How to Use Sixaxis Pair Tool — Step‑by‑Step Pairing and Troubleshooting

Fix Controller Connection Issues: Using Sixaxis Pair Tool to Reassign Bluetooth IDs

If your DualShock or Sixaxis controller won’t stay connected or won’t pair with your Android device, PC, or Raspberry Pi, the problem is often a Bluetooth ID mismatch. Reassigning the controller’s Bluetooth address to match the host device solves most connection issues. This guide shows a clear, step-by-step process using Sixaxis Pair Tool and safe troubleshooting tips.

What you need

• A DualShock 3 (Sixaxis) or similar controller.
• A host device with Bluetooth (Android, Windows, macOS, or Raspberry Pi).
• Sixaxis Pair Tool (Windows/macOS) or Sixaxis Controller app (Android) — install the appropriate app for your platform.
• A USB cable to connect the controller to your computer or adapter for Android (OTG cable if required).
• Optional: Bluetooth adapter (for PC) if built-in Bluetooth is unstable.

Important note on compatibility

• DualShock 3 / Sixaxis controllers require direct reassignment of the controller’s internal Bluetooth address to match the host device’s Bluetooth MAC address.
• The Sixaxis Pair Tool works with PS3-era controllers; newer DualShock 4 / DualSense controllers use different methods and may not be compatible with this tool.
• Reassigning is reversible; keep a record of original Bluetooth addresses before changes.

Step-by-step: Reassign Bluetooth ID with Sixaxis Pair Tool (Windows/macOS)

1. Install Sixaxis Pair Tool
   • Download and install the Sixaxis Pair Tool for your OS from a trusted source.
2. Find your host device’s Bluetooth address
   • Windows: Run Command Prompt and type getmac or use Device Manager → Bluetooth adapter → Properties → Details → “Bluetooth MAC Address”.
   • macOS: System Settings → Bluetooth → right-click adapter in Terminal system_profiler SPBluetoothDataType | grep “Address”.
   • Android: Settings → About phone → Hardware information → Bluetooth address (or use a Bluetooth info app).
   • Raspberry Pi: hciconfig will display the adapter address.
3. Connect the controller via USB
   • Plug the controller into your computer with a USB cable. Ensure Sixaxis Pair Tool detects it.
4. Backup current controller address
   • Note and save the controller’s current Bluetooth address shown by the tool so you can restore it later if needed.
5. Enter host Bluetooth address
   • In Sixaxis Pair Tool, paste the host device’s Bluetooth MAC address in the target field.
6. Reassign
   • Click “Start” or “Update” to write the new Bluetooth address to the controller. Wait until the process completes; do not disconnect the USB cable mid-process.
7. Test pairing
   • Disconnect USB and enable Bluetooth on the host device. Put the controller into pairing/connect mode (press the PlayStation button) and confirm it connects and works.

Android: Using Sixaxis Controller app

1. Install Sixaxis Controller (if available for your device) from a trusted source.
2. Enable USB OTG and connect the controller via OTG cable.
3. Open Sixaxis Controller, it will show the controller and current Bluetooth address.
4. Enter your phone’s Bluetooth address (found in Settings → About or via a helper app).
5. Tap “Start” to reassign and wait until complete.
6. Disconnect and test Bluetooth connection on the phone.

Troubleshooting

• Controller not detected by tool: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure drivers are installed (e.g., SCP drivers on Windows), or run the tool with admin privileges.
• Pairing fails after reassignment: Verify you entered the exact Bluetooth MAC (case and separators typically don’t matter, but copy-paste reduces errors). Restart Bluetooth on the host device.
• Controller pairs but disconnects intermittently: Test with another Bluetooth adapter or move closer to the host device; interference or a weak adapter can cause drops.
• Want to restore original address: Reconnect via USB and use your saved original Bluetooth address in Sixaxis Pair Tool to revert.
• Not supported controller: If you have a DualShock 4 or DualSense, look for platform-specific pairing tools or use wired connection.

Safety and best practices

• Always back up the controller’s original Bluetooth address before changing it.
• Use official or reputable sources for downloading tools.
• Don’t interrupt the reassignment process; disconnecting mid-write can leave the controller unresponsive (restorable with the original address if you have it).
• Keep firmware and Bluetooth drivers on your host updated.

Quick checklist

• Backup controller address ✓
• Retrieve host Bluetooth MAC ✓
• Use USB/OTG connection for reassignment ✓
• Test and confirm stable connection ✓

Following these steps should resolve most Bluetooth pairing and intermittent-connection issues by ensuring the controller and host share the same Bluetooth ID. If problems persist, the controller or the host’s Bluetooth hardware may be faulty.