How to use a wireless PS3 controller on an Android with Sixaxis Controller

Unlike the Xbox 360 controller, the PS3 DualShock 3 controller can connect to your Android device via Bluetooth, using a rooted app called “Sixaxis Controller”. This is a paid application, accompanied by a free application that allows you to test whether or not your device is compatible with a PS3 controller. You will also need your PC and a mini USB cable to connect the controller to the PC when pairing. With a device equipped with a USB 2.0 port, or some form of adapter, you will not need to use a PC to test compatibility and perform pairing.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: check compatibility

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 1

Step 1. Download the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker

Open the Google Play Store and search for the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker. Choose the one that is designed by Dancing Pixel Studios.

Download the application by pressing the "Install" button

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 2

Step 2. Launch the application

After installation, press "Open" if you have not left the application page on Google Play.

If you've left Google Play, tap the app icon on your Home screen or on your app list to launch it

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 3

Step 3. Press “Start”

A series of operations to confirm the compatibility will then be launched. If compatibility is confirmed, you should be notified. If not, continue with the next steps. Note the address provided in the notification.

You will need root access for your device in order to pair your controller

Part 2 of 4: Download the pairing tool

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 4

Step 1. Visit the Dancing Pixel Studios website

Enter dancingpixelstudios.com in your computer's web browser.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 5

Step 2. Click on the “Sixaxis Controller” tab in the header

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 6

Step 3. Click on “SixaxisPairTool”

It should be on the left side.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 7

Step 4. Click the download link for your operating system

The tool will then download to your PC.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 8

Step 5. Install the tool

Go to the installation file you just downloaded and double-click to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen until the installation is complete.

Part 3 of 4: Pair your device

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 9

Step 1. Launch the pairing tool on your PC

A window displaying Current Master: Searching… should appear. It indicates that the program is searching for your controller.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 10

Step 2. Connect your PS3 controller to your computer

Ideally, you should use a USB port on your motherboard rather than a USB hub or extension.

The text "searching" should change to a series of characters whose groups are separated by ":". This is the Bluetooth address of the old master device of your controller (usually your PS3)

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 11

Step 3. Change the master address

Click on the address and enter the address that is given on the main screen of the compatibility application instead. Click Update when done.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 12

Step 4. Tap “Pair Controller” on the Compatibility app

Confirm that the master address matches on your device and on the controller, then press “Associate”.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 13

Step 5. Disconnect the controller from your computer

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 14

Step 6. Press the “PlayStation” button to activate the controller

You should see the LED light up on the “Player 1” slot.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 15

Step 7. Press "Start" in the compatibility application

“Client Connected: 1” should be displayed.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 16

Step 8. Test your controller

Try to press some buttons on your controller. If the connection works, the app should respond to any keys you press. Now you can download the main app!

Part 4 of 4: download the main app

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 17

Step 1. Download the paid application “Sixaxis Controller”

Launch Google Play and search for the “Sixaxis Controller” app. Buy it and install it on your device.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 18

Step 2. Launch “Sixaxis Controller”

The app will launch your device's bluetooth.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 19

Step 3. Launch the application

An instruction should ask you to enable “Sixaxis Controller” as the input and keyboard method.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 20

Step 4. Press “Change input method”

Select “Sixaxis Controller” from the list of available inputs.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 21

Step 5. Press “Start”

The device will search for the controller. If the connection is successful, the console should display “Client 1 Connected [Battery status: Full]”.

Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller Step 22

Step 6. Configure the various parameters as desired

Tap the icon at the top right.

“Configure Touch Emulator” allows you to use the PS3 controller with your touch games.
You should now be able to adjust your preferences from the main application settings for any game. Enjoy your Android games and emulators with your Bluetooth controller!