Figuring out why your PS4 controller isn’t charging can be pretty frustrating. Sometimes, it’s just silly stuff like a bad cable or dirty port, but other times, it might be firmware bugs or hardware issues. This guide is about covering the common fixes, so you can hopefully get your controller back to full charge without running to Sony support every time. The goal is to make sure your DualShock 4 charges reliably — whether wired or wirelessly — because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to be stuck with a dead controller right before a gaming session. Just a heads up, some fixes might involve opening up the controller, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with that stuff. Otherwise, it’s probably best to head to a service center.
How to Fix PS4 Controller Won’t Charge
Try Basic Fixes Before Overthinking It
First off, check the obvious stuff. Make sure your charging cable isn’t damaged; look for fraying or bent connectors. On some setups it’s weird, but swapping the cable or trying one you’re sure works on another device can save a lot of headache. Also, give the USB port on the controller and the console a good clean — a toothpick or a small camera brush works better than you’d think. Dust and lint in the port can cause poor connections, and Windows *of course* makes this harder than necessary sometimes.
Power Cycle the Console—It’s Old but Gold
This one might seem trivial, but on many occasions, just restarting the console clears up weird bugs. To do this:
- Hold down the Power button on your PS4 until it turns off (about 7 seconds).Make sure it’s completely shut down, not Rest Mode.
- Unplug the power cable from the back, then hold the Power button for around 30 seconds. This helps drain any residual power that might be messing with the charging circuit.
- Plug everything back in, turn the console on, and try charging your controller again.
Some users swear this fixes weird charging behaviors, especially after firmware updates or system crashes. On one setup it failed at first, then after another reboot, it worked. Weird, but hey, better than replacing parts right away.
Reset the Controller — Because Bugs Happen
Controllers can sometimes get bugs or glitches that mess up their charging process. Resetting it can help restore normal operation. To reset your DualShock 4:
- Turn off the PS4 completely and unplug it from the power source.
- Look for the tiny reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 button. Use a paperclip or a pin to press and hold the button for about 5 seconds.
- Reconnect the controller to the console using a USB cable — one you know works.
- Plug in the PS4, turn it on, then press the PS button on the controller. The light should blink and then stabilize, indicating pairing.
- Unplug the cable if charging starts, or leave it connected if it doesn’t.
Sometimes, this fixes weird recognition or charging bugs for good. Not sure why it works, but on one TV, it helped after firmware updates created glitches.
Reconnecting the Controller — A Fresh Pairing
If your controller refuses to charge or connect wirelessly, it might need a fresh pairing. Here’s how:
- Head to Settings > Devices on your PS4 menu.
- Select Bluetooth Devices, then choose Remove All Devices. This clears out any bad pairing data.
- Power off the PS4 completely, then turn it back on.
- Reset your controller as described before.
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button on the controller. If you see the light bar light up, it paired successfully. Now, unplug the cable and see if it charges wirelessly or when plugged in.
This sometimes helps if your controller’s Bluetooth got wonky, and it’s a good step before considering firmware updates.
Update Firmware — Because Outdated Software Can Cause Headaches
If your controller still isn’t charging, and you’re able to use it at least briefly, updating the PS4 firmware might help. To do this:
- Connect the controller via USB. Make sure the cable’s working!
- Turn on your PS4 and go to Settings.
- Select System Software Update > Update Now. If an update is available, it’ll download and install.
- Once done, restart the PS4, and check if the controller charges properly after reconnecting.
This fixes bugs that might interfere with charging routines. On some firmware versions, this alone was enough to resolve non-charging issues.
When Nothing Works, Time to Call Support
If after all these steps your controller still refuses to charge, it might be hardware related. Battery dead? Damaged USB port? Or something more obscure? It’s time to let the professionals take a look. Contact Sony support or visit a local service center. They can tell if your controller needs a new battery, or if your port’s dead, or if it’s just time for an upgrade.
Fix PS4 Controller that Won’t Charge [Bonus Video]
Sometimes, it’s easier to see these steps in action. Check out this video guide showing how to troubleshoot PS4 controller charging issues. Visuals make things clearer, especially when resetting or reconnecting.
Bottom Line
In general, if you want your PS4 controller to charge reliably—that means checking cables, ports, resetting, updating firmware, or re-pairing are all good first steps. Hardware issues are trickier, but sometimes a simple reset fixes what bugs or updates broke. Usually, it’s just about cleaning connectors or rebooting things.
Summary
- Check and swap charging cables if needed
- Clean USB ports with a toothpick or soft brush
- Perform a full power cycle of the PS4
- Reset the controller using the tiny button on the back
- Re-pair the controller by removing all devices and reconnecting via USB
- Update the PS4 firmware if possible
- Contact support if hardware may be failing
Wrap-up
Worked for me — hope it works for you too. Sometimes, just cleaning the port or resetting the controller does the trick. If not, a firmware update or hardware check might be needed, but these steps cover most common problems. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a trip to support or a replacement. Good luck, and happy gaming!