If you find that your PS4 controller is not connecting to your PS4, you may be dealing with a firmware issue, interference, bad battery, or a number of other issues. To help you solve this problem, let's start with the simplest solution.
The DualShock 4 is a great controller that can be used both wirelessly and with a USB cable and also works with many devices other than the PlayStation 4 such as an Android smartphone.
Why the PS4 controller does not connect to the PS4
Synchronization issues are the most common reason a PS4 controller fails to connect. The controller may have unsynchronized by itself or someone may have synced it to a different console or device. In some cases, a problem with the firmware may even prevent it from syncing properly.
In addition to syncing issues, you may have a faulty USB cable or battery problem. You need a USB cable that can transfer data and power to perform the synchronization process. Problems with worn cables and damaged USB ports can also prevent the controller from connecting.
Since PS4 controllers use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly, signal interference is also an issue you may face. If there are many wireless devices near your PS4, this may be preventing the controller from connecting.
How to do when a PS4 controller does not connect to the PS4
To understand why your PS $ controller isn't working properly, perform each of the following steps in order.
1. Use a USB cable. Your goal is probably to play wirelessly, but the first step is to make sure your controller is working well. If it works when connected to the PS4 with a USB cable, we at least know the controller is working and you can proceed.
2. Make sure the battery is working. If the controller doesn't turn on, try charging it. If it still doesn't turn on, even when connected to the PS4, we can suspect that the battery is to blame. To replace the battery of a PS4 controller, you need to disassemble the controller.
3. Check for a loose USB connection. With a USB cable connected to the controller, gently wiggle the connector. If it feels loose or comes out easily, there may be a problem with the plug or connector on the cable. You can take care of the latter, you can simply try a new cable, while as for the USB port you have to disassemble the controller.
If the connection is loose, check the outlet for dirt. You may be able to carefully remove debris with compressed air and a small toothpick or similar tool.
4. Test your USB cable. Before moving on, you'll need to make sure your USB cable is actually working. If the controller turns on when you plug it in, then the cable is working. However, it may provide power but not the data connection.
To make sure your USB cable works, try it with another device. Check if it works with a different PS4 controller, if you have one, or if you are able to use it to transfer data from a device like your phone to a computer. If the cable works for both data transfer and power, that probably isn't the problem.
5. Try a different USB cable. If you are unable to test the USB cable or the results are inconclusive, try connecting the controller to the PS4 using a different USB cable. If possible, use a high-quality micro USB cable that is sure to work for both data transfer and power.
If the cable works, you can proceed with trying to sync the controller.
6. Sync your PS4 controller. If your PS4 controller isn't synced with your console, it won't connect. You or someone else may have synced it to a different console in the past, or it may have unsynchronized.
If your controller doesn't sync right away, be sure to try both wireless and wired sync methods.
7. Disconnect the controller from other devices. Have you used your PS4 controller with a PC or Mac, have you connected it to your phone or have you used it with any device other than your PS4 console? If it's still connected to the original device, this may be preventing it from connecting to your PS4, especially if the other device is nearby and still trying to connect.If you have used the PS4 controller with something other than the PS4, be sure to remove it from the other device's Bluetooth connection list, turn off Bluetooth on the other device, or turn off the other device completely.
8. Remove sources of Bluetooth interference. If the controller turns on, but you can't sync it using the wired or wireless method, or if it loses connection quickly, you may have too much interference between your PS4 and the controller.
Try removing any nearby devices that use Bluetooth or that create interference on the same 2,402-2,4835 GHz band that your controllers rely on. You could also try moving the controller closer to the console. If doing so works, you are probably dealing with interference.
9. Reset the PS4 controller. This procedure can fix many PS4 controller problems, including connectivity issues. If possible, you should start with a soft reset, which requires access to a second PS4 controller that is working properly. If it doesn't work or you don't have a second controller, try a hard reset.
After resetting the controller, try pairing it with your console to see if it works.
Further Reading:
- How to Sync Nintendo Switch Controllers
- How to connect an Xbox controller to iPhone for gaming and more
- The best controllers for PC
- How to record on Play Station 4
- How to use a PlayStation 4 controller on Android
