Questions
PS5 controller not working on a Mac
Nine times out of ten the Mac sees the DualSense fine and the game does not. Check the pairing first, then work down the list for the app that is ignoring it.
Steps
- Confirm the controller in System Settings, Game Controllers.
- Enable PlayStation support in Steam and launch from Steam.
- For games without controller support, activate a matching InputConfig preset.
- Check Accessibility access if InputConfig sees presses but the app does not react.
1. Prove the Mac sees it
Open System Settings, Game Controllers (General, Game Controllers on macOS 13). The DualSense should be listed, and pressing buttons should light them up in the diagram. If it is not there, forget it in Bluetooth, hold PS and Create until the light bar flashes, and pair again. If it connects and drops, see keeps disconnecting.
2. Steam
In Steam, Settings, Controller, turn on PlayStation controller support and check the controller shows in the list. Launch the game from Steam so Steam Input is active. If the game still ignores it, the game is not reading Steam Input on Mac; use a mapper so the game sees a keyboard instead.
3. Minecraft Java
Minecraft Java has no controller support at all. Either install a controller mod, or activate the Minecraft preset in InputConfig, which needs no mod: WASD and the mouse come from the sticks, the triggers mine and place. Details on the Minecraft page.
4. Roblox
Roblox on Mac supports controllers in some experiences and not others, and the browser launcher can lose the pad. The Roblox preset works everywhere because it sends keyboard and mouse. See the Roblox page.
5. Any other game or app
If the Mac sees the controller and the app does not, the app was never written to read controllers. A mapper fixes that in every case: InputConfig turns the DualSense into the keyboard and mouse the app expects. Pick a ready layout from the preset library or build one in two minutes.
6. Connected in InputConfig but nothing happens
Check that Accessibility access is granted (System Settings, Privacy and Security, Accessibility), that the preset is activated, and that the Live Visualizer lights up when you press a button. If it lights up and nothing reaches the app, the Accessibility permission is the usual cause. More on connected but not working.
Questions
Why is my PS5 controller not working on my Mac?
Usually the Mac sees it and the game does not. Confirm it in System Settings, Game Controllers, then either enable it in the game or in Steam, or use a mapper such as InputConfig so the game receives keyboard and mouse input instead.
Does the PS5 controller work with Steam on Mac?
Yes, when PlayStation controller support is on in Steam's controller settings and the game is launched from Steam. Some games still ignore Steam Input on Mac; a mapper covers those.
Does Minecraft on Mac support a PS5 controller?
Minecraft Java does not. Use a controller mod or the InputConfig Minecraft preset, which needs no mod.
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