Why is the Light of Death on my PS4 Controller Red?

The dreaded red light on your PS4 controller can be a source of panic for many gamers. It’s often referred to as the “light of death,” leading to immediate concerns about a malfunctioning device. However, the truth is more nuanced than a simple death sentence. The red light on your PS4 controller primarily indicates that it is the assigned controller for player two. It’s a feature, not necessarily a fault. However, a solid red light during charging or when you’re the primary player does warrant a closer look. Let’s break down the reasons behind the red light and what it could mean for your controller.

Understanding the Colors of Your PS4 Controller

Before diving into the specifics of the red light, it’s crucial to understand the color system of the DualShock 4 controller. When you press the PS button, the light bar illuminates with a uniquely assigned color that depends on the order in which each user connects.

• Blue: The first controller to connect is assigned the color blue. This is often the main controller or Player 1.
• Red: The second connected controller is assigned red, generally indicating Player 2.
• Green: The third connected controller is assigned green.
• Pink: The fourth connected controller is assigned pink.

This system is designed to help users easily identify which controller is associated with each player in multiplayer games or shared console setups.

When is Red Light Normal?

As highlighted above, a red light on your PS4 controller is perfectly normal when you’re logged in as player two. If you’re actively using the controller for gaming and it’s showing a red light, and you are indeed player two, then there’s nothing to worry about.

When Red Light Is Not Normal: Potential Issues

While it’s often just an identifier for player two, a red light can also signal a few different issues:

1. Low Battery: A red light on your PS4 controller can, in some instances, indicate that the battery is running low. However, this is not the standard behaviour. When the controller is charging, the light bar will usually pulse amber between white and amber and not red. If you notice a solid red light when trying to charge, it could indicate an issue with the battery.
2. Charging Issues: If your controller is struggling to charge, it might show a red light intermittently or solid when connected to a charger. This could stem from a faulty charging cable, a damaged USB port, or even problems within the controller itself, specifically the battery or power components.
3. Incorrect Settings or Account Issues: While not directly a problem with the controller, you might have accidentally logged into a secondary account, which would assign your controller a different color, usually red if you were player one on the primary account. Check the login status on your PS4 to make sure you are logged into the correct profile.
4. Potential Overheating: Although a solid red light on the console itself indicates an overheating issue and not the controller, if a controller is struggling to charge correctly, heat could be an issue and need to be further investigated. Ensure your console and controller are in a well-ventilated area to prevent over-heating.
5. Firmware Issues: A corrupted firmware on the controller could cause unusual light indications, including the red light. Sometimes a reset can remedy this.

Troubleshooting a Red Light on Your PS4 Controller

If you’re experiencing a red light that seems unusual, here’s what you can try:

1. Check Your Player Status: First, make sure you are logged in to the correct player profile. You might be logged into a secondary account, which has assigned your controller the red color. Check this by pressing and holding the PS button and look for the account details in the menu that appears.
2. Charge Your Controller: Plug your controller into a working power source with a known good cable. Observe the light bar behavior. If it is charging correctly, it will pulse amber until the controller is fully charged.
3. Test a Different USB Cable: Sometimes a faulty USB cable is to blame. Try using a different USB cable that is confirmed to be working, specifically one that is for data and not just power.
4. Try a Different Power Source: If the controller still won’t charge, plug the USB cable into a power adapter and see if that resolves the charging issue. If you get amber pulsing, you have ruled out the cable as the issue.
5. Inspect and Clean the Charging Port: Check the charging port on your controller for any debris or damage. You can use a small brush or compressed air to carefully clean it.
6. Reset Your Controller: Turn over the DualShock 4 controller and locate the small hole near the left shoulder button. Insert a paper clip or a similar thin object to push the button inside for about 5 seconds. This will reset your controller, which could resolve firmware-related problems.
7. Sync Your Controller Again: If a reset does not resolve your issue, attempt to sync your controller again by pressing and holding the PS and Share button to put it into sync mode. Then navigate to your PS4’s Bluetooth settings and select your controller from the list.
8. Battery Replacement: In the even that the controller does not charge or it discharges too quickly after you have tried the steps above it may indicate a battery issue. Purchasing a replacement battery for your controller might be necessary to resolve the issue.

FAQs: PS4 Controller Red Light and More

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand your PS4 controller better:

1. What does a red light on my PS4 controller mean during gameplay?

Generally, a red light during gameplay signifies that the controller is assigned as Player 2. It is part of the PlayStation’s multiplayer controller identification system.

2. Why is my PS4 controller red when charging?

If your PS4 controller is exhibiting a solid red light while charging it could indicate either that the battery is severely depleted and it is struggling to charge, or that the battery has failed and needs to be replaced. It should usually be pulsing amber. Check the cable, charger and controller port for issues before concluding the battery has failed.

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

When charging, the light bar on your PS4 controller should slowly pulse amber, fading continuously between white and amber. Once fully charged, the light bar will turn off.

4. My PS4 controller light is orange; what does that mean?

An orange light on the controller itself is not typical and may suggest an issue with the controller’s firmware. Try resetting the controller or, if the console light is orange this means your PS4 is in rest mode or is charging while powered off. An orange light that is blinking indicates that the controller is plugged into charge.

5. What does a white light on my PS4 mean?

A white light on your PS4 console usually indicates that it’s booting up or shutting down. If the white light is blinking and then changes to blue, it could signal an error or boot up failure. If the light continues to blink white there may be further issues that need investigating on the main console.

6. Can I use an iPhone charger to charge my PS4 controller?

No, you cannot use an iPhone Lightning cable. The PS4 controller uses a micro USB cable. However, you can use an iPhone charging brick or any USB power source with a Micro USB cable.

7. How do I reset my PS4 controller?

To reset your controller, turn it over and locate the small hole near the left shoulder button. Use a paper clip to push the button inside for about 5 seconds. This will perform a hard reset.

8. Why won’t my PS4 controller connect?

If your controller won’t connect, try a different USB cable, reset the controller, or sync it again through the Bluetooth settings on the PS4.

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

A fully charged DualShock 4 controller typically lasts for four to eight hours of gameplay, although performance may degrade with age and usage.

10. What does a pink light on my PS4 controller mean?

A pink light indicates that the controller is assigned as Player 4.

11. Why is my PS4 not turning on?

A PS4 that is not turning on may have a software issue such as corrupt files or an incomplete update. Or it could be a hardware problem with the power supply or hard drive. You can troubleshoot it through the console’s safe mode.

12. What is the “red line of death” on the PS4?

The “red line of death” is not related to the controller. It refers to the console itself overheating, which may be indicated by a red light on the PS4 console.

13. How do I sync my PS4 controller?

To sync, press and hold both the SHARE button and the PS button until the light bar flashes. Then, navigate to your PS4’s Bluetooth settings and select your controller from the list.

14. What is the most common cause of a red light on the console’s power supply?

The most common cause is an overheated power supply. Letting the power supply cool often corrects this problem.

15. What does a blinking orange light on my PS4 console mean?

A blinking orange light on your PS4 console indicates that the controller is charging while the console is off.

Conclusion

While the red light on your PS4 controller might initially cause concern, it’s often just an indicator that you’re Player 2. By understanding the color system, troubleshooting common issues, and consulting these FAQs, you can keep your controller and PS4 operating smoothly. Remember, a red light is not always a sign of doom and can be easily managed with the right approach. Happy gaming!