controller listed, tap on it. Your Tesla will attempt to establish a connection.
Confirmation: If the pairing is successful, the light bar on your PS4 controller will typically change from rapidly flashing white to a solid blue light. On your Tesla's screen, the controller will show as "Connected" under your Bluetooth devices.
Step 5: Testing Your Newly Connected Controller ️
Congratulations! Your PS4 controller should now be connected to your Tesla. The final step is to test it out.
Sub-heading: Accessing Tesla Arcade
From your Tesla's main menu, navigate to the Arcade application. This is where you'll find a selection of games.
Choose a Compatible Game: Not all Tesla Arcade games support external controllers. Look for games that explicitly state "Controller Supported" or show a controller icon. Popular examples that work well with controllers include:
Beach Buggy Racing 2
Cuphead
Sky Force Reloaded
Many of the retro Atari games
Sub-heading: In-Game Testing
Launch your chosen game. Try navigating the menus with your PS4 controller's D-pad or analog sticks.
Once in-game, test the buttons and analog sticks to ensure everything is functioning as expected. You should feel a responsive connection between your controller input and the game's actions.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Tips and Important Considerations
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly the first time. Here are some tips and important notes to keep in mind:
Sub-heading: Common Connection Issues
Controller Not Appearing:
Ensure your controller is truly in pairing mode (rapidly flashing white light).
Try moving the controller closer to the Tesla's touchscreen.
Perform another reset of the PS4 controller (tiny hole on the back).
Restart the Bluetooth search on your Tesla.
"Unable to Connect":
This could indicate interference. Try turning off other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity.
Sometimes, a simple reboot of your Tesla's infotainment system can resolve stubborn connection issues. To do this, hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black, then release. It will reboot in a minute or two.
USB Connection (Older Teslas/Alternative):
For some older Tesla models (especially those manufactured before November 1, 2021), the primary way to connect a gaming controller might be via USB. In these cases, you would plug the PS4 controller directly into one of the front USB ports in the center console.
For newer Teslas (post-November 2021), the glovebox USB port is often the data-enabled port for accessories like gaming controllers or USB drives. The center console USB ports in these newer models might only be for charging.
If using USB, ensure your USB cable is data-capable, not just for charging.
Sub-heading: Limitations
Maximum Connected Devices: Tesla vehicles typically support a limited number of simultaneous Bluetooth connections, often up to two devices. This means you can have your phone and one controller connected, or two controllers if no phone is connected.
Game Compatibility: As mentioned, not all games in the Tesla Arcade are designed for controller use. Always check the game's description or try it out to see if it responds to controller inputs.
No Haptic Feedback/Adaptive Triggers: While the controller will connect and function, you generally won't experience the advanced haptic feedback or adaptive trigger features of the DualShock 4 (or DualSense for PS5 controllers) when playing games on your Tesla.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Tesla Gaming Experience!
Now that your PS4 controller is successfully connected, it's time for the fun part! Parked at a Supercharger, waiting for a passenger, or just relaxing in your car, your Tesla can transform into a mini-gaming lounge. The tactile feedback and precision of a physical controller make games like Beach Buggy Racing 2 or Cuphead far more engaging than using the touchscreen or steering wheel alone.
Embrace the future of in-car entertainment and enjoy your gaming sessions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Connecting PS4 Controllers to Tesla
How to put a PS4 controller into pairing mode?
To put a PS4 controller into pairing mode, simultaneously press and hold the PlayStation (PS) button and the Share button until the light bar on the controller starts rapidly flashing white.
How to know if my PS4 controller is connected to my Tesla?
Once successfully paired, the light bar on your PS4 controller will usually glow a solid blue, and on your Tesla's touchscreen, the controller will appear as "Connected" in the Bluetooth settings menu.
How to disconnect a PS4 controller from my Tesla?
To disconnect a PS4 controller, go to the Bluetooth settings on your Tesla's touchscreen, tap on the connected controller, and then select "Disconnect" or "Forget This Device."
How to troubleshoot if my PS4 controller isn't appearing in Tesla's Bluetooth list?
Ensure your controller is fully charged and in pairing mode (rapidly flashing light). Try moving the controller closer to the screen. If it still doesn't appear, try resetting the PS4 controller using the pinhole button on its back and then restarting the Bluetooth search on your Tesla.
How to play games on Tesla with a controller?
Once connected, open the "Arcade" app on your Tesla's touchscreen. Select a game that supports controllers (many older Atari games, Beach Buggy Racing 2, Cuphead, Sky Force Reloaded are good examples) and start playing!
How to connect more than one PS4 controller to my Tesla?
Tesla vehicles typically support up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. You can connect a second PS4 controller using the same pairing method if a slot is available.
How to use a USB connection for my PS4 controller in a Tesla?
For Teslas manufactured before November 1, 2021, you might need to use a USB connection by plugging the controller into a front USB port. For newer Teslas, the USB port in the glovebox is often the data-enabled port. Ensure your USB cable supports data transfer, not just charging.
How to reset my PS4 controller if it won't connect?
Locate the small pinhole button on the back of your PS4 controller (near the L2 button). Use a straightened paper clip or similar thin object to press and hold this button for about 5 seconds. This will turn off and reset the controller's pairing memory.
How to update my Tesla's software for better controller compatibility?
Your Tesla automatically receives over-the-air software updates. You can check for and initiate updates by going to Controls > Software on your Tesla's touchscreen. Keeping your software updated ensures the best compatibility and features.
How to find out which Tesla Arcade games support controllers?
When Browse games in the Tesla Arcade, look for indicators like "Controller Supported" text or a small controller icon next to the game's title or description. Many of the more graphically intensive games are designed with controller play in mind.
