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Why Can't the PS3 Controller Be Recognized on Another PS3?

All of the PS3's controllers are wireless: Even the original Sixaxis controllers available at the system's launch didn't require the use of any cords for gameplay. As convenient as wireless devices are, it can be frustrating when you want to use a controller with another console but can't get it to work. You can connect, or "pair," the controller with a different PS3 console in just a few moments.

Bluetooth Pairing
- Like all Bluetooth devices, a PS3 controller must "pair" with a console before it will function properly. When you pair two Bluetooth devices, you allow them to communicate with each other using radio waves to establish a data connection. You must use a specific process to establish a link between these devices. For some devices you must input a code before they'll communicate with each other. For others, you must connect them with a cord before you can use their Bluetooth functionality.
Re-Pairing Controllers
- Once you've paired a controller with one PS3, it will remain paired with that console until you pair it with another one. If you try to use your controller with a friend's PS3, it will begin searching for your PS3 when you press the controller's "PS" button. When it can't find your console, the controller turns off. To re-pair it to a new console, plug it into the PS3 with a USB cord and then press the "PS" button. The controller will establish communication with the console, and you can remove the cord once you see that only a single LED is lit on the controller.
Controller Status
- The LEDs on the controller give you helpful information about the controller's status. When you turn a controller on, the LEDs inform you that the controller is searching for its paired PS3 by blinking quickly. Successful pairing is indicated by one, or sometimes two, steadily lit LEDs. The LEDs show which controller number or position the device has on the PS3. The LEDs are numbered one through four, and if you pair more controllers than that, the fifth, sixth and seventh controllers will light up two LEDs to show their number. When a controller's battery is low, the LED begins blinking, and it will continue as you charge the device with a USB cord. The blinking stops once charging is complete.
Controller Settings
- You can access the "Auto-Off" settings for your controller by going to the "Settings" section of the XMB menu and selecting "Power Save Settings." This allows you to set the controller to automatically shut down after a certain period of inactivity, which can greatly reduce the need for recharging the controller. Although the vibration feature on DualShock 3 controllers is a good addition to many games, if you want to conserve battery life, turn off vibration by going to the "Settings" section and selecting "Accessory Settings" and then "Controller Vibration Function." If you have several controllers connected at once, you can reassign their numbers by going to "Accessory Settings" and selecting "Reassign Controllers."

PlayStation 3