PS4 Controller Disconnecting? 12 Reasons & Easy Fixes

PDF download Download Article
Simple tricks to keep your controller connected to your PlayStation 4 console
PDF download Download Article

Are you trying to play your PS4 but your controller keeps disconnecting? There are several things you can do to prevent your controller from losing its connection to the console. This wikiHow article will teach you why your PS4 controller keeps disconnecting from the console and offer simple troubleshooting steps and fixes for a more reliable connection.

Things You Should Know

  • The most common reason for a PS4 controller to disconnect is low battery, so check your battery status before trying other troubleshooting steps.
  • By default, the controller turns off if it's idle for some time, which may be why your controller is disconnecting.
  • A good idea is to try connecting your controller with another PS4 so you can isolate the issue to your controller or console.
1

Check your battery.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A low battery is the most common reason a PS4 controller keeps disconnecting from a console. You can check your battery life by pressing the PS button to open the Quick Menu and look for the battery icon on the far left side of your screen.
    • If it's low (like 1 bar is left), plug it in and let it charge for a while to see if that solves your issue. If not, continue to the following troubleshooting steps.
    2. Advertisement
2

Change the Power Save settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can disable this setting if you don't want your controller to keep disconnecting. To do this, go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off > Never .
    • Keep in mind that lengthening this time before the controller turns off or disabling the feature completely means that your controller's battery will drain faster.
3

Get closer to the PS4.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're over 30 feet away from the console, your connection may keep dropping. Move your controller closer to your console to stop your controller from disconnecting.
    2. Advertisement
4

Test the controller on another console.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Not everyone can access another PS4, but this step can help you identify if your controller or console is to blame. If you can, use a friend's PS4 to connect your controller and see if your controller keeps disconnecting.
    • If your controller doesn't stay connected to your friend's PS4, then you know the problem is with your controller.
    • If your controller stays connected, you'll know the issue is your console.
5

Restart your PS4.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you can still use your controller, press the PS button and go to Power > Restart PS4 . If your controller isn't working at all, press and hold the Power button on your console. Press the button again once all the lights and fans are off.
    • If you see an orange light, your console went into Rest mode and didn't completely shut down.
    2. Advertisement
6

Disconnect and reconnect your controller.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will work if you have a second controller, including a PS Move controller or PS VR.
    • Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices > Your Controller > Forget Device .
    • Turn off your PS4.
    • Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable.
    • Press the PS button on the controller for about 3 seconds, and it should automatically pair .
    • If the controller doesn't pair, you can pair it the normal way .
7

Check for wireless interference.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure this isn't the issue by turning off your other wireless devices, using their wired versions, or moving away from those objects.
    • This includes any metal objects between your console and controller, like shelving.
    • Don't forget that having Bluetooth enabled on your phone can also be an issue.
    2. Advertisement
8

Update the software.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to Settings and see if an update is available for your PS4. If an update is ready, download and install the update .
9

Check the USB cable.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the USB connection is loose on either end or the cable is damaged, replacing the cable should make your controller stop disconnecting.
    2. Advertisement
10

Reset your controller.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This clears out its memory cache and gets rid of any glitches that can cause your controller to disconnect randomly. All you need to do is turn off your PS4 and press the recessed button (using something like a straightened paperclip) for about 5 seconds to reset your controller .
    • Resetting the controller will not affect your PS4. Only settings that apply to your controller will change. As in, you'll need to pair it again with your console.
11

Switch from wireless to wired.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your controller connects automatically with Bluetooth, you can force your console to use USB instead. Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers > Communication Method > Use USB Cable .
    • You can easily purchase longer USB cables from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy to enjoy using a wired connection from the comfort of your couch.
    2. Advertisement
12

Contact Sony for help.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-My-PS4-Controller-Keep-Disconnecting-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Normally, DualShock controllers have a 1-year warranty that covers any hardware damage. If you're still in warranty and none of these troubleshooting steps worked, try contacting customer support for hardware repairs . If you've determined that the problem is related to your console, you may also be able to get it repaired.


Expert Q&A

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

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      6 Easy Ways to Use Shortcut Keys to Shut Down a Windows PC
      4 Easy Ways to Paste Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts
      How to
      Make a Zip File
      How to
      Select All
      How to Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Restart Windows 10
      How to Copy and Paste on Any Device
      How to Reset Your Graphics Drivers
      How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More
      How to
      Bring an Off Screen Window Back on Windows
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How To Refresh a Webpage: Desktop & Mobile
      How to
      Copy and Paste a Link
      How to
      Change Your Desktop Background in Windows
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,981 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement