Why Won’t My PS4 Controller Connect When Plugged In?
You’ve got your game ready, your console’s powered up, and you reach for your DualShock 4 controller, only to find it stubbornly refusing to connect even when plugged in. This frustrating issue is surprisingly common, and thankfully, there are several reasons why it might be happening. In short, a PS4 controller might not connect when plugged in due to a faulty USB cable, a damaged USB port, a depleted or malfunctioning controller battery, an issue with the controller’s pairing, or even a software glitch on either the console or the controller itself. Let’s delve deeper into each possibility and how to troubleshoot them.
Common Reasons Your Wired PS4 Controller Isn’t Connecting
1. The USB Cable Is the Culprit
The most frequent offender is a faulty USB cable. These cables, often used and bent, can develop internal damage over time that prevents them from properly transmitting data and power. Even if the cable seems physically intact, the wires inside may be broken. Ensure you’re using a USB cable that’s capable of both data and power transfer and that it’s in good condition. A charging-only USB cable will not work for pairing your controller.
- Troubleshooting: Try using a different USB cable known to work. If the controller connects with a different cable, the original cable is the problem.
2. Damaged USB Port
The problem might not be the cable but the USB port on either your PS4 console or the controller. Over time, USB ports can get damaged due to wear and tear, accidental impacts, or accumulated dust and debris. A damaged port will prevent the controller from establishing a wired connection.
- Troubleshooting: Try using a different USB port on your PS4. If your controller works in a different port, the original port is likely damaged. You can also carefully examine the ports for visible damage or debris.
3. Battery Issues
While connected via USB, your controller should theoretically be functional even with a dead battery. However, a severely depleted or malfunctioning battery can sometimes prevent the controller from establishing a solid connection. If the controller’s battery isn’t holding a charge effectively, it may struggle to power up and connect.
- Troubleshooting: Allow the controller to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to connect. This ensures there’s sufficient battery power to establish a connection.
4. Pairing Problems
The controller might be struggling to connect due to pairing issues, especially if it was recently used with another console or device. Even when using a USB cable for a wired connection, the pairing data can sometimes interfere with establishing a connection.
- Troubleshooting: You can try forcing the controller to re-pair by holding the PlayStation button and Share button simultaneously until the light bar begins flashing. Then, attempt to connect it via USB again. If that doesn’t work, a hard reset (described below) may be required.
5. Software or Firmware Glitches
Occasional glitches in either the PS4’s system software or the controller’s firmware can sometimes cause connection problems. This is less common but should be considered when other solutions haven’t worked.
- Troubleshooting: Try restarting your PS4 console. If the issue persists, you might need to update both your console’s system software and controller firmware, or as a last resort, restore your console’s system settings.
How to Fix a PS4 Controller That Won’t Connect When Plugged In: Step-by-Step
- Verify your USB cable: Use a different cable you know works for data and power transfer.
- Check the USB ports: Try different USB ports on both the controller and your console.
- Charge the controller: Connect the controller via USB to charge and try connecting again after 30 minutes.
- Force Re-Pair: Press and hold the PS button and Share button simultaneously, then attempt wired connection.
- Hard Reset your controller: Power down the PS4. Turn over the controller, find the small reset hole by the left shoulder button. Use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button inside for 5 seconds. Then, attempt to pair via USB.
- Restart the PS4: Fully restart your console.
- Update software: Make sure both the PS4 system software and the controller firmware are up-to-date.
- Restore system settings: If all else fails, restore the PS4 system settings to default. Remember this process is irreversible and will erase all of your saved settings, so use this as a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my PS4 controller blinking blue but not connecting?
A blinking blue light on your PS4 controller indicates that it’s attempting to pair with the console via Bluetooth. This is a normal pairing mode and not necessarily an error sign. However, if it’s blinking blue and failing to connect even when plugged in via USB, you likely have another underlying issue that needs troubleshooting as outlined above.
2. What does a solid blue light on a PS4 controller mean?
A solid blue light on a PS4 controller typically means it’s successfully connected to the PlayStation 4 console and ready to use.
3. How do I hard reset a PS4 controller?
To hard reset a PS4 controller, power down the console. Turn the controller over and find the small hole near the left shoulder button. Use a straightened paperclip to press and hold the button inside for about 5 seconds.
4. Do PS4 controllers light up when charging?
Yes, when charging, the light bar slowly pulses/blinks amber or orange to indicate that the controller is charging. Once fully charged, the light bar turns off.
5. Why is the orange light on my PS4 controller when I plug it in?
The orange light means your controller is charging when plugged in, especially while the PS4 is in rest mode. However, an abnormal slow-blinking orange light might also indicate a problem, such as a failing battery.
6. Can I use my phone charger to charge my PS4 controller?
Yes, you can use a phone charger with a compatible mini-USB cable to charge your PS4 controller as long as it is a decent-quality cable.
7. Why won’t my PS4 controller connect via USB after trying multiple cables?
If multiple cables fail, the issue is likely with your controller’s USB port or your console’s USB port, the controller’s battery, or a problem with the controller’s connection to the PS4 console, and you need to look into the troubleshooting steps above.
8. Can I use my phone as a PS4 controller?
Yes, via the PS Remote Play app, you can use your phone as a controller. Additionally, you can connect a physical DualShock 4 controller to your phone for gameplay.
9. What controllers work with PS4 besides the DualShock 4?
Several third-party controllers work with the PS4, including options from Nacon, Razer, and Hori. Each controller offers different features and designs. However, for the most reliable connection the original DualShock 4 controller is recommended.
10. Can I use a keyboard as a controller for PS4?
Yes, you can connect a keyboard and mouse to your PS4, but game support varies, so it’s not universally compatible.
11. Will resetting my PS4 delete everything?
Yes, restoring default system settings will delete all saved data and settings on your PS4. This should be a last resort for troubleshooting.
12. How do you soft reset a PS4?
To soft reset a PS4, simply unplug the power cord from the back of the console, wait 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. This will clear temporary settings.
13. How long does a PS4 controller last on one charge?
Typically, a DualShock 4 controller lasts for four to eight hours of play on a full charge, depending on usage.
14. How can I connect my PS4 controller without the PS button?
While the PS button is needed for initial pairing, once the controller is paired with the PS4, connecting via USB should automatically re-establish a connection, or power on the controller for a wireless connection if the controller is charged.
15. Can a worn-out cable prevent my controller from connecting?
Yes, a worn-out cable can indeed prevent your controller from connecting, even when plugged in. The cable could be faulty and not transferring data even if it’s providing power, or it might not be transmitting power correctly either. This is why trying different USB cables during troubleshooting is essential.