Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button
One of the most common issues PS4 users get on their console is when the system won’t respond to the controller. A user connects the PS4 controller to the console, yet when they turn on the PS4 they receive a large message on the screen saying: “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button“, just as you can see in the image below:
This issue happens due to several reasons that we will illustrate in this article. We’ll also provide you with efficient solutions to work around this problem and get your PS4 controller working again.
Causese of the Issue
When you get a message saying:”Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button“, that means there’s a problem either with your controller, your USB connection or the PS4 system.
So, let’s list below the most common reasons for this issue:
- The PS4 controller is defective/malfunctional or not compatible with the current firmware update you’re running.
- Your PS4 is too dirty inside that some hardware components on the motherboard are not functioning properly.
- There is a problem with the USB connection between the controller and the PS4. It’s either the USB cable or the PS4 USB port that is not working.
- You’re using an older PS4 model that is not fully compatible with the latest firmware update your console is running.
These are the most common reasons for this problem, and we’ll try below to suggest a few solutions that you can do to get over that.
In order to fix Error Message “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button”, try the methods illustrated below:
1. Turn Off the PS4 and Unplug Everything
The very first step you need to make in order to fix the “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button” error is to turn off the PS4 and disconnect everything from it.
So, let’s start doing that:
- Turn off the PS4 by long pressing the power button until you hear the 2nd beep then the PS4 power light turns off.
- Once done, unplug everything connected to the PS4. Remove all USB peripherals like an external hard drive, a controller or a headphone set.
- Also, unplug the PS4 power cord from the power outlet.
- Now, leave your PS4 like this for not less than 3 minutes then plug the power cable into the power outlet and connect the controller only, not anything else.
- Turn on your PS4 and see if this has worked or not.
If this method hasn’t helped you, try the next method.
2. Clean the Inside of the PS4
When the PS4 is internally dirty, some hardware components will fail to work properly as they should. For that reason you need to always clean the inside of PS4 in order to maintain the best performance of your console.
It’s really possible that “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button” Error is caused by a malfunctioning hardware component that dust and dirt accumulated inside your console hinder it from working properly. So, when you clean your PS4, you make sure all components don’t have an issue with dust impacting their performance.
3. Check your PS4 USB Ports
Make sure the USB port on your PS4 to which you connect your controller is actually working. Check for any damage, loose, dirt/derbis and look if it seems fine to you or not.
If everything seems good and there’s no sign of damage or defect, move to the next method.
4. Check your PS4 Controller USB Cable
Make sure the USB cable with which you connect your PS4 controller to the console is intact and has no wears. If it is possible, you can connect your controller to a PC or another PS4 and check whether it gets easily recognized or not.
Also, check the connectors in that cable for any dirt/derbis and clean them.
5. Use the Original PS4 DualShock 4 Controller
If you have got the “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button” Error after updating your PS4 system software, there’s a big chance that the PS4 controller you’re using has incompatibility issue with the new firmware version.
If this is the case, the only thing you can do here is to use the PS4 DualShick 4 controller and check whether it works or not.
You can hire that controller from a friend, or take your console to a repair shop and ask them to try a DualShock 4 controller on your console before you buy it.
6. Format your PS4 Internal HDD
It’s possible that you haven’t successfully updated your PS4 system software, thus some core files are corrupted. This can be either because of a badly downloaded update file or a degrading hard drive.
In all cases you will need to first fully format the PS4 internal hard drive in order to remove any potential errors on it. You must do that on a PC, and make sure to do the FULL format not the QUICK one.
once done, replace your PS4 hard drive and initialize your PS4 and install the latest system software version. Now check if this has worked for you or not.
7. Wait for the Next Update
According to some of our savvy readers who have tried every possible way to fix that issue, it is most probably that the new firmware update is not fully compatible with the PS4 model they use. It has been reported for instance that PS4 model (cuh-1216B) has a problem with firmware update 9.0 and users would get the “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button” error message after a successful update process to version 9.0.
Unfortunately, you can’t do anything about that but to wait for the next update that might fix this problem.
Conclusion
If you are getting the “Connect the Dualshock 4 using the USB cable and then press the PS button” error message after updating your PS4 system software, most probably it is a compatibility issue with that new firmware version, especially if you’re using an older model of PS4.
For more information on similar issues that might help you, please read the following articles:
It was the USB wire. Changed it. Working now.
My PlayStation 4 pro was working absolutely fine until January 2023. I left it inside a box for 6 months and now the two controllers weren’t charging, everything else was perfect.
I asked the internet to help and found a lot of content about faulty USB, faulty controller and all that jazz.
So I bought a new controller. I was able to connect this new controller to the PS but it started showing low battery so I tried to plug it ( No there is no dust in the usb port) but it didn’t charge.
I then initialized the ps, now I can’t comnect my controllers and I’m stuck.
Should I just throw my playstation away ?
Please Help if you can.
It might be the CMOS battery that causes this problem. Try to clear it.
Check here:
How & Why You Want to Clear the PS4 CMOS
My ps4 had some problems so initialized it. Now I am stuck at this screen. I bought a new nacon controller after I broke my dualshock 4. I plugged my controller in and it gives a white light but when I press the ps button nothing happens and I cant go any further. Can you help me because now my ps4 is useless.
It seems that the Nacon controller is not compatible with the initial setup of the PS4. You need a standard Dualshock 4 controller to get past the connect a controller screen. After that, you can use your Nacon controller for playing games.
You can try to borrow a Dualshock 4 controller from a friend or buy a new one online. You can also contact Nacon support for more assistance.
My ps4 is stuck on safe mode
1,restart ps4
2, charge resolution
3, update system software
4, rebuild database
5, initialize ps4
6, initialize ps4
7, initialize ps4 (reinstall system software)
8, set hecp mode
Stuck on number 7 will not move
This is a common issue that many PS5 users have faced when trying to download a game. The error code CE-100028-1 means that there is not enough free space on the SSD of your console. However, sometimes this error may occur even if you have enough free space available. This may be due to a software bug or a corrupted data.
Here are some possible solutions that you can try to fix this issue:
If none of these solutions work for you, you may need to contact PlayStation Support for further assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue or replace your console if it is defective.
I hope this helps you resolve your issue and enjoy your game. If you have any other questions or feedback, please let me know.
I’ve had my PS4 for about a year now, and I was playing TF|2 when it booted me to a screen that said “the database is corrupted; restart the ps4”.
What does this imply? I’m worried rn and want to know how to fix it without screwing it up!
– Go to “Settings” > “System Storage Management” > “Saved Data” > “Media Player”.
– Enter into the Media player folder. …
– Press the “Options” button and delete the saved corrupt data file.
– Now exit. …
– Delete the downloaded file. …
– Retry downloading the file.
HELP!!! How do I correct this? cannot launch PS4 Press the PS button after plugging in the DUALSHOCK 4 with the USB cable. (After pressing the PS button, nothing occurs. Like it won’t register or reply.
– Use the button on the PlayStation to turn on the PS4.
– The PS4’s USB port should receive the USB cable.
– Connect the cable’s micro USB end to the top connector on your PS4 controller.
There goes my 100% game file, I can’t restart my PS4, connect my Dualshock 4 using a USB cord, and click the PS button.
While your controller is turned off, press the PS button. …
When your controller has enough battery life, you can disconnect the USB cable and use your controller wirelessly.
Please note, your controller can pair with only one console at a time.