Updated 06 December 2018

How to fix DUALSHOCK 4 controller issues

  • Accessories :
  • Controller, Headset & PlayStation Camera

Find out how to reset a DUALSHOCK4 (DS4) controller, pair (connect) a DS4 with your PS4 system and how to arrange a warranty repair for a broken DS4.

If you are having issues with your DS4 settings, such as audio output to headphones, volume, vibration or charging times, please visit the DS4 settings guide.

DS4 settings guide

DS4 controller light blinking orange

If your DS4 is blinking orange and won't turn on, please follow the steps below.

DS4 buttons/triggers are stuck

To check if you are eligible for a warranty repair, please visit the Fix & Replace diagnostic tool.

DS4 controller won't connect to PS4

If you are having trouble pairing a DS4 with your PS4 system, try each of the troubleshooting steps below.

DS4 controller won’t turn on

If your DS4 controller won't turn on, try using a different USB cable and adjusting your DS4 settings.

Fix & Replace
 
 

Connect the DS4 using a different USB cable

  1. Try connecting the DS4 to the PS4 using another USB cable.
  2. Try connecting the DS4 to each of the USB ports on the PS4 system.
  3. If you have another DS4 controller, attempt to connect it to the PS4.
  4. Try to connect the controller to a different PS4, or a computer with PlayStation Now, to ensure the PS4 system is not the issue.

If it looks like your DS4 controller or a USB port on the PS4 system is faulty, please visit the Fix & Replace diagnostic tool to check if your hardware is eligible for an under-warranty repair.

 
 

‘Forget’ the DS4 and pair with the PS4 system

If your DS4 controller won't pair with your PS4 system, follow the steps below to re-pair.

  1. Go to [Settings] > [Devices] > [Bluetooth Devices].
  2. Highlight the device you want to pair and press x and then press the Options button > [Forget Device].
  3. Connect the controller directly to the PS4 with a USB cable.
  4. Press the PS button to log in to the PS4.
  5. The light bar should turn blue indicating the DS4 controller has paired.
 
 
 

Reset the DS4 controller

  1. Turn off and unplug your PS4. 
  2. Locate the small reset button on the back of the DS4 near the L2 shoulder button.
  3. Use a small tool to push the button inside the tiny hole. Hold the button down for roughly 3-5 seconds.
  4. Connect the DS4 controller to the PS4 using a USB cable and press the PS button.
  5. If the light bar turns blue, the DS4 has paired.

If the controller is unresponsive, or is able to connect to a different USB port or another system, please visit the Fix & Replace diagnostic tool to check if your hardware is eligible for an under-warranty repair.