What Buttons Do You Press to Reset a PS4 Controller?

To manually reset your PS4 controller, you don’t actually press any buttons on the controller itself in the traditional sense. Instead, you’ll need a small, pointed object like a paperclip or a pin. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Unplug the controller: Ensure that the controller is not connected to your PS4 via a USB cable.
2. Flip the controller over: Turn the controller so the underside is facing up.
3. Locate the reset hole: Find the tiny, recessed hole located near the L2 button on the back of the controller. It’s a small opening designed for this specific purpose.
4. Insert the pin or paperclip: Gently insert the unfolded end of your paperclip or pin into the reset hole.
5. Press and hold: Once you feel the button press, hold it down for at least 6 seconds.
6. Release and wait: Let go of the reset button and wait a few more seconds before attempting to reconnect the controller.

This process will reset the controller to its default settings, often resolving issues with connectivity, responsiveness, or erratic behavior. It’s important to note that this reset does not delete any user data or gaming profiles stored on your PlayStation 4 console itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PS4 Controller Resets

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about resetting your PS4 controller, along with detailed answers to provide a comprehensive guide:

1. How Do I Hard Reset a PS4 Controller?

The method described above with the paperclip is what’s considered a hard reset for the PS4 controller. There isn’t a different, more drastic method. This physical reset process clears any temporary glitches in the controller’s internal memory.

2. How Do I Resync My PS4 Controller?

If a simple reset doesn’t work, you might need to resync your controller. Here’s how:

• On the PS4 controller you want to sync, press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for about 5 seconds.
• The light bar on the controller should start blinking.
• On your PS4, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
• Select the new controller when it appears in the list.
• The controller is now synced and ready for use.

3. How Do I Reset My PS4 Controller with a Back Button Attachment?

If you’re using the DUALSHOCK 4 back button attachment, you can reset its custom profiles as follows:

• Press and hold the left-back button, right-back button, and screen button simultaneously.
• Continue to hold them down until the reset icon appears on the screen and wait for 5 seconds. This action reverts the attachment to its default profiles.

4. Why Is My PS4 Controller Not Connecting?

A PS4 controller may fail to connect due to a variety of reasons:

• Low Battery: Charge your controller fully.
• Controller Paired to Another Device: Unpair from other devices it might be connected to (like another PS4 or PC).
• Bluetooth Interference: Move away from potential sources of interference like other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers.
• Connection Issues: Try a USB cable to sync it directly and rule out a Bluetooth issue.
• Faulty USB Cable: Test your USB cable and try different cables if necessary.
• Software Issues The PS4 may have to be rebooted or hard reset.

5. Why Is My PS4 Controller Just Blinking and Not Connecting?

A blinking light, particularly a white light, often indicates low battery or charging issues. Plug your controller directly into the console and allow it to charge fully. It typically takes about two hours for a complete charge.

6. Is There a Way to Factory Reset a PS4 Controller?

The reset method using the small reset hole near the L2 button (detailed above) is the closest you can get to a factory reset for a PS4 controller. It reverts the controller to its default settings, effectively removing any temporary settings glitches.

7. Why Is My PlayStation 4 Controller Not Responding?

Several things could cause your PS4 controller to become unresponsive:

• Dead Battery: Ensure it’s adequately charged.
• Paired to Other Device: Make sure it’s only paired to your PS4.
• Distance Issues: Stay within the appropriate Bluetooth range for a solid connection.

8. Why Is My Controller Blinking and Not Working?

If your controller is blinking and not working, this can be caused by:

• Connection issues with the console, like Bluetooth not being synced properly.
• Low Battery. Plug the controller into a power source and charge fully.

9. What is the White Light of Death on PS4?

The PS4 White Light of Death is often a sign of a hardware failure, often due to overheating, but also from HDMI related problems or issues with the power supply. If your console shows this, seek technical support.

10. Why is My PS4 Light White?

A steady white light on the PS4 usually indicates that the console is on and running properly. However, it can become an issue when the TV can not receive an image from the system. If you are not getting an image on the TV, it can signal an HDMI problem, often due to a bad cable, faulty port, or even a fried IC chip in the port itself.

11. How Do I Fix Corrupted Data on PS4?

Corrupted data issues can be resolved by:

• Deleting and Reinstalling Games.
• Deleting Corrupted Downloads.
• Cleaning the Game Disc.
• Updating the Software.
• Restoring Software Licenses.
• Rebuilding the PS4 Database in Safe Mode.
• Initializing the PS4.

12. What Does Initialize PS4 Mean?

Initializing your PS4 system means restoring it to its factory settings. This action deletes all data saved on the system storage, including user accounts and game data. This option should be a last resort if all other methods fail.

13. Why Is My PS4 Flashing Blue?

The blue light of death often signals a software issue or problems with the power or HDMI cables. Sometimes, just cycling the power to the console is enough to solve this.

14. How Do I Know if My HDMI Port is Broken on PS4?

Signs of a broken HDMI port include:

• A black screen or “No Input” message on your TV.
• A pixelated or distorted image on the screen.
• A tight or loose port.

15. Why Does My Controller Flash Orange When I Plug it In?

A blinking orange light indicates that the controller is charging while the PS4 is in rest mode. You can change this behavior in the PS4’s settings under Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports and select one of the options available.

By understanding these steps and FAQs, you should be well-equipped to troubleshoot and resolve most issues with your PS4 controller. Remember, a simple reset is often the first step to getting back into your game.