How to connect a PS5 controller to a Tesla

Put the DualSense in pairing mode by holding Create and the PS button until the light bar flashes, then on the car's screen tap the Bluetooth icon, choose Add New Device and pick DualSense Wireless Controller. Teslas have supported Bluetooth controllers since update 2023.26, and Tesla says PS5 controllers work best. Once paired it works in Arcade and in the browser, including for games streamed from your PC with Gigaplay.

Pair over Bluetooth

1. With the controller off, hold Create (the small button left of the touchpad) and PS until the light bar flashes quickly.
2. On the car's screen, tap the Bluetooth icon at the top, then Add New Device.
3. Choose DualSense Wireless Controller when it appears.
4. Next time, press PS and it reconnects on its own.

Tesla's 2023.26 release notes added Bluetooth controllers for Arcade and recommend PS5 controllers. Owners report mixed results with Xbox and PS4 controllers over Bluetooth.

Or plug it in

For Arcade, a USB-C cable to a data port works too (on newer cars that port is in the glovebox; some front ports only charge). For games in the browser, Bluetooth is the tested way.

Using it in the browser

The car's browser passes the controller to web pages through the standard Gamepad API, so it works in Gigaplay:

• Games from your PC: the PC sees a PlayStation controller, so Steam shows PlayStation buttons. See how to play Steam games on a Tesla.
• Gigaplay's menu: hold Create and Options together, then use the D-pad and Cross.
• The touchpad click isn't passed to web pages.

Questions

Can I use a PS5 controller while driving?

For Tesla's Arcade, no: those games need Park. For games streamed from your PC with Gigaplay, passengers can keep playing; more on that.

Does the controller charge from the car?

Yes, over a USB cable from any port.

Can two people play?

Arcade has two-player games. With Gigaplay, one controller goes to the PC.

Tested with a DualSense in a 2022 Model Y in November 2026.