How To Fix PS4 Controller Won’t Turn On Or Charge – Troubleshooting The Playstation 4 - 𝐂𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 (2024)

If you love playing games on your PS4, but suddenly your controller won’t turn on or charge, it can be pretty frustrating. Just like other problems with your PlayStation, like overheating or software crashes, this controller issue can be a real game-stopper.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. When your tech misbehaves, we step in to help, The solutions that we have put together guide you to fix your PS4 controller, so you can get back to gaming.

Common Causes of PS4 Controller Not Turning On

Not sure why your DualShock 4 controller isn’t working. Here are some possible reasons:

1. The controller’s battery is dead.
2. The controller was recently connected to another device, like a different PS4 or PC.
3. The controller is too far from your PlayStation and isn’t connected via Bluetooth®.
4. The Micro-USB cable connecting your controller to the console is broken or not plugged in.
5. The controller turned off due to the PlayStation’s Power Save settings.
6. Some buttons on the controller may not be working.

If you’re facing any of these issues, follow the steps below to fix them.

Related: How To Fix PS4 Won’t Connect to WiFi?

How To Fix PS4 Controller Won’t Turn on or Charge

The below fixes have been tested by many users and worked for them 100%. Apply these solutions to get the best result.

1. Turn Off the Controller After Playing the Game

Your DualShock 4 controller is designed to provide you with about 8 hours of playtime. However, if you notice it’s running out of power faster than usual, here’s what you can do:

1. Connect your controller to the console using its Micro-USB cable and allow it time to charge.
2. Remember to turn off your controller when you’re not using it to help save battery power.

How to turn off and charge the controller

To turn off and charge your controller, you have a couple of options:

From the controller: Press and hold the PS button for about 10 seconds to turn off your controller.

From the PlayStation dashboard:

1. Press and hold the PS button for 2 seconds until you see the Quick Menu.
2. Select Sound/Devices > Turn off Device, then choose your controller from the list.

You can also set a time limit in the Quick Menu for your controller to automatically turn off. Just select “Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off” and choose an option: After 10 Minutes, After 30 Minutes, or After 60 Minutes.

Related: Why PS4 Controller Works In Big Picture But Not In-Game

2. Connect PS4 Controller With Other Devices

If the PS4 controller won’t turn on it means that it’s charging properly. So first, try to connect it to your PC or laptop to make sure that it’s charging.

Sometimes the controllers face difficulty charging directly from the PS4. If it’s still not charging then it’s not your PS4 at fault.

3. Connect the Controller With a USB Cable

If you’ve determined that your PS4 controller isn’t turning on, it’s a good idea to rule out any issues with the charging cable. Ensure that you’re using the original PS4 cable that came with the controller or borrow one from a friend for testing.

Additionally, you can check the existing USB cable by using it with another PS4 controller to see if it charges it properly. Sometimes, the problem might be with the cable itself, so trying an alternative cable can be helpful.

4. Check the PS4 Charging Port

The issue can also be with your PS4 charging ports to first make sure that it is fully clean. No dust and debris should be there as they interrupt the power flow and prevent the PS4 controller from charging hence turning on.

5. Hard Reset your Controller

If your PS4 controller isn’t turning on or charging, you can try performing a hard reset on your DualShock 4. This reset will return your controller to its factory default settings without affecting your saved game data. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do the reset:

• An unfolded paper clip or straight pin
• A Micro-USB cable

Follow these steps to reset your PS4 controller:

1. Turn off your PlayStation 4. You might want to disconnect it from the internet, as this can sometimes interfere with the controller’s setup.
2. Unplug the controller and flip it over.
3. While it’s upside down, find the recessed reset button in a small hole near the controller’s L2 button. Use your paper clip or pin to press and hold this button for at least 6 seconds.
4. Release the reset button and wait a few more seconds. Then, plug in the controller using the Micro-USB cable.
5. Press the PS button. When the light bar on the controller turns blue, it should be paired and ready to use with your PS4.

This reset can help if your PS4 controller isn’t turning on or charging properly.

6. Buy PS4 Controller Charging Station

If your PS4 controller suddenly appears completely dead, showing no lights and failing to connect, it’s likely due to a USB-related issue. Strangely, some DS4 controllers lose their ability to charge via USB over time and won’t even respond when you plug in a cable.

To work around this problem, you can invest in a PS4 controller charging station that charges through the ports on the bottom of the controller instead of using USB. You can find these stations for around $15 to $25, whether you opt for the official one or a third-party alternative.

Place your “dead” controllers on the charging station, and you’ll see them immediately light up and start charging as usual. All your “dead” controllers can be brought back to life and function perfectly, as long as you use the charging station. This solution can help if your PS4 controller isn’t turning on or charging.

7. Replace the PS4 Battery

After applying the above fixes if the PS4 controller won’t turn on then you have a damaged battery that needs to be replaced. Watch this YouTube tutorial to learn how to replace the PS4 battery.