Can I Play PS4 Controller While Charging? Everything You Need To Know
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is a resounding yes! You absolutely can play your PS4 controller while it’s charging. In fact, it’s a pretty standard practice for gamers who don’t want to interrupt their gaming sessions when the dreaded low-battery warning pops up. Let’s dive into the details of how this works and answer some common questions you might have.
The Beauty of Play-and-Charge
The PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller is designed with play-and-charge functionality in mind. This means you don’t have to choose between gaming and charging. Simply plug your controller into a power source using a micro-USB cable, and you can continue your adventure without missing a beat.
How it Works
The controller draws power from the charging source while simultaneously charging the battery. Think of it like sipping a drink through a straw while someone is slowly refilling the glass. However, keep in mind that charging the controller while playing may take longer than charging it while idle. The controller has to divide its power consumption between keeping you in the game and replenishing the battery.
Power Sources
You have several options for charging your PS4 controller while playing:
- PS4 Console: The most common method is to plug the controller directly into one of the USB ports on your PS4 console. This is convenient, but it does mean you need to be within cable’s reach of your console.
- Wall Charger: Using a wall charger with a USB port is another great option. A phone charger or a dedicated USB wall adapter will work perfectly. As a bonus, you can use a longer charging cable than the one that came with the PS4.
- Laptop/PC: You can also charge your controller by plugging it into a USB port on your laptop or PC. This can be useful if you’re gaming near your computer or want to charge your controller away from the console.
Understanding the Charging Indicators
Knowing how to interpret the controller’s charging indicators is important. The light bar on the top of the DualShock 4 provides visual cues about the charging status.
Charging in Rest Mode
When the PS4 is in rest mode and the controller is plugged in, the light bar will slowly blink orange. This indicates that the controller is charging.
Fully Charged
Once the controller is fully charged, the light bar will turn off while in rest mode. If the console is on, the light will still turn off, but you may need to unplug and plug in the controller to see if it is fully charged.
Checking the Battery Level
You can check the battery level of your controller at any time by pressing and holding the PS button. The battery level will be displayed on the screen. This is helpful to see how quickly your controller is charging (or discharging) while you play.
Factors Affecting Charging Time
Several factors can influence how long it takes to charge your PS4 controller:
- Battery Level: A completely drained battery will take longer to charge than one that’s partially full.
- Power Source: As mentioned, a higher amperage power source (like a dedicated wall charger) will generally charge the controller faster than a lower-power USB port.
- Usage While Charging: Playing while charging significantly increases the charging time.
- Temperature: Charging outside the recommended temperature range of 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) can affect charging efficiency.
- Cable Quality: Using a damaged or low-quality USB cable will greatly affect how fast your controller charges. Make sure you are using a quality cable or the official Dualshock 4 USB cord for optimal charging speed.
Common Charging Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you might encounter issues with charging your PS4 controller. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
- Controller Won’t Charge: Try a different USB cable and charging port. If that doesn’t work, reset the controller by using a small pin to press the reset button on the back.
- Controller Charges Slowly: Ensure you’re using a high-quality USB cable and a sufficiently powerful charging source. Avoid playing while charging if possible.
- Controller Only Charges Briefly: This could indicate a problem with the charging port, the cable, or the controller battery itself. Inspect the port for debris or damage.
FAQs: Charging Your PS4 Controller
Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about charging your PS4 controller.
1. How long do PS4 controllers take to charge?
It takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge a completely drained PS4 controller.
2. Can you charge a PS4 controller while the console is off?
Yes, controllers can be charged while the PS4 is in rest mode. Make sure that the “Supply Power to USB Ports” setting is enabled in the Power Save Settings.
3. What does orange light on PS4 controller mean?
A blinking orange light indicates that the controller is charging in rest mode.
4. What color is the PS4 controller when fully charged?
When fully charged, the light bar turns off while the system is in rest mode. If the console is on, the light may still turn off, or it may display the color that is currently assigned to the player.
5. Can I use a phone charger to charge my PS4 controller?
Yes, you can use a phone charger with a USB port to charge your PS4 controller. It might charge slightly faster than using the console’s USB port, especially if the phone charger has a higher amperage.
6. What happens if I leave my PS4 controller charging overnight?
It won’t harm your controller. The DualShock 4 has a built-in chip that prevents overcharging.
7. Why is my PS4 controller flashing blue?
A flashing blue light usually indicates that the controller is trying to connect with the console. It should turn solid blue shortly after you press the PS button. If it continues to flash, there may be a connection issue.
8. How can I make my PS4 controller charge faster?
Use a high-amperage wall charger, ensure the controller is not being used while charging, and charge it within the recommended temperature range.
9. Can a PS4 controller run out of battery even when not in use?
Yes, the batteries in the DualShock 4 controllers can discharge even when not in use, though it should only happen after several days or even weeks.
10. How long does a PS4 controller battery last?
A fully charged DualShock 4 controller typically lasts for four to eight hours of gameplay.
11. Why won’t my PS4 controller charge and play at the same time?
Ensure the USB cable is properly connected to both the controller and the power source. Try a different cable or charging port. If the problem persists, the charging port on the controller or the battery itself might be faulty.
12. Can you overcharge a PlayStation controller?
No, just like the Nintendo Switch, you cannot overcharge the PS4 controller. There is a built-in chip that prevents it from overcharging.
13. Is it okay to leave controllers on a charging station all the time?
While it won’t damage the controller due to overcharging protection, some argue that leaving it on the charger constantly might slightly reduce the overall lifespan of the battery, because the controller is being consistently charged.
14. Why does my PS4 controller only charge for a second?
This could indicate a problem with the charging port or cable, a problem with the PS4 that prevents it from providing power over USB, or a problem with the PS4 controller battery.
15. What is rest mode?
Rest mode is a low power state that the PS4 can enter that allows the controller to charge while the console is off. This will allow you to immediately resume where you left off when you power the console on.
Final Thoughts
So, go ahead and enjoy those marathon gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power. Playing your PS4 controller while it’s charging is a convenient way to keep the fun going. Just remember to use a quality USB cable and a reliable power source for the best charging experience. And if you’re interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Happy gaming!