Why Is My PS4 Controller Not Connecting? Troubleshooting Guide

You’re ready to dive into your favorite PlayStation 4 game, but your controller refuses to connect. It’s a common frustration for gamers, right up there with console overheating, software glitches, or the dreaded controller drift. When your PS4 controller won’t connect, it can halt your gaming session before it even begins.

At why.edu.vn, we understand tech troubles. Just like we provide solutions for speeding up your devices or fixing audio issues, we’re here to help you get your PS4 controller back in action. Our tech experts have put together this guide to help you troubleshoot and fix your PS4 controller connection problems.

Understanding Why Your PS4 Controller Isn’t Connecting

A PS4 controller that won’t connect can feel like a controller that’s simply broken. However, often the issue is something easily fixable. Here are common reasons why your PS4 controller might not be connecting to your console:

Defective Controller: While less common, the controller itself could have a hardware issue.
Dead Battery: An empty battery is a prime suspect.
Paired with Another Device: Controllers can remember pairings with other devices like PCs or different PS4 consoles, causing confusion.
Out of Bluetooth Range: Distance matters. If you’re too far from your PS4, the Bluetooth connection can drop.
Faulty USB Cable: The cable used for charging and pairing might be damaged or improperly connected.
Power Save Settings: Your PlayStation’s power settings might be turning off the controller automatically.
Button Malfunctions: Stuck or broken buttons can sometimes interfere with connectivity.

Let’s explore the solutions to these issues step-by-step.

Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Your PS4 Controller Connected Again

If your PS4 controller isn’t connecting, the first step is often to re-pair it with your console. This is essentially a soft reset of the connection. You’ll need a second, working controller to navigate the PS4 menu for this process.

Soft Reset: Re-pairing Your Controller

From your PlayStation dashboard, navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
Locate your unresponsive DualShock 4 controller in the list. It will be identifiable by the absence of a green dot next to its name.
Using your working controller, press the Options button. Then, select Forget Device to remove the malfunctioning controller from your PS4’s system memory.
With the working controller, press the PS button, and then select Power > Turn off PS4.
Once your console is completely powered down, connect your problematic controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. Now, turn the console back on.
After the PS4 boots up, press the PS button on the controller that was not connecting. Follow the on-screen prompts to log in to your PS4 profile. This should re-establish the connection.

Software Update Issues

Sometimes, outdated system software can cause controller connectivity problems. Make sure your PS4 system software is up to date.

Go to Settings > System Software Update.
Select Update Now. Follow the on-screen instructions, choosing Next on the update information screens.
Select Accept to begin the software update process.

Addressing Other PS4 Controller Problems

If your controller connects but buttons aren’t working, or other functions are failing, there are more troubleshooting steps to consider.

Button Problems

Examine all the buttons on your controller. Check for anything sticky, loose, or visibly damaged. If a button is physically broken, that’s likely the root of your issue. If buttons are sticky, cleaning them might help.

Use a cotton swab or a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with electronics cleaning solution or a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
Gently clean around the problematic button, being careful not to get excessive moisture inside the controller.
Never use harsh cleaners or pour liquid directly onto the controller.

Trackpad Issues

If your PS4 controller trackpad isn’t responding, try a simple disconnect and reconnect.

Turn off your controller by pressing and holding the PS button for about 10 seconds.
Wait a few minutes, then turn the controller back on by pressing the PS button.
If the trackpad is still unresponsive, try cleaning it with a microfiber cloth. You can lightly dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol if needed. Ensure the trackpad is completely dry before turning the controller back on.
If the trackpad issue only occurs in a specific game, check if there’s a game update available. It could be a game-specific bug.

Battery Problems: Not Charging or Holding Charge

A DualShock 4 controller typically provides around 8 hours of playtime on a full charge. If your battery life is significantly shorter, or if the controller isn’t charging, try these steps:

Charge via USB: Connect your controller to your PS4 console using a Micro-USB cable and allow ample time for charging.
Turn off when not in use: Make sure to turn off your controller when you’re finished gaming to conserve battery life.

How to turn off and charge your PS4 controller:

From the Controller: Press and hold the PS button for approximately 10 seconds until the controller turns off.
From the PlayStation Dashboard:
1. Press and hold the PS button for 2 seconds to bring up the Quick Menu.
2. Navigate to Sound/Devices > Turn off Device and select your controller from the list.
3. You can also set an auto-off timer for your controllers in the Quick Menu under Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off, choosing options like 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

If battery issues persist, especially with an aging controller, the battery itself may need replacement. Note that attempting to replace the battery yourself may void your controller’s warranty.

General Fixes for PS4 Controller Connectivity

If you’re still struggling to connect your PS4 controller, these general troubleshooting steps might resolve the problem.

Wired Connection Test

If you’ve primarily been using your controller wirelessly, try connecting it directly to your console with a USB cable.

If it works wired, the issue might be with the Bluetooth connection.
If it still doesn’t work wired, try a different USB cable to rule out a faulty cable.

Restart Your PS4 Console

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches affecting controller connectivity.

Press and hold the power button on your PS4 console for 3–7 seconds until it powers down completely.
Once off, press and hold the power button again.
Release the power button after you hear two beeps.
Connect your controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
Press the PS button on the controller to turn it on.

Hard Reset Your Controller

A hard reset returns your controller to its factory default settings and can clear up persistent connection issues. Don’t worry, this won’t erase your game save data. You’ll need a small, pointed object like an unfolded paper clip or a SIM card eject tool and a Micro-USB cable.

Power off your PlayStation 4 console. Disconnecting it from the internet temporarily can also be helpful during this process.
Unplug your controller and flip it over.
Locate the small reset button in the tiny hole near the L2 button on the back of the controller. Use your paper clip or pin to press and hold this recessed button for at least 6 seconds.
Release the reset button and wait a few more seconds. Then, connect the controller to your PS4 using the Micro-USB cable.
Press the PS button. The controller’s light bar should illuminate blue, indicating it’s paired. You can then log in to your PS4.

Test on Another Device

To determine if the problem lies with your controller or your PS4 console, test the controller with another device like a PC.

If the controller works correctly on another device, the problem is likely with your PS4’s Bluetooth or connectivity settings.
If the controller still doesn’t work on another device, the controller itself is likely faulty.

If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and your PS4 controller is still not connecting, professional help is available. Schedule a repair at your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store. Their certified experts can diagnose the issue and get you back to gaming, often on the same day.

Schedule a repair

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