7 Ways to Fix a PS4 Controller That Won't Charge

PDF download Download Article
Try these methods if your PS4 controller isn't charging like it should
PDF download Download Article

Is your PS4 controller suddenly not charging? You don't have to run out and buy a replacement controller right away—there are a few reasons your controller might not be charging, from a dirty charging port to a glitch with the console itself. For whatever reason, if your PS4 controller is not charging, keep reading for 7 possible solutions on how to fix this issue.

Things You Should Know

  • Try power cycling the PS4 if your controller isn't charging. Also, make sure your console is set to charge the controllers in rest mode.
  • Clean the charging port or switch to a new one, change the cable, or try charging your controller upside-down. If all else fails, reset the controller.
1

Power Cycle the PS4

PDF download Download Article
  1. If nothing else works, try power cycling your console. This may help resolve any stubborn technological issues. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the console switches off. Then unplug the console. Let the console sit unplugged for 20 minutes. [1]
    • Hold the power button down for 30 seconds. After the console has had time to rest, press and hold the power button down while the console is still unplugged. Then plug the console in and turn it on.
    2. Advertisement
2

Check Power Save Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your console might not be set up to charge controllers while in rest mode (standby). Rest mode is when your console is asleep, but not completely shut off. Your controller should have a flashing orange light when it's charging; if you don't see that light when your controller is plugged into your sleeping console, you may need to adjust your console settings. [2]
    • Open your PS4 settings and navigate to Power Save Settings and select Set Features Available in Rest Mode . You should change Supply power to USB Ports to "Always."
3

Try Another Charging Port

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can help you determine if there's something wrong with the USB port on your console.
    2. Advertisement
4

Change the Cable

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check for fraying wires, cracked or chipped plastic casings, or damage to the micro-USB or Type-A USB plugs. If your cable is old or you're not sure where it originally came from, consider replacing it with a stronger cable. A USB cable made for charging PS4 controllers would be the best replacement to ensure the controller can charge.
    • Ensure the cable is the correct type. While they look the same, not every USB cable is made to do the same thing. Some cables are meant only for charging while some are meant for data transfer, and some charging cables can only transmit a certain amount of charge.
5

Examine the Charging Port

PDF download Download Article
  1. A dirty charging port on the controller may lead to charging problems. It's easy for dust, crumbs, and dirt to get caught in the charging port of your controller, which may inhibit the micro-USB plug from getting a good connection.
    • Clean the charging port using a can of compressed air. Carefully aim the air inside the controller's charging port and blow out any dirt or dust. Be sure to hold the can of compressed air straight up and down to avoid spraying any liquid into your controller, which could cause damage. You can also use a small brush to sweep away debris.
    2. Advertisement
6

Charge the Controller Upside Down

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may seem like a strange trick, but using gravity to your advantage may help pull debris out of the charging port or help the micro-USB plug seat inside the port better. Make sure you don't set the controller down in a position where the charging cable could get broken or bent.
    • While this method may work, it should be regarded as a temporary fix since it's not as convenient to charge your controller while it's upside down, and it doesn't fix the root cause of the issue.
7

Reset the Controller

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your controller's connection to the console might have been damaged. If you notice your controller is blinking a white light when you try to connect, there's a good chance the controller is not connected properly to your console anymore.
    • Disconnect the problematic controller by going to your PS4 settings and navigating to Devices > Bluetooth Devices . Scroll to the controller you want to remove and press the Options button on your controller, then select Forget Device . [3]
    • On the back of the controller under the left trigger button, there is a small hole. Press a toothpick into the hole and hold for 5 seconds to reset the controller . [4]
    • Press the PS button on your controller to reconnect it to your PS4.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If your controller is displaying any other light color than amber or orange when it is plugged in, it isn't charging. A flashing white light means the controller is trying to connect, and a blue, red, green, or pink light means the controller is connected to the console. [5]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • If none of the above methods work, check to see if your controller is still under warranty. If not, you will either have to replace it or have it repaired.
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 7
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      "No Bootable Devices Found" Error: 6 Easy Fixes
      11 Possible Fixes to Solve the "Mobile Network Not Available" Error on Android
      How to
      Completely Uninstall the Riot Games Client & Vanguard
      How to
      Easily Update Your Graphics Drivers on Windows or Mac
      8 Easy Fixes for iPhone Messages that Won't Finish Indexing
      Freeze & Crash a Chromebook with Simple URLs
      What Causes Green Lines on an iPhone Screen? Plus How to Fix Them
      How to
      Test the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in Your PC
      How to
      Fix Blinking Orange Light on Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
      How to
      Clean a CD Player
      How to
      Repair an Electric Fan
      11 Ways to Fix Windows PC Booting up With a Black Screen
      How to
      Increase Bass on a Windows PC or Mac Computer
      How to
      Fix and Replace a PopSocket Top, Funnel, and Base
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/cannot-start-playstation-safe-mode/
      2. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/settings/standbymode.html
      3. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/settings/bluetooth.html
      4. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/troubleshoot-dualshock-4
      5. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/basic/usecontroller.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 101,768 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement