PS4 Controller Connected But Not Working [Fixed]

One of the most annoying issues a PS4 user may encounter is when they try to use the console’s controller, it will connect but doesn’t seem to work. It’s such a frustrating situation when you see your PS4 controller is connected but not working the way it should.

Here in this article we’ll address this problem and suggest a few solutions that may help resolve it and get your PS4 controller working properly again after connecting it.

Why Is The PS4 Controller Connected But Not Working?

There are various reasons why your PS4 controller would connect successfully to the console but not work, the most common are:

• The PS4 controller’s battery power is low or has degraded.
• Recently, the controller was connected to another device, such as a different PS4 or PC.
• The Bluetooth® connection between the controller and your PlayStation is weak due to long distance.
• Your controller and the console are connected by a broken or unplugged Micro-USB cable.
• Because of the PlayStation’s Power Save settings, the controller turned off.
• The controller has one or more broken or broken buttons.

Here are the steps you should take to resolve each of these problems if you are currently experiencing one.

How to Fix PS4 Controller Connected But Not Working

Here are a few suggested solutions to the problem that may help you resolve the issue of the connected PS4 controller that’s not working.

Restart the PS4 and reconnect the controller

Restarting the PS4 can help resolve many systematic issues including yours. You can learn why restarting the PS4 is so useful when troubleshooting the console.

So, in order to restart the PS4, follow these simple steps:

1. Press and hold the PS4 power button for around 7 seconds.
2. Press and hold the power button one more after the console is turned off.
3. Release it when you hear two beeps.

Now, connect, the controller to the PS4 again via USB not bluetooth. In order to activate it, press the PS button on the controller.

Re-pair (Soft-Reset) Your PS4 Controller

You can try to pair your DualShock 4 controller with your console once more if it is on but not functioning (this is known as a soft reset). To complete these instructions, you’ll need a second DualShock 4 controller that is in good working order.

1. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on your PlayStation dashboard.
2. From the list, choose your idle DualShock 4 controller. The one without a green dot next to it will be it.
3. Select Forget Device by pressing the Options button on your functioning controller. This will get rid of the broken, inoperative controller from your PlayStation.
4. On a functional controller, press PS, then choose Power > Turn off PS4.
5. Connect the problematic controller to your PS4 via a USB cord after turning off your system fully, and then turn it back on.
6. On your broken controller, press the PS button to connect to your PS4.

Update the PS4 System Software

Updating the PS4 system software to the latest version can resolve tons of system-related issues including this one.

In order to update your PS4 system software, follow these steps:

1. Head to Settings > System Software Update.
2. Choose Update Now, then click Next in the update acceptance screens.
3. Select Accept to start the update.

After the update process is complete, check whether yoru controller is working after connection or not.

Check the PS4 Controller’s buttons

See if there are any sticky, loose, or broken buttons. You have probably discovered your problem if a button is broken. Your PS4 controller might connect fine to the console but not working because one of its button is not functional.

If the button only needs to be cleaned, try gently wiping it with a cotton swab or microfiber cloth dipped in an electronic-safe liquid mixture (you may also use a little quantity of rubbing alcohol). Never pour liquid directly on your controller or use aggressive liquid cleansers.

Check the health of the PS4 controller’s battery

One of the reasons why the PS4 controller might connect fine to the console but not work is that its battery is weak or has degraded.

If your DualShock 4 is losing power more quickly than expected, try plugging in its Micro-USB cord to the console and allowing it some time to charge. This should extend your gaming session by up to 8 hours. In order to protect the battery, be sure to turn it off when not in use.

Turn off and charge the PS4 controller

One of the methods to fixing the issue where the PS4 controller is connected but not working is to turn off the controller and charge it.

To do that:

• From the controller: Turn off your controller by pressing and holding the PS button for about 10 seconds.
• From the PS4 dashboard:
  • Long-press the PS button for around 2 seconds until the Quick Menu appears.
  • Select Sound/Devices > Turn off Device, and from the list choose your controller.
  • In the Quick Menu, you may also specify a time frame within which your controller should switch off automatically. Simply click Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off and select one of the following options: After 10, 30, or 60 Minutes.

If the problem persists, you might need to get a new battery. NOTE: The warranty will be voided by doing this yourself, so you better contact Sony Support Center for a replacement if your controller is still under warranty.

Hard reset your PS4 controller

Try doing a hard reset on your DualShock 4 if your controller would connect to the PS4 but won’t work still. Your controller will return to its factory default settings as a result, but don’t worry—your game save data will be preserved.

What you’ll need for the reset is as follows:

• a bent straight pin or paper clip
• a USB cable, micro

Then, adhere to these simple instructions to reset your PS4 controller:

1. Switch off the PlayStation 4. Additionally, since the internet might occasionally interfere with how your controller is configured, you might want to disconnect it from it.
2. Flip the controller over after unplugging it.
3. Turn the controller over, find the recessed reset button in the small hole next to the L2 button, and push and hold it for at least 6 seconds with a paper clip or pin.
4. Release the reset button after a brief delay. Next, connect the Micro-USB cord to the controller.
5. Select PS from the menu. The controller should be linked when the LED bar on it turns blue, at which point you may access your PS4 and start playing.

To learn more about resetting the PS4 controller, please read this guide.

Connect the PS4 controller to a different device

Connecting your PS4 controller to a different device, such as your PC, will help you rapidly identify a problem with it. You might also try linking it to a friend’s device.

If it doesn’t, you’ll know your controller is the issue. If your controller functions on another device, your PlayStation’s wireless connectivity may be undergoing some issues.

Conclusion

There are different reasons why the PS4 controller would connect to your console but not work. Once you find out the actual reason, it will be easy to fix it.