Let’s go over how to connect a PS4 controller to a Mac through wired and wireless methods. This method will work with pretty much any Mac (mini, MacBook, iMac, etc.) This method will work with Steam games. Anything beyond Steam isn’t guaranteed to work, it really depends if the application will support the controller.
Wired Method
Most Macs have USB-C ports so you’ll most likely need a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Plug the USB-C adapter into the Mac, take a micro-USB cable (preferably the one that came with your controller), and plug the USB-A side into the adapter. The micro-USB port connects to the controller. Done!
Wireless Method
1. To enter pairing mode on the controller, simply press and hold the “PS” and “Share” buttons for about 3 seconds, you’ll know it’s ready for pairing when the top bar flashes.
2. On the Mac open “System Preferences” – “Bluetooth” – find the controller in the list of devices and hit “connect”.
Steam Setup
1. Make sure your controller is connected to the Mac first then open your Steam client and near the top right hover your mouse over the icons until you find “Big Picture” mode and select it.
2. Steam will open in a full-screen mode click the cog icon near the top right which opens settings. At this point, you should get a prompt to install additional drivers, install it. During the driver installation, you might get a few security and allow permission in the macOS System Preferences. I personally couldn’t find the option to allow permission but the installation finished anyway.
If for any reason the driver popup doesn’t appear, simply disconnect the controller from the Mac (wireless or wired), reconnect it and Steam should prompt to install the driver.
3. Back in Steam Big Picture Mode, select the cog Settings symbol near the top right.
4. Select “Controller Settings” under the “Controller” banner.
5. In here check “Playstation Configuration Support”.
6. From here you’re pretty much ready to play Steam games with your PS4 controller. Keep in mind that some games might require additional configuring, but that’ll be done within the game’s options menu.
7. To exit Steam big picture mode, go back to the main Big Picture mode screen and hit the Power button near the top.
Non-Steam App Setup
It might be possible to use the controller for other Mac apps but that depends if the application is compatible with the controller.
