To hook up a game controller to a smart TV, you can use either a Bluetooth wireless connection or a USB cable. This guide covers both methods for the most common setups, like pairing an Xbox or PlayStation controller with a Samsung or LG TV.
Before you start: check your TV and controller compatibility
Before attempting to connect, confirm that your specific smart TV model and game controller are compatible. Many smart TVs, including Samsung and LG models, support Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualShock 4, and DualSense controllers via Bluetooth. However, not all Samsung TV models support Bluetooth controller pairing, so check your TV's user manual for compatibility details, and ensure your set is online by reviewing how to connect to internet Samsung smart TV before troubleshooting. For LG webOS TVs from 2018 and newer, wired USB controllers like the Sony Dualshock 4 and Microsoft Xbox 360 (cable) are supported, while models from 2021 and newer also support Bluetooth controllers like the Sony Dualshock 4 and NVIDIA Shield controller. Consulting your user manual is the best way to avoid issues.
How to hook up a game controller to a smart TV via Bluetooth
To connect wirelessly, first put your controller into pairing mode. For a PlayStation DualSense (PS5) or DualShock 4, hold down the PS button and the Create button (or Share button on PS4) simultaneously until the light bar flashes. For an Xbox Wireless Controller, press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller until the Xbox button starts flashing.
On your Samsung Smart TV, open the Gaming Hub or navigate to Settings, then System, then Device Manager, and select Bluetooth Device List to find your controller. On an LG Smart TV (webOS 26 or later), go to Settings > All Settings > System > Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices. For LG webOS 6.0 or later, the path is Settings > All Settings > General > External Devices > Connect Bluetooth Controller > Connectable Devices. Select your controller from the list to complete the pairing.
How to connect a game controller with a USB cable
A wired connection is simple and reliable. Locate a USB port on your smart TV, usually on the back or side. Connect one end of a compatible USB cable to the TV and the other end to your game controller. Power on the controller; the TV should recognize it automatically. On LG webOS TVs from 2018 and newer, supported wired controllers include the Sony Dualshock 4, Microsoft Xbox 360 (cable), NVIDIA Shield, and various Logitech gamepads. Verify the connection by checking if the TV displays a notification or if the controller works in a game.
Troubleshooting and tips for connecting your controller
If a Bluetooth controller fails to pair, ensure it is in pairing mode, keep it close to the TV, and restart both the TV and the controller. On Samsung Smart TVs, you can connect up to four Bluetooth controllers simultaneously, but this limit reduces to two if a Bluetooth sound device is also connected. For the best experience, keep your TV's software updated to the latest version for optimal Bluetooth functionality and compatibility. If you are also connecting a smart TV to Wi-Fi, a stable network can help with cloud gaming services that use your controller.
