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How to Reset a Dead PS4 Controller: A Comprehensive Guide

A dead PS4 controller can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to jump into your favorite game. Whether it’s unresponsive, won’t charge, or just refuses to connect, a reset is often the first and most effective step to reviving it. This guide will walk you through the process of resetting your DualShock 4 controller, along with troubleshooting other common issues and answering frequently asked questions.

Resetting Your PS4 Controller: The Quick Fix

The most reliable way to reset a seemingly dead PS4 controller is through its hardware reset button. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Power Down: Ensure your PlayStation 4 console is completely turned off. This step is crucial to avoid any potential conflicts during the reset process.
Locate the Reset Button: Flip your DualShock 4 controller over. You’ll find a tiny, recessed hole near the left shoulder button (L2). This hole houses the controller’s reset button.
Use a Thin Tool: Take a small, unfolded paper clip or a similar thin tool, such as a SIM ejector tool or a sturdy pin.
Press and Hold: Carefully insert the paper clip or your chosen tool into the reset hole. Gently press down until you feel a slight click. This indicates you’re pressing the actual reset button inside.
Hold for Several Seconds: Maintain the pressure for about 5-6 seconds. This ensures that the controller fully registers the reset command.
Reconnect: After holding for the required time, release the reset button. Now, connect your controller to your PS4 console using a USB cable.
Test: Attempt to turn on the controller and sync with your console. If successful, the light bar should illuminate, and you should regain control.

This hard reset should resolve most common issues causing controller unresponsiveness or connection problems. If your controller still isn’t working correctly, continue reading for additional troubleshooting tips and FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 Controllers

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PS4 controller issues, alongside comprehensive answers:

1. Why won’t my PS4 controller charge?

Several factors can lead to a controller not charging.

Cable Issues: Start by checking your USB cable connection. A faulty or damaged cable is a common culprit. Try using a different USB cable known to work correctly.
Charging Port: Inspect the charging port on your controller for any dust, debris, or damage. Clean it gently with a wooden toothpick or compressed air.
Power Source: Try plugging the USB cable into a different device than your PS4, like a phone charger or a computer, to rule out any issues with the console’s USB ports.
Battery Issues: In some cases, the controller’s battery might be failing and will need to be replaced.
Controller Reset: As a solution, try resetting the controller via the reset button mentioned above.

2. How long does it take for a completely dead PS4 controller to charge?

A completely dead PS4 controller typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge. After about 1 to 1.5 hours of charging, your controller will be approximately halfway charged. It’s essential to note that charging will be slower if you are using the controller while it charges.

3. Why won’t my PS4 controller turn on without a charger?

A controller that won’t turn on without a charger usually indicates a low or depleted battery. Make sure you’ve allowed sufficient time to charge as mentioned above. If it still won’t turn on after charging for an adequate amount of time, it may signal a battery issue or a problem with the charging port. As mentioned earlier, try cleaning the charging port.

4. How do I resync my PS4 controller?

If your controller is working, but not connecting correctly to the console:

Power On: Ensure your PS4 is powered on.
Simultaneous Press: On the controller you wish to sync, hold down the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
Pairing Mode: The light bar on the controller should begin to flash, indicating it is in pairing mode.
Controller Selection: On your PS4, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. The new controller will appear in the list.
Select: Select the controller using another working controller or the PS4 system remote. The new controller will then be synced.

5. Can I use a PS4 without a controller?

Yes, to an extent. You can use your TV remote, provided it’s compatible. You will need to enable the HDMI Device Link option in your PS4’s system settings. Some modern universal remotes that use Bluetooth can also be connected to the PS4 via the device settings. Also, you can use a mobile device with the PS Remote Play app.

6. How do I hard reset my PS4 console?

To hard reset your PS4 (which completely wipes all data), follow these steps:

Power Off: Turn off your PS4 completely.
Safe Mode Boot: Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. This boots the console in Safe Mode.
Initialize: Choose the “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)” option from the Safe Mode menu.
Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts. Note that this process will erase all data, including your system software, so only use this as a last resort.

7. How do I know if my PS4 controller is completely dead?

If your controller’s battery is completely depleted or not charging, it may seem ‘dead’ and will not respond. To check your controller battery life, hold down the PS Button to bring up the Quick Menu. You’ll see a controller icon with the battery life displayed at the bottom. Also if the light bar is completely dark while connected to a USB cable, the controller may be completely dead.

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

Yes, with the PS Remote Play app, you can mirror the PS4 screen to your mobile device and use the on-screen controller. You can also connect a DualShock 4 wireless controller directly to your phone for a more traditional experience, or you can use your phone as a secondary display and use a real controller.

9. How do I connect my PS4 controller without the controller or cord?

If you don’t have a working controller to pair a new one, you can use PS Remote Play to set up your controller. Make sure the new controller is charged and follow the sync procedure in question #4.

10. Why is my PS4 controller flashing white?

A flashing white light usually indicates that the controller is in pairing mode or is searching for a connection. It can also mean low battery. Try charging the controller as mentioned earlier. If it keeps flashing, re-sync it with your console following the steps described in the sync procedure above.

11. Why is my PS4 controller not connecting with USB?

Besides sync issues, you may have a faulty USB cable or a problem with the controller’s USB port. Make sure your USB cable is capable of transferring both data and power. Check the controller’s port for any damage or obstructions.

12. What controllers can be used on PS4?

While the DualShock 4 is the standard, the PS4 is also compatible with third-party controllers like the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller, the Razer Raiju Ultimate PS4 Controller, the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller, and the Hori Mini Wired Gamepad.

13. What do I do with a dead PS4 console?

A PS4 that won’t start can often be fixed through these steps:

Unplug the Power: First, unplug the power cable for at least 30 seconds.
Check Power and Cables: Inspect the device for damage, try a different outlet or power cable.
Clean Your Console: Ensure it’s well ventilated and not dusty.
Safe Mode: Restart your device in Safe Mode and try restoring or reinstalling the software.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset which will delete all data and settings.

If none of these work, there might be a serious hardware problem that will require you to seek professional help.

14. Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?

The PS5 controller isn’t natively compatible with the PS4. However, you can use a Bluetooth adapter that connects to your PS4 and pairs with the PS5 controller. The PS4 will then recognize this adapter as a generic Bluetooth controller.

15. What color does a PS4 controller go when charging?

While charging, the PS4 controller’s light bar slowly blinks or pulses amber. It continuously fades between white and amber while charging. Once fully charged, the light bar will turn off.

By following these tips and tricks, you should be able to resolve many common issues with your PS4 controller. Should you continue to face problems, you may require further assistance from a professional, such as a repair technician. With patience and careful troubleshooting, you can get back to gaming in no time.

How do you reset a dead PS4 controller?