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@statico
Created July 24, 2012 21:15
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How to use a PS3 controller on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

How to use a PS3 controller on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

  1. Open Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Bluetooth and disable Bluetooth on Mac as well as any other nearby Macs or devices which will try to pair with and confuse the controller.

  2. Reset PS3 controller by inserting paperclip into pinhole near L2 button.

  3. Connect PS3 controller to Mac with USB cable.

  4. Enable Bluetooth.

  5. Press "PS" button for 1-2 seconds until the red lights flash.

  6. Unplug USB cable.

  7. Click the "+" icon in the preferences to open the Bluetooth Setup Assistant.

  8. A window will appear asking you to enter an access code. Enter "0000" (without the quotes) and click "Accept."

  9. Close the Setup Assistant.

  10. Click the "PLAYSTATION3 Controller" item in the Bluetooth list in the preferences. Then select "Add To Favorites" and then "Update Services" from the little gear icon menu.

  11. Disable Bluetooth. Wait a second.

  12. Enable Bluetooth. Wait another second.

The controller will now appear connected in the list and can be used in applications.

@bartek
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bartek commented Dec 21, 2012

These instructions worked great! I didn't have to go through the setup wizard, the pairing dialog just showed up and it worked from there :)

@epiceeno123
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mine just keeps flashing and not connecting

@chrispemberton
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I assume you'll have to redo this each time after using it on the PS3?

@dragonfax
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All I had to do was plug it in to give it some power. Unplug it. Turn on bluetooth, and it connected by itself.

What may have helped was that I did at some point reset it.

I had it working through usb already. When I started up steam, and hit the PS button, steam would switch into full screen mode.

Pretty sleek.

@hlung
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hlung commented Jan 12, 2014

Thanks! It really helped.

I figured more simplified steps on how to do this. Check it out here -> https://gist.github.com/hlung/8385683

@cubanb12
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I have two wireless NES30 game controllers. I am able to link both of them via bluetooth, and they worked correctly with OpenEmu. Now when I try and edit the controllers in OpenEmu they malfunction during my edit and erase all of the functions. Any trouble shooting for this?

@fccoelho7
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I have the same problem related above. When I try to edit the controllers, the left side control on SNES controller doesn't work and I can't configure correctly.

@bradydowling
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I only had to go through step 6 and then I was good 👍

@bxs89
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bxs89 commented Apr 27, 2017

I've tried everything that I've seen listed on multiple threads, but I can't seem to get my PS3 controller to work properly with OpenEmu.
I have 2 controllers. They both work fine with Steam. When I try to connect them to OpenEmu, it will recognize them and allow me to select either the wired connection or the bluetooth. However, the only button that works is the home button for the config setup. And this happens for both of my controllers. Any idea why this would happen or any ideas on how to fix it? It's bizarre that it works fine on Steam but not OpenEmu.

Specs:
MacBook Pro (OS 10.12.3)
PS3 Dualshock 3 Controllers
OpenEmu 2.0.5

@dylan15537
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where is the Click the "+" icon in the preferences to open the Bluetooth Setup Assistant on macbook air

@imakecodes
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Worked! Thanks!

@Lucratskill
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Thank you, it's working! One note. There is no "+" icon on Sierra. So i just skipped that step.

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