Sony Support

Article ID : S1F0941 / Last Modified : 08/13/2019Print

How to connect a wireless PS3® controller to the Sony Tablet™ S

    What You Will Need



    Step 1. Make sure you have the latest system update installed

    1. Connect your tablet to an AC power outlet.
    2. Tap the blue down arrow on the notification bar (near the clock). The tablet will check for updates. If prompted, click OK to download and install the system update.

    3. Note: If you do not see the arrow, tap the apps drawer (top right) instead.
      1. Tap Settings
      2. Tap About tablet and check the version number.
        • If Android OS version 3.2.1 (release 2) is already listed, skip to Step 2 below.
        • If Android OS version 3.2.1 (release 2) is NOT listed, you will need to download it.
          • Tap system update on the top of the About tablet screen. The tablet will check for updates. When prompted, click OK to download and install the update.


    Step 2. Use the dongle to connect the wireless PS3 controller to the tablet

    1. Connect the USB dongle to the tablet.
    2. Connect the wireless PS3 controller to the USB dongle using a USB cable (supplied with the PS3 or any USB mini-b connector (5 pin)). Once you connect the PS3 controller, a notification will appear that you are connected (wired) and the controller will start charging.
    3. Tap Wireless and networks in the settings (tablet) and then tap Bluetooth to enable Bluetooth connections (the green checkmark means Bluetooth is enabled).
    4. Unplug the PS3 controller and press the clear PlayStation button on the controller. The status will change to wireless on the notification bar.
    5. To test, use the toggle controllers to navigate the tablet using the PS3 controller (the green box around options on the left means the PS3 controller is now enabled).


    Step 3 (optional). Remove the on-screen controls on the tablet when using a PS3 controller

    1. Open the game, click game options.
    2. Tap controller settings.

    4. Uncheck the on-screen controller option and then tap the back button twice to go back to the main game screen.
    5. The game controls are now gone and the PS3 controller must be used to navigate the game.

      Note: Follow these steps to re-enable the on-screen game controls if later desired.