Table of Contents

Why Is My PS4 Controller Not Charging? Troubleshooting and Solutions

Quick answer

This page answers Why is my PS4 not charging? quickly.

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.

▶

It’s incredibly frustrating when your PS4 controller refuses to charge. You’re ready for an epic gaming session, but your trusty DualShock 4 is stubbornly refusing to power up. The issue could stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple fixes to more complex hardware problems. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of potential reasons why your PS4 controller isn’t charging, and how to troubleshoot each one:

A Direct and Comprehensive Answer:

At its core, your PS4 controller not charging boils down to a break in the power supply chain. This can originate from the following:

Charging Port Issues: The micro-USB charging port on your controller might be damaged or obstructed.
Faulty Cable: The USB charging cable itself could be the problem, either physically damaged or malfunctioning.
PS4 USB Port Problems: The USB ports on your PS4 console might not be providing power correctly.
Battery Problems: The controller’s battery may be old, degraded, or faulty.
Software/Settings Issues: Incorrect power settings on your PS4 may be preventing the controller from charging.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these possible problems and outline how to address them.

Troubleshooting Your Non-Charging PS4 Controller

Charging Port Problems

A common cause is an issue with the controller’s charging port.

Check for Obstructions: Carefully inspect the micro-USB port for any debris or lint buildup. Use a toothpick or a can of compressed air to remove any obstructions.
Look for Physical Damage: Examine the port for any signs of damage such as bent pins or corrosion. If the port appears damaged, you may need professional repair.
Test Another Controller: If you have a second controller, try charging it to see if the problem is specific to one controller or the console.

Faulty Charging Cable

A damaged USB cable is another frequent offender.

Inspect the Cable: Check for any breaks, kinks, or exposed wires along the cable’s length.
Try Another Cable: Use a different micro-USB cable you know works to rule out cable problems. If another cable charges your controller, then you know your original cable is the issue.
Test with Multiple Devices: You can test the suspicious cable with other devices to see if it works correctly on other devices or not.

PS4 USB Port Problems

The USB ports on your console itself might be the root of the problem.

Test Other Ports: Try using a different USB port on your PS4 to rule out a port-specific issue.
PS4 Power Settings: On your console, ensure that the “Supply Power to USB Ports” setting is enabled. This can be adjusted under Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode. You can select “Always” or “3 Hours.” If set to off, then charging won’t happen in standby.
Check for Damaged Ports: Just as with the controller, look for physical damage to the USB ports of the PS4.
Power Cycle the Console: Unplug the PS4 from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This can often resolve minor glitches that might affect the USB ports.

Battery Issues

The rechargeable battery in your DualShock 4 has a finite lifespan.

Battery Degradation: Over time, the battery’s ability to hold a charge diminishes. If your controller is old, this might be the reason it’s not charging well.
Complete Drain: If the controller is left for long time and completely drains, the controller might need a few hours on charge to revive.
Hard Reset: Try hard resetting your controller. Use a small pin or paper clip to press the reset button located in the tiny hole near the left shoulder button on the back of the controller. Hold the button for at least five seconds.
Battery Replacement: If the battery is severely degraded, you may need to replace the battery.

Software/Settings Issues

Sometimes, the problem might be due to PS4 software settings.

Rest Mode Settings: If your controller is not charging while the system is in rest mode, verify that the “Supply Power to USB Ports” option is enabled in your system’s power save settings.
System Update: Keep your PS4 system software up to date. An outdated software version could possibly cause charging issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further assist you with resolving your PS4 controller charging issues.

1. How do I know if my PS4 controller is charging?

When charging, the light bar on the controller will slowly blink or pulse amber. The light will fade between white and amber while charging and turn off when fully charged. The battery level will also be displayed on-screen when you press and hold the PS button.

2. Why is my PS4 controller blinking orange but not charging?

A blinking orange light means the controller is charging in rest mode. If it’s not charging, verify the “Supply Power to USB Ports” setting as described earlier. Also, check your charging cable and try another PS4 USB port.

3. What color should the PS4 controller be when charging?

The light bar should pulse amber or orange slowly while charging.

4. How long does it take a dead PS4 controller to fully charge?

It takes approximately two hours to fully charge a completely dead controller.

5. Can I charge my PS4 controller with a phone charger?

Yes, you can. Ensure your phone charger has the correct voltage/amp rating. Typically, 5V/1A should be fine. Avoid using chargers with excessively high output to prevent damage.

6. Why won’t my PS4 motion controller charge?

The troubleshooting steps are the same as the DualShock 4 controller. Check the charging port and USB cable for damage, try a different cable, and test different ports on the PS4 console.

7. My PS4 controller light isn’t changing color when charging. What do I do?

Try an alternate USB charging cable. If that doesn’t work, attempt to reset the controller as described before and also check for damage on the charging port.

8. How do I hard reset a PS4 controller?

Locate the small hole on the back of the controller near the left shoulder button. Use a paperclip or a similar object to press the button inside the hole for at least five seconds.

9. How long does a PS4 controller battery last on one charge?

A DualShock 4 controller typically lasts for four to eight hours of playtime on a full charge.

10. Can I charge my PS4 controller without using the PS4 console?

Yes, you can charge a PS4 controller from a laptop, PC, or using a phone charger. You will need a USB cable to do so.

11. What is the reset button on the back of the PS4 controller for?

The reset button restarts the controller, which can help with various issues, including charging and connectivity problems.

12. My controller won’t connect to the PS4 even when charging. What can I do?

Try a different USB cable, reset your controller, and ensure both the console and controller are updated to the latest software.

13. Does the orange light stay on when charging a PS4 controller?

The orange light blinks slowly while charging and will turn off when fully charged. The light bar does not stay on solid orange.

14. How do I get my PS4 controller to charge if it’s unresponsive?

Try all the steps listed above: check the charging port, try a different cable, reset the controller, test all of the PS4’s USB ports, make sure power to USB ports is on in settings, and finally, test with another controller.

15. My PS4 is also not powering on, could that be related to the controller not charging?

If your PS4 is not powering on, the controller being unable to charge may be a symptom of a larger issue. Troubleshoot your console using the methods above such as power cycling. If this does not work, consult a professional technician.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a non-charging PS4 controller can seem daunting, but methodically checking each component of the power chain can help you find the cause. By systematically working through these solutions, you should be able to get your DualShock 4 controller back up and running, ensuring you can return to your favorite games as quickly as possible. If none of these tips work, it’s likely time to contact Sony support or consider professional repair.