A DUALSHOCK 4 that will not connect to a PS4 has Sony's own routine: turn off and unplug the console, unplug the controller, press the reset button in the tiny hole on the back with an unfolded paper clip for at least five seconds, then connect the controller by its USB cable to a front or rear port and press the PS button. A DUALSHOCK 4 pairs with only one console at a time, up to four controllers work on one console, and a controller can be charged while the PS4 is on or in rest mode. Anything past that goes to Sony's repair service.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 4 controller will not connect or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The controller is paired to another console
What separates it It works on a PS5 or a friend's PS4 but not on this one
How to confirm Sony says a controller pairs with one console at a time; connect it to this PS4 with the USB cable and press the PS button to pair it again
- 2
A frozen controller that needs a reset
What separates it The light bar is off or blinks and the controller does not respond, even on the cable
How to confirm Reset it by holding the button inside the small hole on the back for at least five seconds, as Sony directs
- 3
A poor USB cable or port
What separates it The controller charges but does not pair, or drops when the cable moves
How to confirm Try the official cable and a different USB port on the front or back of the console
- 4
A battery that is flat or worn
What separates it The controller works only on the cable, or dies quickly after charging
How to confirm Charge for about two hours on the cable; Sony says to charge the controller at least once a year to keep it working
- 5
A hardware fault in a button, stick or the battery
What separates it The problem persists on a second console after a reset
How to confirm Try the controller on another PS4; if the fault follows it, contact Sony's repair service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the controller is a DUALSHOCK 4 and which version
- Whether it works on the cable, and whether the light bar comes on
- Whether another controller pairs with the same console
- Which USB port you used, front or rear
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedTurn off and unplug the console
ReversiblePress and hold the PS button on a working controller to open the Quick Menu and choose Power, Turn off PS4, or hold the power button, then unplug the console. Sony starts its reset routine with the console off.
Reset the controller
ReversibleDisconnect the controller from the USB cable, find the tiny hole on the back, and press and hold the reset button inside with an unfolded paper clip for at least five seconds.
Reconnect by USB and press the PS button
ReversibleConnect the controller to the PS4 with the official USB cable, in a port on the front or rear, and press the PS button. The light bar blinks and the player indicator lights up when it pairs.
Use the cable if the battery is low
ReversibleSony says you can disconnect the cable and go wireless when the battery has enough charge. If the battery is empty, expect it to take about two hours to charge fully.
Pair it fresh to this console
ReversibleBecause it pairs with one console at a time, plug it into this PS4 and press the PS button so it registers here. You can connect up to four controllers to one console.
Check the charge from the Quick Menu
ReversibleHold the PS button to open the Quick Menu; the battery icon blinks while the controller is charging. The controller can charge with the PS4 on or in rest mode.
Update the system software
ReversibleGo to Settings, System Software Update and install any update, then repeat the pairing. Controller support relies on the console software.
Contact Sony for hardware faults
ReversibleIf the buttons, sticks, vibration, pairing or battery still misbehave, Sony's next step is PlayStation Repairs. Have the controller's serial number ready.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- USB port position
- Sony says to connect the controller to a USB port on the front or rear of the PS4. The Pro (CUH-7000 series) has its USB ports on the front and the back like the Slim.
- Battery and charging
- Sony's figures for the DUALSHOCK 4: about two hours to charge from empty, and charge at least once a year when not in use.
- Tools and supplies
- An unfolded paper clip for the reset hole, the official USB cable and a soft cloth to wipe the controller.
- Serial numbers
- Sony repair asks for the controller's serial number, not a part number; it is printed on the controller.
- Repair cost
- For this fault a PS4 controller repair is quoted separately from the console; the console repair shops price most often is the HDMI port at $80 to $150.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the controller does not work after the reset and a different cable, contact Sony repair
- !If the controller is hot, swollen or smells of burning, stop using it and unplug it
- !If a stick drifts or a button sticks after the reset, Sony's route is the repair service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The DUALSHOCK 4 steps are the same for the Slim and the Pro.
Sony's reset steps for the DUALSHOCK 4.
Pairing, charging and controller settings.
Headset and controller volume settings for comparison.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I reset a PS4 controller?+
Turn off and unplug the PS4, unplug the controller, press the reset button in the tiny hole on the back for at least five seconds with a paper clip, then connect it by USB and press the PS button.
Why won't my controller pair with the PS4?+
It probably paired with another console last. Plug it into this console with the USB cable and press the PS button; Sony says a controller pairs with only one console at a time.
How many controllers can I connect?+
Sony says up to four controllers can connect to one console.
How long does a DUALSHOCK 4 take to charge?+
About two hours from empty, according to Sony, and it can charge with the PS4 on or in rest mode.
How often should I charge a controller I don't use?+
Sony says to charge it at least once a year to keep it working properly.
Why does my controller not vibrate?+
The vibration function may be turned off in the controller settings; Sony says to check under Settings, Devices, Controllers.
Can I use headphones with the controller?+
Yes. Under Settings, Devices, Audio Devices choose Output to Headphones. If it is grayed out, the controller is not detecting the headphones.
Is the Pro different from the Slim for controllers?+
No. Both use the same DUALSHOCK 4 steps, and a USB port on the front or rear of either console works.