Why Won’t My PS4 Controller Connect to My PS4 After Connecting to My PC?

It’s a frustrating scenario: you’ve been enjoying your PS4 controller on your PC, and now it refuses to reconnect to your PlayStation 4. This is a common issue, and thankfully, there are several reasons why this might be happening and solutions you can try. The primary reason your PS4 controller won’t automatically reconnect to your console after being paired with your PC is because the controller’s Bluetooth pairing information has been updated to recognize the PC as the primary device. This means the controller “forgets” its connection to your PS4, requiring you to re-establish that connection. Let’s delve deeper into the causes and fixes.

Understanding the Bluetooth Pairing Process

When you connect your DualShock 4 controller to a PC, it establishes a new Bluetooth connection. The controller stores the pairing data for the last device it connected to, which in this case, is now your PC. Bluetooth devices only actively remember the most recent pairing. Therefore, when you attempt to reconnect to your PS4, the controller’s stored information is geared toward your PC, leading to a communication breakdown with your console.

How to Reconnect Your Controller to Your PS4

Here’s a breakdown of steps you can take to resolve this:

Using a USB Cable

The most straightforward method to reconnect your controller is by using a USB cable:

1. Turn on your PS4 console. Do this via the power button on the console, not using another controller.
2. Plug a compatible micro-USB cable into one of the USB ports on your PS4.
3. Connect the other end of the cable into the micro-USB port on the top of your DualShock 4 controller.
4. Press the PS button on your controller.
5. The controller should now connect to the PS4. Once this is done, you can remove the USB cable and use the controller wirelessly.

This USB connection forces the controller to re-establish communication with your PS4, overriding the PC’s pairing information.

Resyncing Your Controller via Bluetooth

If using the USB cable didn’t work, or you wish to establish the connection wirelessly, you can try resyncing the controller:

1. Ensure your PS4 is turned on.
2. On the controller you want to sync, simultaneously hold down the PS button and the Share button for about 5 seconds.
3. The light bar on your controller should start flashing rapidly, indicating it’s in pairing mode.
4. On your PS4, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
5. Your controller should appear in the list. Select it with another controller or using the console’s interface.
6. Your controller is now synced and ready to use wirelessly.

Resetting Your PS4 Controller

Sometimes a more complete reset is needed to clear out corrupted pairing information. Here’s how to perform a hard reset:

1. Power down your PS4.
2. Turn over your controller and locate the tiny reset hole near the left shoulder button (L2).
3. Use a paper clip (unfolded) or a similar thin object to push the button inside the hole.
4. Hold the button down for about 5 seconds.
5. Now attempt to reconnect your controller using a USB cable as described in the first section above. If that fails, try pairing wirelessly using the steps described above.

Checking for Battery and Charging Issues

A low battery can also lead to connection problems:

1. Plug your controller directly into your PS4 via USB.
2. Allow it to charge for at least two hours.
3. Attempt to pair the controller again once it’s charged.

It’s crucial to rule out low power before proceeding with more complex troubleshooting.

Why Your Controller Might Still Fail to Connect

If you’ve tried these steps and your controller still isn’t connecting, other factors could be at play:

• Faulty USB Cable: Try using a different micro-USB cable, as the current one could be faulty or damaged.
• Distance from PS4: Bluetooth has a limited range. Make sure the controller is within a reasonable distance from the console.
• Controller Malfunction: If your controller has physical damage, it might be experiencing internal hardware issues, which require a replacement controller.
• PS4 Bluetooth Issue: In rare cases, your PS4 itself might have Bluetooth issues. If another controller doesn’t connect either, this could indicate a console hardware problem.
• Software Glitches: A complete power down and restarting the PS4 could help resolve software related issues.

Troubleshooting System Issues

If none of the controller-specific steps work, your issue might stem from the console itself. Here’s how to troubleshoot potential system problems:

1. Power cycle the PS4: Completely shut down the console, unplug the power cord, wait about a minute, and plug it back in. Restart the PS4 and try reconnecting the controller.
2. Check for PS4 Updates: Make sure your PS4 system software is up to date. Go to Settings > System Software Update and install any pending updates. Outdated software can often cause compatibility issues.
3. Check Power & HDMI Connections: If your console is flashing a blue light and not connecting to your TV display, there could be issues with your power or HDMI connections. Make sure the connections are sound.
4. Safe Mode Boot: If system problems are suspected, start your PS4 in Safe Mode and try to rebuild the database. (To start Safe Mode turn off the PS4, then hold the power button on the console until you hear a second beep)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some additional questions that users often have about PS4 controller connectivity:

1. Can I use my phone as a PS4 controller?

Yes, you can through PS Remote Play. The Remote Play app allows you to control your PS4 via your mobile device, but it’s primarily meant for streaming games rather than direct control using your phone’s screen. You can also use the app to connect your DUALSHOCK®4 controller.

2. Why is my PS4 controller blinking white?

A blinking white light on your controller can indicate a variety of things, including: the controller trying to connect to a device, a low battery, or if the console is frozen and requires troubleshooting. Try charging the controller first or attempting a hard reset.

3. Why is my PS4 controller blinking blue?

A flashing blue light on the console is often referred to as the “blue light of death” and usually indicates a software issue or a problem with the power or HDMI cable. Check your console connections and consider rebuilding the system database.

4. How long does it take to charge a PS4 controller?

It generally takes about two hours to fully charge a PS4 controller using a direct USB connection to the console.

5. Can I connect multiple controllers wirelessly to my PS4?

Yes, your PS4 can support up to four controllers connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.

6. How do I find my lost PS4 controller?

Some users utilize tracking devices like Tile Stickers attached to the controller for easy location using a smartphone app. The best way to keep from losing the controller is to put it in the same spot every time you stop using it.

7. Why doesn’t my PS4 support Bluetooth headphones?

The PS4’s Bluetooth audio profile has a latency of 100 to 200 milliseconds, making it unsuitable for real-time gaming audio through Bluetooth headphones. For most audio needs, you’ll have to use USB connected headphones or headphones connected directly to the controller.

8. Can I use a USB to connect PS4 controller to a PC?

Yes, you can use a USB cable to connect the PS4 controller to a PC, and it should be recognized as a gamepad by most modern PCs. Once connected to a PC, the controller can be used in PC games with gamepad support.

9. Can I use any monitor with my PS4?

Most monitors with an HDMI 2.0 port should work with the PS4. For older monitors, you may need a video adapter.

10. How do I reset my PS4 console?

To factory reset your PS4, go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4. Be aware that this will erase all data from your console, returning it to its original state. Back up any saved data before doing this.

11. What is the PS4 red light of death?

If the power indicator light on your PS4 changes to a flashing red light, this indicates the console is overheating. Turn the console off immediately, let it cool down, and ensure there is proper ventilation when you start it up again.

12. How do I connect a new PS4 controller without the old one?

Connect the new controller using a USB cable, and then press the PS button on the controller while connected. This will establish the connection to the console.

13. What is the maximum distance for Bluetooth connectivity for a PS4 controller?

The effective range for a PS4 controller via Bluetooth is about 33 feet (10 meters), but interference can shorten this distance.

14. Why does my PS4 keep disconnecting from the PSN?

Disconnections from the PlayStation Network (PSN) can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor internet connectivity, server issues, or problems with your PS4’s software.

15. How do I update my PS4 controller firmware?

Controller firmware updates are usually applied automatically when you update your PS4 system software or when you connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.

By systematically troubleshooting and understanding the factors at play, you should be able to resolve the issue of your PS4 controller not connecting after it was connected to your PC and get back to gaming.