I love to play video games on my PS4 when I can.
But last Saturday it was a big fail!
See, my PS4 controller didn’t feel like connecting to my PS4.
So, better hope for the next day?
Hell no!
Right then and there, I found some creative fixes.
Read on to find out:
- How to charge your controller without using the USB port.
- Why a standard USB is so important for your PS4 controller.
- How to hard reset your PS4 controller by simply using a paperclip.
- And lots more…
Why your PS4 won’t connect?
Your PS4 controller won’t connect because of a faulty battery or broken USB port. Another reason could be that it’s still connected to a different device. A malfunctioning USB cable can also be the cause.
How to fix a PS4 controller that won’t connect? 6 easy ways
#1: Turning the PS4 OFF and ON
Picture this: your PS4 console is feeling a bit overwhelmed, juggling all those virtual worlds and high scores.
Sometimes, it just needs a breather.
So, simply turn your console OFF and ON.
While the PS4 is ON, simply do these 5 easy steps:
- Find the Power button.
- Press and hold it for about 7 seconds.
- Let the Power button go when you see “Preparing to turn off the PS4” on your TV screen.
- Wait until it’s completely turned OFF.
- After that, turn it ON again by pressing the Power button.
Voila!
Your console is restarted, and the stage is set for the reunion with your controller.
For some visual guidance on how to restart your PS4, you can check out this helpful video:
#2: Remove the PS4 controller from other devices
Ensuring your PS4 controller is correctly disconnected from other devices is essential for seamless gaming experiences.
See, I often use the PS4 controller for my Windows PC.
And when the time comes I want to play on my PS4, I often forget it’s still connected to my computer.
As a result, the controller won’t connect to the PS4.
In that case, unlink it from other devices.
And to top it up, turn off all other devices’ Bluetooth if they’re open in the same room.
This ensures that other devices won’t interfere with the wireless connectivity.
By following the tips above, you’ll ensure your PS4 controller is ready to pair with your gaming console without any interruption.
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#3: Perform a soft reset
If you find your PS4 controller becoming unresponsive, performing a soft reset can often do the trick.
But for this fix, you’ll need a second working controller.
If you don’t have a second one, simply go to the next fix.
Otherwise, do the following 6 steps on your PlayStation 4:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Devices.
- Choose Bluetooth devices.
- Select the problematic controller and press the Options button from the controller.
- A new menu shows up, and you need to select Forget device.
- Confirm by selecting OK.
Note: An active controller should show a green dot on the screen. An inactive one has a grey dot.
Once done, turn off your PS4, disconnect the power cord, and wait for a couple of minutes.
Next, reconnect the power cord and power on your console,
Finally, connect your troubled controller via a USB cable and press the PlayStation button.
Voila!
Your controller should be back to its responsive self.
#4: Charge the controller via the USB or EXT port
If your PS4 controller has a low or empty battery, it may not be able to turn ON.
Make sure you connect your USB cable so it gets the juice it needs.
It will take roughly 2 hours to fully charge a PS4 controller.
But what to do when the USB port is broken or faulty, and the controller simply won’t charge?
Throw it away, and get a new one?
Not yet!
See, I found an alternative fix by using the ext port.
It’s located at the bottom of the PS4 controller.
This ext port serves as a handy alternative for charging when the standard USB port starts letting you down.
And this one lets you even charge two controllers at a time.
This workaround allows you to bypass a faulty USB port and keep your controller juiced up and ready for countless gaming adventures.
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#5: Perform a hard reset
Ah, even our electronic friends need a little nudge sometimes.
If your PS4 controller is acting weird, it might be time for a hard reset.
A lot of times, this trick will solve the issue, and it’s simple to do with these 3 steps:
- Flip the PS4 controller and locate a tiny button close to the L2 button.
- Once located, get a paperclip and gently press and hold the button for about 5 seconds.
- Release the button.
Done!
Now, let’s see if the connection springs back to life by pressing the PlayStation button on the controller.
The light bar should turn blue after the connection has been fixed.
Next, connect the PS4 controller to the console using a USB cable.
Then press the iconic PS button and hold your breath.
Will they reunite?
Lo and behold, if the controller’s light bar glows blue, celebrate!
If not, it could be a faulty USB cable.
If so, proceed to the last method.
#6: Use the Correct USB Cable
The USB cable is the unsung hero of connectivity.
But not all cables are created equal.
To ensure a smooth connection, you must choose the correct USB cable for this magical pairing.
Don’t be fooled by impostors.
If your current cord doesn’t work, try using another one.
Look for a cable that is compatible with your PS4 controller and complies with the USB standard.
For example, this type will work perfectly.
Then press the PlayStation button on the controller to see if it works.