How to Revive a Dead PS4 Controller: A Comprehensive Guide
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A dead PS4 controller can quickly derail your gaming session, leaving you frustrated and disconnected. The good news is that a completely unresponsive DualShock 4 isn’t always a sign of permanent doom. Often, the issue can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Reviving a dead PS4 controller generally involves several approaches: ensuring proper charging, performing a reset, checking for pairing issues, and in more rare cases, diagnosing potential hardware problems. The most common issues stem from a depleted battery or a Bluetooth connection hiccup. Let’s explore the steps and scenarios in detail.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems
Charging Your Controller
The first and most logical step is to ensure your controller is properly charged. The most frequent cause of a seemingly dead PS4 controller is simply a depleted battery. Here’s how to effectively charge your DualShock 4:
- Use the Correct Cable: Connect your PS4 controller to your PlayStation 4 console using a micro-USB cable. This cable is the standard connector for charging your controller, and using an incompatible cable might not provide sufficient power.
- Power Up the Console: The console needs to be turned on or in rest mode for the controller to charge. Plugging it into a USB port on a turned-off console or computer might not work.
- Monitor the Light Bar: The light bar on the front of the controller indicates its charging status. A blinking orange light means the controller is charging while the console is in rest mode. A solid red light also indicates charging. A green light means the controller is fully charged.
- Charging Time: A completely dead PS4 controller will take around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach a 50% charge and 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge. If it has been a while since it last charged, you might need to leave it plugged in for a good two hours.
If your controller isn’t responding after a charge, move on to the next step.
Performing a Hard Reset
If charging isn’t the solution, a hard reset might be necessary to address software glitches or temporary communication errors. The hard reset process involves:
- Locate the Reset Button: On the back of your DualShock 4 controller, you’ll find a tiny hole, usually near the L2 shoulder button. This is where the reset button is located.
- Use a Pin or Paperclip: Straighten out the end of a paperclip, or use a similar small object, like a pin. Gently insert the straightened end into the hole and press the hidden button.
- Hold for Five Seconds: Press and hold the reset button for at least five seconds. This action should reset the controller’s internal system.
- Re-sync: After releasing the reset button, connect the controller to the PS4 with the USB cable. Press the PS button on the controller to resync it with the console.
This reset usually resolves connectivity issues that might prevent the controller from responding.
Checking for Bluetooth and Pairing Problems
Controllers can sometimes lose their Bluetooth connection to the PS4, especially if they’ve recently been connected to another device, such as another PlayStation or PC. Here’s how to address these issues:
- Re-sync via USB: Make sure the PS4 is on, and use a USB cable to connect the controller directly to the console. The cable connection will often force a proper connection if the Bluetooth has been disconnected.
- Remove Device from PS4 Bluetooth List Navigate to the PS4 settings and go to Devices > Controllers. From here you can select your controller and choose to “forget” the device. You can then attempt to reconnect it by holding down the Share and PlayStation button simultaneously.
- Initiate Pairing: Press and hold both the Share button and the PlayStation button at the same time. The light bar on the controller should start flashing. Then go to the PS4 menu under Devices>Bluetooth Devices and choose the controller from the list to pair it.
By performing this, the controller is forced to pair anew with the PlayStation console.
Addressing Potential Hardware Issues
While less frequent, hardware problems can also cause a controller to be unresponsive. Here’s how to check for them:
- Check the USB Port: Try a different USB port on your PlayStation console and a different micro-USB cable to ensure the port is working correctly and the cable is not damaged.
- Inspect the Battery: If your controller still refuses to turn on or charge, the battery itself might be faulty. If you are technically inclined, you might consider replacing the battery, but this is not recommended if you are not experienced in electronic repair.
- Check for Physical Damage: Examine the controller for any physical damage like cracks, damaged buttons, or areas where the controller has been exposed to moisture. Any kind of damage can indicate an internal fault that could affect its functionality.
- Contact a Professional: If you have tried all the steps above without success, it is recommended to take your controller to a professional to see if it can be repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did my PS4 controller suddenly stop working?
Several reasons can cause your PS4 controller to suddenly stop working, including a dead battery, connection problems after pairing with another device, or simply being too far from the console.
2. How can I tell if my PS4 controller battery is completely dead?
If the controller shows no light when attempting to power on or plug it in to charge, it may indicate the battery is dead. You can check the battery level by holding the PS button to bring up the quick menu, where the controller battery icon is displayed on the bottom left.
3. How do I charge a completely drained PS4 controller?
To charge a completely drained PS4 controller, connect it to your PS4 system with a micro-USB cable while the system is powered on or in rest mode.
4. How long does it take for a completely dead PS4 controller to charge?
A completely dead PS4 controller will charge to about 50% in 1 to 1.5 hours and will be fully charged in 2 to 2.5 hours.
5. My PS4 controller is charging but still not working. Why?
If your PS4 controller is charging but not working, it could be desynced. Try re-syncing the controller using the USB cable and/or the reset button. If that does not work, the battery may be dead and not taking a charge.
6. What does an orange light on a PS4 controller mean?
A blinking orange light on your PS4 controller means it’s charging in rest mode. A solid red light usually means it is charging while the system is powered on.
7. Can I use a PS4 controller without the cord?
Yes, you can use your PS4 controller without the cord via Bluetooth. Ensure it is paired properly with your console.
8. How do I connect a PS4 controller without a controller or cord?
You can connect a PS4 controller without a cord by pressing and holding the ‘Share’ button and the PlayStation button simultaneously. The light bar will blink. Then select the controller in the Bluetooth window of your PlayStation. If you do not have a working controller, you can use some TV remotes or other devices to navigate the PS4 to get to the Bluetooth connection menu.
9. Can I use my phone as a PS4 controller?
Yes, you can use your phone with the PS Remote Play app, which allows you to control the PS4 with an on-screen controller or a connected DualShock 4 via Bluetooth.
10. Why is my PS4 controller dying so fast?
Your PS4 controller may be dying quickly because it doesn’t automatically turn off when the console is running, and the battery may be old and worn.
11. How do I hard reset a PS4 controller?
To hard reset your PS4 controller, use a straightened paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button (located in the small hole near the L2 button) for at least five seconds.
12. Can a faulty battery cause a PS4 controller not to turn on?
Yes, a faulty or old battery is a common reason for a PS4 controller not turning on.
13. What buttons do I press to reset a PS4 controller?
To reset your PS4 controller, you only need to press and hold the small reset button on the back of the controller with a paperclip or pin.
14. How long do PS4 controllers typically last?
PS4 controllers typically last for around 4 to 8 hours on a full charge, although the battery lifespan can decrease over time.
15. Can I fix a PS4 controller that won’t turn on?
Yes, you can often fix a PS4 controller that won’t turn on by following the steps described above: ensuring it is charging, performing a reset, and checking for pairing issues. If these measures do not work, there may be a hardware issue requiring professional repair.
By following these steps and referring to this detailed guide, you should be able to revive your dead PS4 controller and get back to enjoying your gaming experience. Remember to troubleshoot logically, starting with the simplest solutions first. Happy gaming!