What Colour is PS4 Controller When Fully Charged?
The question of what color your PS4 controller displays when fully charged can be confusing, largely because the light bar’s behavior changes depending on the controller’s state. To be clear, when your PS4 controller is fully charged, the light bar turns off. There is no specific color to indicate a fully charged state; the absence of light is the key indicator. Understanding the light bar’s different states and colors is essential to properly manage and maintain your PS4 controllers.
Understanding the PS4 Controller Light Bar
The light bar on your DualShock 4 controller isn’t just for aesthetics; it provides crucial feedback on the controller’s status, including its charging state. When the controller is actively charging, the light bar blinks / pulses amber. This slowly fades between white and amber continuously while charging. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few nuances to be aware of.
Charging in Rest Mode
When your PS4 console is in rest mode and a controller is plugged in for charging, the light bar will slowly blink orange. This indicates that the controller is charging while the console is in a low-power state. This is particularly useful for charging controllers overnight without keeping the console fully powered on. This blinking will continue until the controller is fully charged. Upon reaching full charge, the light will then turn off completely.
Not Charging?
If you plug in your controller and the light bar doesn’t behave as expected (for instance, it doesn’t blink orange when in rest mode or doesn’t fade between white and amber when the console is on), this is a sign that there might be a problem. Double-check that the cable is firmly plugged into both the controller and the console, or try using a different cable. If the problem persists, ensure that your console’s power-saving settings are configured correctly to supply power to the USB ports when in rest mode. You can adjust these settings by navigating to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports.
Beyond Charging: Other Light Bar Colors
While the primary focus of this article is the charging state, it’s helpful to understand what other colors on your PS4 controller’s light bar may mean.
White Light
A flashing white light usually indicates that the controller is either trying to connect to the console but failing, or that the controller’s battery is critically low and needs charging. A solid white light typically indicates the controller is connected, and the console is starting up.
Blue Light
A solid blue light is usually associated with player one’s controller. Other controllers connected would likely use different colors, often other shades of blue, green, or red, depending on the game and system setup. The dreaded “blue light of death” is not related to the controller; it indicates a serious issue with the console itself, often related to software, power, or HDMI connectivity.
Green Light
In some games, a green light can indicate that the player has high health or is on the green team. It can also signify player 3.
Yellow/Amber Light
A solid yellow or amber light, aside from the charging indications, might signify that the console is in rest mode or turned off while charging a controller, as well as a normal working state when the system is turned on.
Key Takeaways
To reiterate, there’s no specific color to indicate a fully charged PS4 controller. Once charged, the light bar simply turns off. However, you can keep track of your charging status by monitoring the light bar:
- Blinking/pulsing amber: The controller is charging.
- Slowly blinking orange: Charging in rest mode.
- Light off: The controller is fully charged.
By understanding the various light indicators, you’ll be better equipped to keep your controllers charged and ready for gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PS4 controller charging and light bar colors, providing a comprehensive guide to managing your DualShock 4:
1. How long does it take to fully charge a PS4 controller?
A completely dead PS4 controller takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge. A half-charge can be achieved in about 1 to 1.5 hours. Charging will take longer if the controller is in use while charging.
2. Can I overcharge my PS4 controller?
No, modern rechargeable batteries, including those in the PS4 controller, have built-in circuits that prevent overcharging. When the battery reaches 100%, the charging stops and does not continue until the charge drops to about 96-98%.
3. Can I use a phone charger to charge my PS4 controller?
Yes, if your phone charger uses a mini-USB cable and has a decent power output, you can use it to charge your PS4 controller. Just ensure the charger’s output is suitable for charging electronics.
4. What does a blinking white light on my PS4 controller mean?
A flashing white light can indicate that the controller’s battery is dying or that it is attempting but failing to connect to the PlayStation console. Ensure it’s charged and try re-pairing it with your console.
5. Why is my PS4 controller not responding?
Several issues can cause this, including a dead battery, the controller being paired with a different device, or being too far from the console to maintain a Bluetooth connection.
6. What’s the difference between an amber light and an orange light on the PS4 controller?
Generally, they are used interchangeably; the blinking amber or orange light signifies the controller is charging.
7. What does a solid yellow light mean on the PS4?
A solid yellow/amber light indicates that the console is in rest mode or turned off while the controller is charging. It may also mean a normal working state when the system is turned on.
8. How can I extend my PS4 controller’s battery life?
To extend your battery life: avoid extreme temperatures, don’t fully discharge the battery before recharging (start charging when it gets below 50%) and avoid using the controller while charging.
9. How long does a fully charged PS4 controller last?
The DualShock 4 controller typically lasts for four to eight hours of gameplay per charge, typically at the lower end of that range.
10. Why is my PS4 controller flashing orange?
A blinking orange light means your PS4 controller is charging while your console is in rest mode. Ensure that the option to supply power to the USB ports is enabled in the rest mode settings.
11. What does a solid white light on the PS4 controller mean?
A solid white light usually signifies that the controller has successfully connected to the console, and that the console is starting up.
12. What is the “blue light of death” on the PS4?
The “blue light of death” is not related to the controller. It indicates a serious issue with the console, often related to software, power, or HDMI connectivity.
13. What is the rarest PS4 color?
The “Leviathan Gray” color of the God of War PS4 Pro Bundle is considered to be one of the rarest, due to its limited edition status.
14. How do I know if the charging light is blinking or solid on my controller?
When the controller is plugged in to charge, and charging successfully, you will observe a fade between white and amber continuously rather than a static light. The light might appear to be blinking or pulsing because of this effect. A solid light only occurs during console start up.
15. Can I charge my PS4 controller by plugging it into a PC?
Yes, you can typically charge your PS4 controller by plugging it into a PC’s USB port, just as you would with your console.
By understanding the nuances of your PS4 controller’s light bar and following these guidelines, you can ensure your controllers are always ready for your next gaming session.