This is how you connect PS3 controller to Mac OSX, PC, etc. when previously connected to a PS3. You will need a Mini USB cable. Overcome your laziness, get up of your chair, and go get one!
A big misconception is that keep holding PS button will reset the controller's pairing. It DOES NOT! From my testings, the controller keeps paring with the last machine it was CONNECTED VIA A USB CABLE.
Here are the steps:
- Turn OFF your PS3 controller by either...
- hold PS button -> Turn off Controller, OR
- insert paperclip into pinhole near L2 button.
- Use a USB cable, connect the controller to your new machine you want.
- Wait a second until the red light on the controller flashes, unplug the USB cable. Now the controller's setting is reset.
- On your computer, go to System Preferences (OS X) or Control Panel (PC)
- Open Bluetooth settings page. Start Scanning.
- Turn ON the controller by pressing the PS button. Wait a few seconds.
- If it asks for Access Code, enter 0000.
- Now connected! (yey)
Tested on:
- PS3 Console
- MacBook Pro (Early 2011) with OS X Mavericks (10.9)
Note:
- If you have Steam opened, hitting PS button will switch Steam into full screen mode. Pretty sleek.
Just trying this now on 10.10.5 - the controller won't pick up in the BT control panel - however it will be detected as a BT LE device and so will appear in your BT menu in the OSX menu bar.
Unplug from USB, hit the PS button and it will flash rapidly. At this point make sure you see "PLAYSTATION CONTROLLER" in your BT menu which you'll need to hit "disconnect" if you want to turn it off.
Enjoy using your controller.