PS4 Controller is Charging But Not Connecting | Fixed
One of the common issues PS4 users encounter with their PS4 controller is that when the controller is attached to the PS4 via USB, it will charge properly, but there’s no connection established with the PS4 system.
The reasons why the PS4 controller is charging but not connecting are somewhat ambiguous to most users. We’ll try here to address this issue and illustrate why this would happen and how to fix it entirely.
Why PS4 Controller is Charging But Not Connecting
Let’s properly understand this situation before finding out the reasons and solutions.
When you connect the PS4 controller’s USB cable to the console and the controller starts charging but fails to establish a connection with the system, it means that the PS4 controller doesn’t have any problem receiving power through the USB connection. Still, it has a problem transferring data through that connection.
This problem is caused by several reasons that are:
- The two data pins inside the USB port/connector are malfunctioning/failing, yet the power pin is working properly. As a result, your controller doesn’t have any problem charging, yet it’s not able to connect to the PS4.
- The PS4 controller’s USB cable is worn out and malfunctioning.
- The PS4 system can no longer recognize the DualShock-4 controller due to system file conflict/error
- The PS4 controller is defective and doesn’t send/receive data signals to/from the PS4 system, thus must be replaced.
So, these are the most common reasons why the PS4 controller is charging but not connecting.
Below are suggested solutions to this problem that may help eliminate it.
Fixing Issue: “PS4 Controller is Charging But Not Connecting”
After knowing why the PS4 controller might be charging properly but not connecting, let’s suggest a few fixes.
But foremost, you must run a few tests to determine what is causing this trouble.
We need to check the integrity of the USB connection between your PS4 controller and the PS4 console.
You must connect your controller to another PS4 (if possible) and test it there. If that’s not possible, connect it to a PC and check whether it’s recognized there.
Also, use another PS4 controller in place of your nonfunctional one. Connect it through the SAME USB cable and see if it works. Moreover, try switching the USB ports and see what works for you.
In brief, just run whatever test you like to find out what causes this problem. Is it the PS4 USB port, the PS4 controller’s USB cable, Or the controller itself?
Doing that helps save lots of time investigating the issue to find where the problem really is.
Once you figure out the main reason, pick the relevant solution.
1. Clean the USB port and connectors
Dust and debris inside the PS4 USB port or the USB cable’s connector may prevent establishing a good connection between the PS4 controller and the console. So, what you have to do here is to CLEAN the USB port and the USB connector of the PS4 controller’s cable.
Here is a good guide on how to clean the PS4 USB ports the right way. This method also applies to cleaning the PS4 controller’s USB connector.
2. Use a new DATA cable
If you have already discovered the problem with the USB cable, don’t seek just any replacement USB cable for your controller.
Two types of USB cables can work with a PS4 controller; one is a data cable, which is the best choice and works perfectly with the PS4 controller, and the other is a power/charging cable, like the one you use when charging your Android phone.
A USB data cable is thicker than the other type, and although the power/charging cable might sometimes work with your PS4 controller, it won’t.
So, what you have to do here is get a USB data cable for your controller. We recommend PowerA USB Charging Cable for PlayStation 4, which is an officially PS4 licensed product.
3. Power Cycle Your PS4
After ensuring that your PS4 controller is functional and the USB cable is intact, you have to check your PS4 console.
The very first step here to make is to power-cycle the PS4. It’s just that simple. Why? Well, you can read our article on the benefits of restarting the PS4 system in resolving performance issues.
We strongly recommend that you turn off the PS4, unplug it from the power outlet for 3-5 minutes, then turn it on again. This is the most effective restarting method you can carry out. It’s simply much better than the classical restart process.
4. Hard-reset the PS4 Controller
If rebooting the PS4 hasn’t work to fix your issue, you need to hard reset your PS4 controller.
If there’s any functionality issue with the PS4 controller, you should always consider hard resetting it. It will restore the controller’s factory settings and resolve many performance issues.
5. Factory Reset Your PS4
There might be a sort of systematic error or data corruption within your PS4 system that hinders a PS4 controller from establishing a connection with the console. The best thing, in this case, is to factory reset your PS4 and reinstall the PS4 system software from scratch.
6. Get a New PS4 Controller
Ok, this is intuitive, and it’s the last resort. Once you have tried everything with your controller and it’s still charging but not connecting, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
There’s usually hardware failure when the PS4 controller is charging and not connecting. It will help if you run several tests to determine what causes this issue. This can help you save the money you may pay for a technician to fix this issue. You may buy a new controller without even needing a professional’s help.
Note that if you need more details on fixing a PS4 controller that’s not connecting, please visit this article.
PS4 Controller is Charging But Not Connecting FAQ
Why is my PS4 controller flashing and not connecting?
Several reasons why your PS4 controller would flash white and not connect. The most common are low battery power and using the wrong USB cable.
How do I resync my PS4 controller?
Hold down the PlayStation button for three seconds. Press and hold the 'Share' button, located above the arrow and PlayStation buttons. Now, the light bar should flash. Select your controller in the PlayStation's Bluetooth window.
How do I reset an unresponsive PS4 controller?
Find the little reset button near the L2 button on the back of the controller. Utilize a small implement to press the button into the tiny hole. Hold the button for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. Connect your controller to your console via a USB cable, and then click the PS button.
Why did my PS4 controller stop working?
Common causes of your PS4 controller's malfunction: 1). The battery in the controller is dead. 2). Recently, the controller was associated with another device, such as a different PS4 or computer. 3). The controller is too far from your PlayStation and is no longer connected through Bluetooth.
When I press the PS button, my controller light turns orange, but it only flashes white and does not sync. As far as I know, the issue is with the cable I’m using (phone charger). Could anyone recommend a cable that works with the controller that I can buy?
If your PS4 controller won’t connect, try a different USB cable, in case the original one has failed. You can also reset the PS4 controller by pressing the button on the back of the controller. If your controller still won’t connect to your PS4, you might need to get support from Sony.
When I press the PS button when it is connected to the PS4, it glows briefly before stopping. The reset button behind the L2 button has been pressed, but nothing happens. I am unable to access my settings since my controller won’t start.
Try a different USB cable if your PS4 controller won’t connect, in case the original one has failed. By pushing the button on the PS4 controller’s back, you may also reset the device. You may require Sony support if your controller still won’t connect to your PS4.
I have it plugged into the PS4, and when I press the PS button, it flashes briefly before stopping. I tried the reset button underneath the L2 button, but it didn’t work. I can’t access my settings since I can’t start the controller.
So, blindly, find a tack (or something else with a small pointed item) and flip your controller over. There’s a small hole for resetting the controller; insert the tack and hold it for 10-15 seconds. Then, using the charger cable, connect the controller to the system.
Also, put the PS4 in safe mode and connect the controller to the charging wire. It should function normally during safe mode and then resume once the PS4 has been restarted. Anyway, it worked for me.
Eventually, check that the micro USB cord you’re using can transfer data. Some micro USB cords simply charge your controller and cannot be used to connect it to your PS4 because they do not transfer data between your controller and console. I’m not sure if the really short cords only charge, but I’m not sure in your instance.
When I click the PS button, my controller light becomes orange, but it only flashes white and does not sync. As far as I know, the issue is with the cable I’m using (phone charger). Could anyone recommend a cable that works with the controller that I can buy?
Your cable appears to simply charge and not carry data. You simply need to go to any cable store and double-check the information to ensure that the cable you’re purchasing does both.
Or you better find the original cable that came with the PS4, and once you do, it will work right away. This is an even better option if you can go for it. Otherwise, if it’s not possible, try to find a good data cable for your controller.
This article may help you find the right USB cable for your controller: https://store.gaming.ac/playstation/ps4-controller-usb-cable/