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Why Won’t My PS4 Controller Charge with Micro USB? Troubleshooting Guide

So, you’re staring at that blinking (or not blinking) light on your DualShock 4 controller, frustration building as it refuses to charge via micro USB. Don’t despair! The culprit could be a few things, and thankfully, most are easily fixable. In short, a PS4 controller might not charge via micro USB because of a faulty cable, a damaged charging port (on either the controller or the console), a depleted battery, software glitches, or even just simple debris blocking the connection.

Let’s dive deeper into these potential problems and, more importantly, how to solve them.

Understanding the PS4 Controller Charging System

The PS4 controller relies on a standard micro USB cable (specifically Micro Type-B) to receive power. This cable connects to a USB port on your PS4 console, a wall adapter, or even your computer. The charging process is indicated by an orange blinking/pulsing light bar on the controller. When fully charged, the light bar turns off.

Common Reasons for Charging Issues

Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent reasons why your PS4 controller might refuse to charge, along with detailed solutions:

Faulty Micro USB Cable: This is the most common issue. Cables can wear out, get damaged internally, or simply be incompatible.
- Solution: Try a different micro USB cable known to be working. Ideally, use the cable that came with your PS4 or a high-quality alternative. Test the cable with other devices to confirm its functionality.
Damaged Charging Port (Controller): The micro USB port on the controller itself is delicate and can become damaged from frequent use, accidental force, or debris.
- Solution: Carefully inspect the port for any visible damage, bent pins, or debris. If you see debris, use a toothpick or compressed air to gently remove it. If the port is physically damaged, you might need to have it repaired or replaced. Some users report success using a small needle to gently realign bent pins, but this is risky and could cause more damage.
Damaged USB Port (Console): Similarly, the USB ports on your PS4 console can also become damaged.
- Solution: Try different USB ports on your PS4. If one port isn’t working, another might.
Software Glitches: Occasionally, a software glitch can interfere with the charging process.
- Solution: Try resetting your PS4 controller. Locate the small hole on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Use an unfolded paperclip to press and hold the button inside for about 5 seconds. Then, reconnect the controller to your PS4 via USB.
- Also, consider restarting your PS4 console. This often resolves temporary software issues.
Deeply Depleted Battery: If the controller has been left unused for a long time, the battery might be deeply discharged, and it might take longer than usual to start charging.
- Solution: Leave the controller plugged in for a longer period, even if it doesn’t immediately show signs of charging. Try plugging it into a wall adapter instead of the PS4, as wall adapters often provide more consistent power.
Debris in the Charging Port: Dust, lint, and other debris can accumulate in the micro USB port, preventing proper contact.
- Solution: Use a can of compressed air or a toothpick to carefully clean out the port. Be gentle to avoid damaging the pins inside.
Incompatible Charger: While many USB chargers will work, some may not provide enough power to charge the controller effectively.
- Solution: Use a charger specifically designed for USB devices or the official PS4 charging cable and console ports.
Firmware Issues: Outdated controller firmware can sometimes cause charging problems.
- Solution: Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date. The controller firmware updates along with the system software.

More Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above solutions don’t work, consider these more advanced options:

Try Charging with a Wall Adapter: Plug the micro USB cable into a USB wall adapter (like the one you use for your phone) and connect it to the controller. This isolates the charging process from the PS4 console and can help determine if the issue is with the console’s USB ports.
Check for Physical Damage: Carefully inspect the entire controller for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or loose parts.
Consider Professional Repair: If you’ve exhausted all other options, it might be time to take your controller to a professional repair shop.

FAQs: PS4 Controller Charging Woes

Here are some frequently asked questions about PS4 controller charging issues:

Can I use any micro USB cable to charge my PS4 controller? Yes, you can, but it’s recommended to use a high-quality cable. A low-quality cable might not provide sufficient power or could be more prone to damage. The article mentions: “Along with this, the offered PS4 controller charging cable features a standard Type-A USB connector on one end and a Micro Type-B connector on the other. This PS4 controller charging cable is available in the 14.2 x 7.8 x 2.9 cm dimension.”
How do I know if my PS4 controller is charging? When the controller is charging, the light bar will slowly blink/pulse orange. When charging is complete, the light bar turns off. The charge level also appears on-screen when you press and hold the PS button.
Why won’t my charger fit into my PS4 controller? Check the micro USB port on the controller for obstructions, bent pins, or damage. Use a toothpick or compressed air to carefully remove any debris.
Can I charge my PS4 controller with a phone charger? Yes, you can, as long as the phone charger uses a micro USB cable and provides sufficient power. As stated in the article, “If your phone uses a mini USB cable of decent quality then you can easily charge your ps4 (dualshock)controller using your cable and your phone’s power brick.”
What color should the PS4 controller be when charging? The light bar slowly blinks/pulses amber (a shade of orange) while charging.
Is my PS4 controller supposed to blink blue when charging? A blinking blue light usually indicates that the controller is trying to pair with the console. It’s not directly related to charging.
Why does my PS4 controller only charge at a certain angle? This likely indicates a loose or damaged charging port on the controller. The port might need repair or replacement.
What type of micro USB does the PS4 controller use? The PS4 controller uses a standard Micro Type-B USB connector.
How long does a dead PS4 controller take to charge? It takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge a dead PS4 controller. As stated in the article, “It takes approximately 2 hours to charge the controller when the battery has no remaining charge.”
Can you overcharge a PS4 controller? No, modern devices like the PS4 controller have built-in protection circuits that prevent overcharging. The article mentions: “Batteries today that are rechargeable have a built in off switch when they get to 100% and wont start charging again until they drop to 96-98% (for most brands).”
Why won’t my PS4 controller connect? The controller might be desynced. Try resetting the controller or re-pairing it with the console. See the “Software Glitches” troubleshooting above.
How do I charge my controller in rest mode? Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and set “Supply Power to USB Ports” to “Always” or “3 Hours”.
How long does a PS4 controller last on a single charge? Typically, the DualShock 4 lasts for four to eight hours of play per charge, with most users reporting battery life closer to the lower end of that range.
Is micro USB the same as USB-C? No, micro USB and USB-C are different connectors. USB-C is newer, faster, and more versatile. As noted in the original article, “USB-C is the faster connector, incorporating USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 technologies to transfer data between 5 Gbps (gigabits-per-second) and 10 Gbps.”
What is PS4 rest mode? Rest mode allows your PS4 to operate at lower power consumption while still downloading files and charging controllers. As stated in the article, “When your PS4™ system is in rest mode, it keeps operating, but at a lower power consumption. You can set the system to download files and charge a controller while it’s in rest mode.”

Conclusion

Charging issues with your PS4 controller can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the potential causes, you can often find a solution. Remember to check the cable, ports, and controller itself for damage, and don’t forget to try resetting the controller and console. And if you are interested in learning more about gaming and education check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be back to gaming in no time!

Why won’t my PS4 controller charge with micro USB?