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PS4 controller / Dualshock 4 for Mac not working

Arqade Asked by kevinandrada on August 12, 2020

I read here that the DS4 will work on Mac out-of-the-box by plugging the controller via a micro USB cable—they said it will automatically work as a regular joystick.

I got the DS4 yesterday (controller only, no console) and tested it on my Mac but it doesn’t seem to work. The computer detects the controller but the games I have doesn’t seem to recognize any inputs on the DS4. I tried the controller on Fez, Rayman Origins and Monaco—which all have joystick support—but no luck.

Also tried mapping the controller thru Joystick Mapper, it will say “1 Joystick Connected” but when I try to bind the controller, click “scan” while clicking a button on the controller, nothing.

I’ve read on the manual that comes with the controller titled “Registering (pairing) the controller” that there is a need to pair it on the PS4 console to complete registration. Is this a requirement for the controller to work?

It’s either that is the reason why it’s not working or the DS4 is just not compatible with my games (I think it should be tho, since it’s supposed to work as a regular joystick when plugged thru USB cable).

2 Answers

Okay, so I found out the problem, it is due to an app called USB Overdrive taking precedence over the controls of the DS4 controller. If you're like me and you happen to also have a gaming mouse (with no driver support from the maker, pffft Roccat Kova[+]) for FPS games, this app is probably installed on your Mac.

On USB Overdrive settings, don't enable "Any Gaming, Any Application". This is the culprit.

I tried the controller on Steam's Big Picture and also Monaco after and it worked.

Correct answer by kevinandrada on August 12, 2020

The Dualshock 4 works with some games.

In some cases it works but only with the USB cable, but if you want to pair the controller over bluetooth anyway, follow this procedure from mactrast:

  • Open Bluetooth preferences on your Mac.
  • Put the DualShock 4 into Pairing mode by pressing and holding the PlayStation and Share buttons until the light bar blinks rapidly.
  • Wait for the Wireless Controller device to show up in Bluetooth (select Add Device in OS X Mountain Lion or earlier – shows up automatically in Mavericks).
  • Select “Wireless Device” and click Pair. The process will now complete automatically.

Feral interactive is rolling out native Dualshock 4support for most games. Currently the .plist file can be obtained by contacting [email protected].


There is an older version of the plist while we're waiting for proper patches. To add it to your games follow this procedure:

  • Find your copy of your Feral Interactive game (usually in the Applications folder).
  • Right click (or ctrl click) and click “Show Package Contents” from the dropdown menu
  • Open the “Contents” folder, then the “Resources” folder and finally “Input Devices”.
  • Drag the attached PS4Dualshock.plist file into the folder (you will be asked to Authenticate using your username and password, please do so).

I tried this file with Dirt 2 and it works (over USB). Have fun!

One thing I also added to this procedure:

  • After adding the plist Right click (or ctrl click) on the “Input Devices” folder and click “Get Info”
  • In the new window under "Sharing & Permissions:" unlock changes (click on the lock in the right corner)
  • Enter username/password (if requested)
  • Under the Users/Privileges list click on the Options Button
  • Select "Apply to enclosed items..."

Answered by Coyote on August 12, 2020

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