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Why Is My Controller Glowing Orange? Understanding PlayStation Controller Lights

The sight of an orange light on your PlayStation controller can be a source of confusion and sometimes concern. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what an orange light on your PS4 or PS5 controller means, along with troubleshooting tips and frequently asked questions to ensure you’re always in the game.

What Does an Orange Light on a PlayStation Controller Mean?

The primary function of the orange light on your PlayStation controller, whether it’s a DualShock 4 (PS4) or a DualSense (PS5), is to indicate that the controller is either charging or in Rest Mode. However, the specific behavior of the light can provide further clues. Here’s a breakdown:

Solid Orange Light: On a PS4 controller, a solid orange light typically signifies that the console is in Rest Mode. During Rest Mode, the console can still download updates and charge connected controllers. On the PS5, the orange light typically doesn’t stay solid when charging, rather it pulses.
Blinking/Pulsing Orange Light: A blinking or pulsing orange light, particularly when the controller is plugged in, primarily denotes that it is charging. This is true for both PS4 and PS5 controllers. Once the controller reaches a full charge, the light usually turns off.
Orange Light Briefly Flashes Then Turns Off: On a PS5 controller, If the orange light briefly flashes once when you connect it to a power source, then immediately turns off, this usually indicates that the controller is already fully charged and does not require further charging.

It’s crucial to differentiate between the lighting patterns as they offer insight into the controller’s status and can help you identify potential issues.

Troubleshooting Orange Light Issues

While an orange light typically signifies normal charging or Rest Mode, if your controller isn’t behaving as expected, you might encounter issues. Here are some common scenarios and solutions:

Controller Not Charging While in Rest Mode (PS4)

If your PS4 controller is not charging when the console is in Rest Mode, follow these steps:

Navigate to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
Select Supply Power to USB Ports and choose Always or 3 Hours. This will ensure your controller gets power while in Rest Mode.

Controller Doesn’t Light Up Or Connect

If you’re experiencing a persistent orange light or your controller won’t connect, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Try a Different USB Cable: A faulty USB cable can often cause charging issues. Test with a known good cable.
Use a Different USB Port: Sometimes the issue isn’t the cable but the USB port on your console. Try a different port to eliminate this possibility.
Reset Your Controller: Locate the tiny hole on the back of the controller. Use a small pin or unfolded paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.
Re-sync the Controller: Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers on your PS4 or Settings > Accessories > Controller on your PS5, and select your controller. Choose Forget Device and then re-pair the controller.
Check Console Power: If your console has a hardware issue that is impacting the controllers, powering down your console, unplugging it for a few minutes, and restarting, may resolve the problem.

Potential Battery Issues

If none of the above steps work, there may be an underlying issue with the controller’s battery. If the battery is old, it may not hold a charge, which will impact its ability to light up. If all else fails, consider replacing the controller’s battery.

Controller Light Colors: A Quick Guide

Beyond the orange light, PlayStation controllers use other colors to signify different states. Here’s a quick guide to the common light colors:

Blue: On PS4, this is the default color for the first connected controller. On PS5, a blinking blue light means it is opening or trying to connect.
Red, Green, Pink/Purple: PS4 controllers will glow these colors when other controllers are connected.
White: A flashing white light on a PS4 controller often indicates a low battery or connection issue.
Yellow/Amber: This color typically signals the controller is charging when the console is on standby or the controller is plugged in but switched off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PlayStation controller lights, focusing on the orange light and related issues:

1. Why is my PS4 controller blinking orange?

A blinking orange light on your PS4 controller usually means that it’s charging while plugged into a power source or console that is in Rest Mode.

2. What does a solid orange light mean on my PS4 controller?

A solid orange light on your PS4 controller typically means that the console is in Rest Mode, and the controller is not actively charging.

3. Why is my PS5 controller blinking orange?

A blinking orange light on your PS5 controller signifies that the controller is charging. Once fully charged, the light will typically turn off.

4. Why does my PS5 controller blink orange then blue?

The PS5 controller may briefly flash blue or orange as it connects to the console. Blinking blue means it’s opening or trying to connect, while blinking orange means it’s charging.

5. How do I fix an orange light issue on my PS4 controller?

Try the following steps: connect the controller to another device, replace the USB cable, press the PS button repeatedly, re-sync the controller, reset the controller, replace the battery, or rebuild the PS4 database.

6. Why is my PS4 controller not connecting and showing an orange light?

This might indicate a low battery, a faulty USB cable, a sync issue, or a problem with the controller itself. Try troubleshooting steps like resetting the controller and using a new USB cable.

7. What does a yellow light on a PS4 controller mean?

A yellow light on a PS4 controller generally means that the controller is charging. It may also indicate that the controller is connected to a power source but is off.

8. What is the “yellow light of death” for a PS4 controller?

The term “yellow light of death” is used to describe when the controller’s yellow light is on, but the controller won’t power on, which may indicate an issue with the battery or internals of the controller.

9. Why is my PS5 controller’s light turning on and off?

A PS5 controller’s light may turn on and off when it is charging or connecting to the console. A brief flash may indicate that the controller is already fully charged.

10. My PS4 controller won’t charge, and the light is orange, what should I do?

Try a different USB cable and USB port, and make sure the PS4 is set to supply power to the USB ports in Rest Mode.

11. What does a blinking white light mean on a PS4 controller?

A blinking white light on a PS4 controller often indicates low battery or a connection issue. Charging the controller or attempting a reset might fix the issue.

12. How do I reset my PS4 or PS5 controller?

Use a small pin or unfolded paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the back of the controller for about 5 seconds.

13. Can dust or dirt affect my controller’s charging?

Yes, dust and dirt can affect the charging ports on your controller, so make sure they are clean and debris free.

14. Why is my PS5 controller not charging in Rest Mode?

Try using a different USB port, such as one of the rear ports. Some older units can have charging issues with the front port when in Rest Mode.

15. Is it normal for the controller to feel warm when charging?

Yes, it is normal for your controller to feel warm during charging. However, if it gets excessively hot, disconnect it immediately and check for potential battery issues.

Conclusion

Understanding the various light signals on your PlayStation controller, particularly the orange light, is crucial for maintaining a smooth gaming experience. By familiarizing yourself with the light patterns and troubleshooting techniques, you can address most issues that may arise. If, however, issues persist, consider reaching out to Sony’s customer support for assistance.

Why is my controller glowing orange?