When your PlayStation or peripherals do things you’ve never seen before, it’s understandable to worry. The DualShock controller light usually doesn’t flash white. There are two main reasons you might see a flashing white light on your DualShock controller: the battery is dying, or the controller won’t connect to your PlayStation console. Both of these things are fixable. We just need to troubleshoot the problem and you can get back to enjoying your games with the best PS4 controller available. Here’s how to get started.
Products used in this guide
- AmazonBasics PlayStation 4 Controller Charging Cable
- DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Check your USB cable
USB cables can be fragile. One of the most immediate fixes is to replace the old USB charging cable and replace it with a shiny new one. Only some basic USB charging cables work well with DualShock controllers, and it’s worth picking up to make sure your cables don’t prevent the controller from charging.
- Once the replacement arrives, plug the USB into the PlayStation 4.
- Plug the USB into the DualShock controller.
- If the light turns blue or orange, the problem is with the cable.
reset your console
The old “close and reopen” trick works better than you think! Sometimes, a simple reboot on PlayStation 4 is all it takes.
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the PlayStation.
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the PlayStation 4.
- Wait about 3 minutes.
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Replug the power cord.
- Start Playstation 4.
- Plug the USB charging cable into the PlayStation 4.
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Plug the USB charging cable into the DualShock controller.
- Press the PlayStation button on the DualShock controller to turn it on.
reset controller
Your controller has its own software, and when that software is updated, things can be broken. Fortunately, you can reset your DualShock controller to factory defaults.
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Flip the controller over and find the reset button on the back via the upper-right screw.
- Use an unfolded paper clip or the sim card opener in your phone to press the button inside the hole.
- Press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
- Reconnect the DualShock controller to the PS4 using steps 6, 7, and 8 in the guide above.
start in safe mode
It could be that your PS4 is the culprit, not the controller. You can do more troubleshooting in safe mode, including rebuilding the database. Sometimes, going into Safe Mode to connect the DualShock controller will bypass any issues.
notes: do not want If your USB port is not working, try booting your PS4 in Safe Mode. After starting the console in safe mode, you will need to sync the controller through the USB port. If your USB ports are not working, you need to fix them before trying this step.
- close your PS4.
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press and hold power button until you hear two beeps: One when first pressed, the other after seven seconds.
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connect your double shock 4 controller with USB cable.
- press PS button in the center of the controller.
Using DualShock 4 on PS5
DualShock 4 controllers are compatible with PS5. For the easiest way to connect your controller, just plug it in via the USB charging cable. Keep in mind that while the DualShock 4 will work on the PS5, it’s only compatible with PS4 games through backward compatibility. You can’t play PS5 games with a DualShock 4 controller.
nothing more
If none of the above steps work, your controller may be faulty. It happens, especially if your controllers aren’t handled with care. My toddler likes to use the controller as a hammer sometimes, and I’m sure that’s not good for it. If this is the case, then you may need to return it to the store where you bought it or pick up a new one.
Replace the controller
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PS4
- $60 at Best Buy
find a substitute
If you can’t fix the flickering white light problem, you may need to buy a new DualShock 4 controller.
connection is king
AmazonBasics PlayStation 4 Controller Charging Cable
$14 on Amazon
easy connection
Made by Amazon specifically for your PS4 controller hand, this cable lets you play and charge, so you don’t have to wait to charge your DualShock 4 when you can play.
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