How To Fix a PS4 Controller That’s Not Charging

The controller is one of the most important aspects of a console, and PlayStation’s controller designs have dramatically changed throughout the years. The DualShock 4 has become a favorite controller for gamers worldwide.

The PS4 controller can be used wirelessly or via a USB plug. Sometimes it doesn’t charge, so using it is impossible. There are various reasons why it isn’t charging. Read on to find out what they are and what to try to fix it.

PS4 Controller Not Holding a Charge

When your PS4 controller refuses to charge, you could be dealing with a physical or software issue. Here are some common causes.

• PlayStation problems
• Cable issues
• A broken USB port
• Hardware problems

The console may have contracted a bug that prevents it from charging your controller. This can be resolved by power cycling, resetting, then updating the console.

The USB cable could be worn or damaged, as over time, wires do eventually fail. In addition, some third-party cables are unsuitable for charging the PS4 controller.

Your port might be damaged, so try plugging it into another.

It could be the battery or the charging port malfunctioning. Fortunately, it is easy to replace either part.

PS4 Controller Not Charging & No Light

Once you connect your PS4 controller to the console for charging, the light bar will slowly fade between white and amber to indicate that the controller is being charged. If this doesn’t occur, it means nothing is happening.

Sometimes the controller may have difficulty charging straight from the console, but you can try plugging it into another device, such as your computer, to help narrow down the cause. If charging is still unsuccessful using another source, you’ll rule out the console being the cause.

Here are some solutions for you to consider trying.

Swap the Charging Cable

The issue might be with the cable. Try another cable, or the same cable to charge another controller, if possible. Also, look for physical signs of damage, like fraying on the cord or dirt buildup in the plug.

Inspect the Charging Port

Built-up dust or grime could interrupt the power flow and prevent your controller from charging. Try cleaning out the dust using compressed air and then use a microfiber cloth. You can also use a wooden toothpick or a soft brush.

If cleaning the port doesn’t help and you’re sure the port is the problem, then the only other fix is to replace the port. Here’s how.

1. Disassemble the controller.
   
2. Unscrew the charging port board.
   
3. Disconnect the cable that joins the charging port board to the main board.
   
4. Install the new port.

The process is relatively straightforward. However, you’ll need to ensure the charging port is faulty first to avoid wasting time and money.

Charge the Controller Upside Down

This may sound like a weird fix, but it could help. Try placing the controller upside down to charge. This helps to clear the dust from the charging port. Or, if there is a disconnect inside the cable, an upside-down position could work as a temporary fix.

Reset the Controller

At times, a random bug can damage the connection between the console and the controller. First, try resetting your devices.

1. Switch off the PlayStation 4.
   
2. Disconnect your controller and the PS4.
   
3. On the back of your controller, beneath the “L2,” find the “reset” button.
   
4. Take a pin or a similar tool to press the button inside, then hold for at least five seconds.
   
5. Reconnect the controller to the console using the USB cable.
   
6. Plug in the PS4, then push the PS button.

If this has worked, the front light bar will turn blue, then slowly switch between white and amber. If not, continue to the next fix.

Fix the Controller

Follow these steps to try repairing the controller.

1. Power on your PS4.
   
2. Go to “Settings” and “Devices.”
   
3. Choose “Turn off devices.”
   
4. Switch off the console.
   
5. To reset the controller, use a pin to push its reset button for at least five seconds.
   
6. Switch the console on, then connect the controller using the USB cable.
   
7. Push the PS button on the controller, then try charging the controller again.
   

Reset and Update

Still no luck? Next, we’ll combine the above solutions for a more comprehensive approach.

1. Switch on the PS4. Select “Settings,” then “Devices.”
   
2. Choose “Turn off device.” You’ll be taken to a screen displaying the option to shut down “All” peripherals or particular ones.
   
3. Choose “All.”
   
4. Use the power button to switch off the console. Unplug the console for at least one minute, then long-press the power button for at least 30 seconds.
   
5. Use a pin to press the reset button on the controller.
   
6. Connect the controller to the console using the USB plug.
   
7. Switch on the PS4. Go to “Settings,” then choose “System Software Update.”
   
8. If the option to “Update Now” is available, select it.
   
9. Click “Next” once the update downloads.
   
10. Allow the console to do what’s necessary to complete the update.

Once the update is complete, try charging the controller again.

Note: The PS4’s firmware does not need updating like the Xbox controller.

Replace the Batteries

If you’ve used your PS4 controller for a long while, it could be that the batteries of your controller may have lost their charge. Consider replacing them with new PS4 batteries to see how that works.

FAQ

Should my PS4 controller light up when charging?

The light bar will slowly fade between white and amber while charging. Once it has finished, the light will go off. The light bar should slowly blink orange when the charger is in rest mode.

How long does the PS4 controller take to charge?

The PS4 controller takes approximately two hours to charge fully when the battery is completely dead.

How can I make my PS4 controller last longer?

Here’s how you can lengthen the battery life on your PS4 controller between charges.

Disable vibration

Although this may take away from your gaming experience slightly, turning the vibration off is the ultimate battery saver. Here’s how to deactivate vibration.

• Go to “Settings,” “Devices,” “Controllers,” and “Enable vibration,” then deselect the box.

Reduce the light bar

Decrease the brightness on the lightbar.

• Go to “Settings,” “Devices,” and “Brightness,” then reduce the brightness by setting it to the lowest choice.

Can I charge my PS4 controller from a wall power outlet?

Yes, your PS4 controller can be charged via a USB wall charger. First, check the charger’s output to verify its compatibility.

DualShock 4 Is Now Fully Charged

In comparison to the DualShock 3, the DualShock 4 features have significantly been taken up a notch. Perhaps that’s why it sometimes refuses to charge; so much pressure is placed on such a little device. Luckily, with common problems, there can be common solutions. And when the light bar confirms the controller is not charging, there are several troubleshooting tips to try.

First, rule out where the problem could lie. Try another USB cable or use the same USB cable and try another port. Common causes include a faulty USB cable, a clogged-up port, or if you’ve been using the battery for a while, it may need replacing. Generally, the reason should be simple to fix.

What prevented your controller from charging, and were you able to fix it? Tell us what you did to get your controller charging again in the comments section below.