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.
Hey yo. Just thought I'd pop this in here, because I had a lot of trouble with this, but it is now solved. Was originally running a PS3 controller w/ Yosemite, and the issue was a complete lack of connection between the Mac and the controller. Initially thought it was an issue w/ Yosemite not supporting it, so I deleted the directory /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist - reset SMC/PRAM, everything. Even updated to Sierra. No joy. However, the original control I bought was not an authentic Sony Control, which came with a USB cord, and it was only when I swapped that cord on a whim, is that it worked in but a second. Might be unique to my situation, but I tried everything else. May help. x