Q&A for How to Charge a PS3 Controller

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I don't see a red light on my controller. How do I know when it's done charging?

Community Answer

If your PS3 Dual-Shock 3 is plugged in with the provided cord, you will know it is fully charged when there is no flashing of the red lights at all; there will either be a solid light or no light at all. If you're not seeing a light on, it's probably charged.

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Question

I lost my PS3 controller cable. How can I charge it?

Community Answer

The PS3 controller is compatible with all mini USB cables. You need to buy a new mini USB cable in order to charge it.

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Question

Why did the buttons on my controller stop working after I restarted the controller?

Community Answer

Did you re-sync your controller to your system? It's possible that the connection was lost.

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Question

Why does my controller blink when I plug in a cable?

Community Answer

The controller LED(s) blinking while plugged in with a cable indicates that the controller is charging. It will stop blinking once it is fully charged.

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Question

Does the PS3 need to be turned on?

Community Answer

Yes. In order for your PS3 controller to charge, the system must be turned on.

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Question

How long does it take to fully charge a dead ps3 controller?

Community Answer

About two hours to fully charge.

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Question

Is the light supposed to flicker continuously while charging?

Bhargav Chirravuri

Community Answer

It does flicker while charging. Nothing to worry about.

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Question

Where do I plug the USB cord in after plugging in to controller, in the back or the front?

Community Answer

Plug it in to one of the 2 USB slots on the front.

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Question

How will I know if the controller is not charged?

Community Answer

There will be a few red lights flashing on top of the controller to indicate the controller is charging. Only one solid light or no light at all means the controller is fully charged.

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Question

Can I charge my Playstation controller with a normal phone charger?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the adapter at the end of the cable is compatible.

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Question

How do I turn it on after it's been charged?

Community Answer

You press the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller. That's how you regularly turn it on anyway.

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Question

What number should the light be on when it's done charging?

Community Answer

It should be at 4 I believe, though hold the PS button and you'll probably see a bar show with 3 blips, meaning it's charged.

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Question

How do I know when it is done charging?

Community Answer

Either the lights on the controller will not blink, or the there will be no lights at all.

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Question

Could I charge the PS3 joystick without the console itself?

Community Answer

You can do that, but it is dangerous, as you will not be able to know how much it has been charged. It could be overloaded and cause damage to the battery.

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Question

Is there a way to charge it without leaving the PlayStation on, such as a using a plug?

Community Answer

You can plug it into your PC and use it that way to charge the controller.

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Question

What does it mean when the 4 red lights on my controller flash slowly twice and then flash rapidly about 3 times and just continue to do that?

Community Answer

Your power dropped from high to medium high. You have 100% charge at 4 lights, 3 lights means you have about 75% charge left, etc.

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Question

Can a PS3 controller only charge with a PS3?

Community Answer

No. Sometimes it will charge when you plug it into an adaptor, for example.

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Question

Only one light is blinking. Is it charging?

Community Answer

Yes. When one light is blinking red, it means it is charging the controller.

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Question

Does the PS3 controller need to be turned on when charging?

Community Answer

Yes it does. Once it's done charging, the player indicator will be a solid light.

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Question

What do I do if my charger flashes for a few seconds, then turns off when I plug it in?

Community Answer

That usually means it's fully charged.

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Question

Once my controller is charged, can it be used on a WiFi game?

Community Answer

No. Unfortunately, they put out a encrypted signal only PS3s can read. If you want to connect it to the internet, use the cord.

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Question

Will all four lights on the back of the PS3 controller stay on when it is charged and start to turn off in sequence as it loses charge?

Community Answer

Yes. 4 lights means 100%, 3 lights, 75%, and so on.

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Question

Does the controller need to be fully charged before use?

Community Answer

No, but it is recommended to fully charge the PS3 controller to extend playtime.

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Question

Why isn't the LED in my PS3 controller not blinking anymore?

Community Answer

it might be fully charged, or the cable might be broken.

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Question

What do I do if my PS3 controller doesn't work when the cable is removed?

Community Answer

According to Playstaion forums: 'Try shutting down your PS3 (all the way with the switch in the back). Then plug in your controller via USB, turn the PS3 on in the back and use the controller to turn the PS3 on. Hopefully that'll do it for you. Also, it wouldn't hurt while the PS3 is off to hit the reset button on the controller again (so there's no signal and it clears its self).' or get a new controller since the battery is probably dead.

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Question

How do I charge my PS3 controller on my PC?

Community Answer

Plug it in, simple as that. No runaround required. It should have no lights for a moment, then start flashing.

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Question

What if my PS3 controller won't charge?

Community Answer

Check your cable. You may need to buy another one. Any USB type A (big) to USB Mini (small, the end you plug into the controller) should work. And you can charge it from a computer, too. Don't waste money on something Sony branded when there are cheaper, longer cords that work just fine; doesn't have to say it works with it, just any cord that looks the same will work for the most part.

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Question

Will my PS3 controller charge if I plug it into a PC?

Community Answer

Yes, yes it will. Often they charge slower than they describe, but maybe that's just my PC.

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Question

Can I use a cell phone charger to charge my PS3 controller?

Community Answer

I really doubt your phone charger is micro usb; however, if it is, go for it. If it looks in any way different on the connector end, then no. Most phone cords nowadays are USB C, however older phones (we're talking about what we used just before type C), use type micro B, which is incompatible.

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