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How to Resync Your PS4 Controller: A Comprehensive Guide

So, your PS4 controller is acting up, refusing to connect to your console? Don’t panic! It’s a common issue, and thankfully, there are several ways to get your controller back in sync and ready for action. The quickest way to resync your PS4 controller is to use a USB cable. Connect the controller to your PS4 console using the cable. Press the PS button on the controller. It should automatically pair and the light bar should turn blue. This simple method often resolves the issue. If that doesn’t work, or you prefer a wireless solution, read on for more detailed troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the Issue: Why Do Controllers Lose Sync?

Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand why your PS4 controller might lose its connection in the first place. There are several potential culprits:

Low Battery: A depleted battery is a common reason for disconnection.
Bluetooth Interference: Other devices emitting Bluetooth signals can interfere with the connection.
Pairing Conflicts: The controller might have been recently paired with another device (another PS4, a PC, etc.), causing confusion.
Distance: The controller might be too far from the console, exceeding the Bluetooth range.
Faulty Hardware: In rare cases, there might be an issue with the controller itself or the PS4‘s Bluetooth receiver.
Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches can sometimes disrupt the connection.

Methods for Resyncing Your PS4 Controller

Here’s a breakdown of several methods you can try to resync your PS4 controller:

Method 1: The USB Cable Connection (The Reliable Classic)

This is the simplest and often the most effective method.

Grab a USB Cable: Ensure you have a micro-USB cable that’s known to be working and capable of transmitting data (some charging cables only provide power).
Connect the Controller: Plug one end of the cable into the PS4 console and the other into the PS4 controller.
Power On the Console: Make sure your PS4 is powered on.
Press the PS Button: Press the PS button on the controller. The controller should automatically pair with the console. The light bar on the controller should turn blue (or your designated player color).

If this works, you can unplug the USB cable and continue playing wirelessly.

Method 2: Resetting the Controller (The Small Tool Solution)

This method involves a tiny reset button on the controller itself.

Locate the Reset Button: On the back of the DualShock 4 controller, near the L2 button, you’ll find a small hole. This is where the reset button resides.
Use a Small Tool: You’ll need a straightened paperclip, a SIM card ejector tool, or something similar to press the button inside the hole.
Press and Hold: Gently insert the tool and press the button. Hold it down for approximately 3-5 seconds.
Reconnect with USB: After resetting, connect the controller to your PS4 using a USB cable as described in Method 1.
Press the PS Button: Press the PS button to re-pair the controller.

This reset can clear out any conflicting pairing information and allow the controller to reconnect successfully.

Method 3: Pairing Mode via Bluetooth (The Wireless Option)

This method is for reconnecting a controller without using a cable, but it requires you to navigate the PS4‘s settings using another controller (if you have one) or the PS4 app on your smartphone.

Access Bluetooth Settings: On your PS4, go to “Settings” → “Devices” → “Bluetooth Devices”. This puts the PS4 into pairing mode.
Initiate Pairing Mode on the Controller: On the PS4 controller you want to pair, simultaneously press and hold the “SHARE” button and the PlayStation button (the PS button) until the light bar starts flickering white. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.
Select the Controller: On the PS4‘s screen, you should see the controller appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Select it.
Pair the Controller: Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.

Method 4: Forgetting the Device (The Clean Slate Approach)

If the controller is recognized but not connecting properly, forgetting the device and re-pairing can help.

Navigate to Bluetooth Devices: Go to “Settings” → “Devices” → “Bluetooth Devices” on your PS4.
Select the Controller: Find the controller you’re having trouble with in the list.
Forget Device: Select the controller and choose the “Forget Device” option.
Re-Pair: Follow the steps in Method 3 (Pairing Mode via Bluetooth) to re-pair the controller.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

Check Your USB Cable: A faulty USB cable is a surprisingly common culprit. Try a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.
Power Cycle Your PS4: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connection problems. Turn off your PS4 completely, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on.
Reduce Bluetooth Interference: Move any devices that might be interfering with the Bluetooth signal, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or other wireless devices.
Update Your PS4 System Software: Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date. Go to “Settings” → “System Software Update” to check for updates.
Update Your Controller Firmware: It’s less common, but controller firmware can sometimes cause issues. After connecting the controller with a USB cable, the PS4 will usually prompt you if a controller update is available.
Test with Another Controller: If you have another PS4 controller, try connecting it to see if the problem is with the original controller or the console itself.
Consider Professional Help: If none of these methods work, there might be a hardware issue with the controller or the console. Contact Sony support or a qualified repair technician.

FAQs: Troubleshooting Your PS4 Controller Connection

1. Why is my PS4 controller blinking blue and not connecting?

A blinking blue light typically indicates that the PS4 controller is trying to connect to the console but failing. This can be due to low battery, Bluetooth interference, pairing conflicts, or a faulty connection. Try the troubleshooting steps outlined above, starting with the USB cable method.

2. Can a dead PS4 controller not connect even with a cable?

Theoretically, a PS4 controller should work when plugged in via USB, even if the battery is completely dead. The console powers the controller directly through the USB connection. However, a faulty USB cable, a damaged charging port on the controller, or a depleted battery that is affecting the device from turning on can prevent this from working.

3. My PS4 controller is blinking orange but not charging. What’s wrong?

If your PS4 controller is blinking orange but not charging, it’s likely a problem with the USB cable or the charging port on either the controller or the console. Try a different USB cable first. If that doesn’t work, try a different USB port on the PS4.

4. How do I know if my PS4 controller is charging?

When the PS4 controller is charging, the light bar will slowly blink/pulse orange. When charging is complete, the light bar turns off.

5. Why did my PS4 controller suddenly stop working?

Possible causes include a dead battery, recent pairing with another device, being too far from the console, or a software glitch. Work through the methods provided above and you will get it fixed.

6. What do I do if the reset button on my PS4 controller doesn’t work?

Ensure you are pressing the reset button firmly and holding it for the recommended 3-5 seconds. If it still doesn’t work, the reset button itself might be faulty. In this case, consider contacting Sony support.

7. Can other Bluetooth devices interfere with my PS4 controller?

Yes, other Bluetooth devices can cause interference. Try moving these devices further away from your PS4 console. Microwaves are big offenders so keep your playstation away from that.

8. How far away can my PS4 controller be from the console?

The typical Bluetooth range for a PS4 controller is around 30 feet (10 meters). However, this can be reduced by interference from other devices or walls.

9. My PS4 controller connects and disconnects repeatedly. What’s happening?

This issue could be due to a loose USB cable, Bluetooth interference, or a low battery. Try a different USB cable, reduce interference, and ensure the controller is fully charged.

10. Is it possible to use a PS4 controller on a PC?

Yes, you can use a PS4 controller on a PC. You can connect it via USB or Bluetooth. You may need to install drivers or use software like DS4Windows for full compatibility. Check out Games Learning Society to find out ways to enjoy gaming using different controllers. GamesLearningSociety.org has more ideas on how to play games using new and old controllers on PC.

11. My PS4 controller is flashing white and not connecting. What does that mean?

A flashing white light on your PS4 controller usually indicates that it’s trying to connect to the PlayStation 4 console, but it hasn’t been able to successfully pair. Try the tips to fix your controller not connecting above.

12. Why won’t my controller reconnect?

Restarting your console and controller might correct the connection issue. Also, make sure that nothing is interfering with your controller’s wireless signal.

13. What kind of batteries does the PS4 controller take?

The PS4 controller uses an internal lithium-ion battery, so you can’t replace it with AA batteries. You simply charge it with a USB cable.

14. How do I update my PS4 controller?

Connect the PS4 controller to the console using a USB cable. If an update is available, the PS4 will automatically prompt you to install it.

15. Is there a way to use a PS4 controller without Bluetooth?

Yes, you can use the PS4 controller without Bluetooth by connecting it to the PS4 or PC via USB cable. When connected, the controller will use the USB connection for communication.

Hopefully, these methods and answers to frequently asked questions will help you get your PS4 controller back in action!

How do I resync my PS4 controller?