In the golden age of gaming, tangled controller cables were a constant source of frustration. Thankfully, wireless controllers have freed us from these shackles.
But what happens when your PS5’s DualSense wireless controller, with its excellent haptic feedback and immersive speaker, refuses to charge? Here’s what to try if your PS5 controller is giving you charging grief:
1. Alternate Port Troubleshooting:
Some users have reported issues with the console’s front USB-A port. If your controller isn’t charging there, try plugging it into the rear USB-A port instead.
2. Cable Check:
A faulty charging cable is a common culprit. Try charging another device, like a smartphone, with the same cable. If it charges the phone, the cable is likely okay. If not, you’ll need a new cable.
3. USB Port Cleaning:
Dust and debris can accumulate in the USB ports, hindering proper connection. Carefully clean the USB-C port on your controller and the USB-A port on your PlayStation with a can of compressed air.
4. Try a Different Charger:
The issue might lie with the power source itself. If your controller doesn’t charge from the PS5, try using a wall charger or a different powered device with a USB port, like a computer. If a different power source works, the problem might be with the PS5’s USB ports. For charging stations, try going for a different power supply unit.
5. Remove Controller Accessories:
External battery packs or headphones connected to your controller might interfere with charging. Try removing any accessories to see if that resolves the issue.
6. Soft Reset:
A soft reset might nudge your controller back into proper charging mode. Use the PS button to navigate the PS5 menus (if your controller has some charge) and perform the following steps:
- Select Controller.
- Choose the controller you want to reset.
- Select Turn Off.
- Wait 10 seconds or more, then press and hold the PS button to restart the controller.
- Try charging it again after the soft reset.
7. Hard Reset:
If a soft reset doesn’t work, you can try a hard reset using the reset button on the controller:
- Turn off your PS5 and disconnect the controller.
- Use a pin or similar tool to press and hold the reset button near the Sony logo on the back of the controller.
- Hold the button for five seconds or more, then release it.
- Your controller is now reset.
- Connect the controller to your PS5 with the help of a USB cable, and then press the PS button to pair it again.
- Try charging the controller again.
8. Remove and Reconnect Your PS5 Controller:
Sometimes, removing and reconnecting your controller via Bluetooth can fix charging issues. You’ll need to be able to navigate the PS5 settings menu, so if your controller is completely dead, you’ll need to connect it via USB first. Here’s how to remove and reconnect:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Accessories.
- Under General, choose Bluetooth Accessories.
- Pick the controller you want to remove.
- Select Delete and confirm with OK.
- Restart your PS5.
- Connect your PS5 controller via USB and press the PS button to register it again.
- See if the controller charges now.
9. Check the Rest Mode Settings:
By default, your PS5 will charge a connected controller via USB in Rest Mode. However, a power-saving setting can turn power to the USB ports during Rest Mode. You can also limit the time the PS5 provides power to the USB ports. Here’s how to check and adjust these settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Choose Power Saving from the left-hand menu.
- Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Change Supply Power to USB Ports to Always or 3 Hours.
- Try charging your PS5 controller in Rest Mode again.
10. Firmware Updates:
Sony releases firmware updates to fix bugs and glitches in PS5 controllers. Updating the firmware might resolve your charging issue. Firmware updates usually happen automatically, but you can check for updates manually:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Accessories.
- In the left-hand menu, choose Controller (General).
- You’ll see if your DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software is up to date.
- If not, connect the controller to your PS5 via USB.
- You should see a message about a software update being available.
- Once completed, try charging your PS5 controller again.
11. System Software Update:
Outdated PS5 system software might also be causing the charging problem. Here’s how to update the system software:
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- In System Software settings, select System Software Update and Settings.
- You’ll see if your PS5 software is up to date next to Update System Software.
- If it isn’t, select Update System Software.
- Choose Update Using Internet.
- Once Updated has been applied, try charging again.
12. Contact Support:
If none of these solutions work, the problem might be with the controller itself. The battery might be faulty, or there could be another hardware issue. Contact PlayStation Support to see if your controller can be repaired or replaced, especially if it’s still under warranty. Even if it’s not under warranty, PlayStation support might still be able to offer additional troubleshooting steps.
Final Thoughts
A fully charged PS5 controller is essential for an uninterrupted gaming experience. By following this guide, you’ve armed yourself with twelve solutions to tackle any charging issues you might encounter.
Remember to work through the steps methodically, checking each potential culprit before moving on to the next. In most cases, a simple fix like cleaning the ports, using a different cable, or updating the firmware should get your controller juiced up and ready to go. Happy gaming!
FAQ’s
Q. How do I know if my PS5 controller is not charging?
A. If your controller is not charging, you might notice that the PS5 controller indicator light does not turn on when connected to a power source.
Q. How can I troubleshoot charging issues with my PS5 controller?
A. If you are experiencing charging issues with your PS5 controller, try using a different charging cable or connecting it to a different device to check if the problem is with the cable or the controller itself.
Q. How do I check if my PS5 controller is charging wirelessly?
A. To check if your PS5 controller is charging wirelessly, ensure that it is correctly placed on the charging station and that the charging indicator is illuminated.
