If you want to play your Android games or emulators on your Chromecast with Google TV or just want to enjoy the Google Stadia service, you should know that Google has done its homework and offers great controller compatibility. Although Google sells its own gaming device, called the Google Stadia Controller, we can seamlessly and natively use Sony's DualShock 4 for our games. We will show you how you can connect your PS4 controller to both your Chromecast and a television with Android TV.
Previous requirements
To connect a PS4 controller and play Android games or enjoy Google Stadia, you must have a TV with Android TV or a Chromecast with Google TV.
If you are only interested in playing from Stadia, you should remember that the Stadia app is only available on official Google devices, since the rest of the smart TVs on the market that have their own app store (LG webOS, Samsung Tizen…) there is no such compatibility at the moment.
Method 1: Install PS4 controller on Chromecast from Settings
To complete this process, you will need a Chromecast device with Google TV. The process you should follow is as follows:
- Using your Chromecast remote, go to Settings. To do this, click on your profile picture in the upper right corner and click again on Settings in the dropdown that appears.
- Scroll to the section "Remote control and accessories" and then click on the first option, which is called "Pair Remote or Accessory". This process will activate the Chromecast's pairing protocol, which will start searching for a compatible remote.
- Grab your DualShock 4 and pulsa both PS button like button Share. Release them when the light panel on the back of the controller starts to flash.
- Now that the PS4 controller is also in pairing mode, we will have to use the Chromecast controller to select the option "Pair Wireless Controller or Accessory".
- Among the options that will now appear, use the Chromecast remote to select ps4 controller, which will be listed as a generic "Wireless Controller" driver.
- We confirm the process by making a last click on "Match".
- The DualShock 4 will turn its light blue, which means that You will already be connected to the Chromecast.
Method 2: Connect a PS4 controller to Chromecast or Android TV from Stadia
There's another, slightly more user-friendly way to do this. For this, you'll need to have the Stadia app installed on your device.
Install and configure Stadia
Before you begin, you need to install the Stadia app on your device if you don't already have it. You can do this as follows:
- Go to application box on your Android TV or Google TV device.
- Enter into the app Google Play Store.
- Click on the magnifying glass and Search for "Stadia".
- Locate the app and download it. Wait a few seconds for it to install on your device.
- Once installed, it will appear in the main menu.
Or simply use the Google Assistant and say, "I want to install the Stadia app ." The Assistant will automatically take you to the Play Store where you can download and install the app.
You can now access the Stadia app. You'll be asked to sign in with the Google account associated with your active subscription. Once you've done that, you'll arrive at the Stadia main menu, where you'll find all the titles you've purchased or that are included in your membership if you have Stadia Pro.
To complete this process, you must have at least one game in your library . Note that you cannot compare games directly from the Stadia app on your Chromecast with Google TV or your Android TV. You will need to do so from a desktop browser or the Stadia app on your iOS or Android smartphone .
Connecting the PS4 controller
Once the entire process is complete, you'll simply need to launch any game from your Stadia library using your Chromecast or Android TV remote. Stadia will now require you to connect a controller to play. Follow these steps:
- Nothing else open a title, the menu will open. Enter inside the knob icon.
- There it will show you that you can connect a controller from PlayStation, Xbox, Bluetooth, USB or Stadia's own.
- Click the button "Connect Controller".
- Enter now in the option "PlayStation Controller".
- It will take you to the cSystem setup, where you can access the option "Pair controller or accessory".
- Now you will have to press the ps and share button at the same time, and follow the steps that we discussed in the previous section (from point 5 of the list).
rename the device
The Chromecast will always refer to your device as "Wireless Controller ," regardless of whether you connect a DualShock 4 or an Xbox controller. It's best to give it a name , as adding more wireless controllers to the Chromecast can be quite confusing.
The process you must do is the following:
- Enter again in Settings.
- Go to Accessories, Wireless Controller and click on the option Rename.
- Click again on "Rename connected device" and add an identifying name to the controller, such as "DualShock4 Blue" or "DS4 black".
- You accept changes and voila.
Once you complete the process, you'll be able to play Android and Stadia games with your PS4 controller . You can repeat the process to add another controller if you wish.
DualShock 4 vs. Stadia Controller
Using a PS4 controller to control your Chromecast is a great option even if you don't use Stadia. Navigating the Chromecast is more comfortable than even using its own controller. You can easily navigate the options and menus, and you also have access to the touchpad just like a mouse , making typing on the on-screen keyboard much more convenient.
Regarding using the controller as a gaming device, you won't find any difference between the original Stadia controller and a PS4 controller if you're going to play Android games on your TV. However, there is a difference when playing on Stadia, as the Stadia Controller can connect directly to Google's servers. This means you'll be able to play games with significantly less input lag due to its improved latency. In any case, if your intention is simply to try Stadia for a few months, it makes sense to use your PS4 controller and decide if investing in the official Google controller is really worthwhile.