PS4 Controller Input Lag Issues Fixed
Ever notice that when you play games on your PS4, it feels like the controller is lagging or not well responding? That’s because there is a delay between what you do and what happens on the screen.
PS4 controller input lag is a frustrating issue for gamers and developers alike. It is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a delay between the time you press a button on your controller and the time it registers onscreen, resulting in an inaccurate input. The PS4 controller has had this issue for some gamers.
This PS4 controller input lag can cause problems when playing competitive video games. In this blog post, we will discuss why input lag occurs and how to fix it!
What Causes PS4 Controller Input Lag
Input lag on PS4 controllers is caused by a few things. The most common cause, though, comes from the fact that every game needs to process something called latency and this processing can sometimes introduce input lag into the mix when it shouldn’t be there. This happens because of how long it takes for your control inputs to register onscreen.
The PS4 DualShock 4 controller, as with other controllers on the market, is not perfect and that can also introduce input lag into games when it shouldn’t be there. The PS4 controller has a feature called “pre-buffering” which detects any delays between your button press and screen response to compensate for those moments of latency .
There are also some third-party applications that can interfere with the PS4 controller’s wireless transmission and introduce input lag into games. If you notice a significant increase in latency during game play, check your internet connectivity to see if you may have an issue on your end.
Ways to Fixing PS4 Controller Input Lag
Fixing the PS4 controller input lag can be too easy that it only require basic technical knowledge, and can be, otherwise, difficult and requires a well experienced technician to handle it. Eventually it all depends on the reason why your PS4 controller suffers from input lag.
But before you try any of the methods below, make sure your PS4 controller is what causes the input lag issue. To do that, you have to connect it to another system (game console/PC). If the problem is the same, that means it’s the controller.
Here are the most common fixes for this issue that you can try before deciding to dispose of your PS4 controller:
Use USB Connection Instead
One of the very first suggested solutions to troubleshoot PS4 controller input lag is to connect it via USB instead of Bluetooth. This helps you figure out whether it is the Bluetooth connection that causes the input lag or something else.
Charge Your PS4 Controller
Charging your DualShock 4 controller regularly can help maintain its charge and keep it at peak performance. With a low battery, the controller may lose connection strength to sometimes cause input issues like jerky movements or unresponsiveness when using motion controls.
Reset the Connection With the PS4 Controller
There are two ways to reset a connection with the DualShock 4. Simply unplugging and re-connecting it via USB for just a few seconds or playing wirelessly while connected to your PS4 can do the trick. If these tricks don’t work, there is still hope. You may need to wait until you’re on home turf before reconnecting through Bluetooth.
Turn Off Other Wireless Devices
Wireless devices are often the culprit for input lag on your PS4 controller, so make sure to turn them off or move away from them. Make sure you have a clear line of sight between your DualShock 4 controller and PlayStation as well!
Check Third Party Applications
Check for any third party applications installed on your console that are interfering with wireless transmissions to the controller (such as a Bluetooth connection). You can disable these by going through Settings > Power Saving Settings > Bluetooth.
Verify the Strength Of Wireless Connection
Verify that you have a strong wireless connection by going through Settings > Power Saving Settings > WiFi Connection Status. If there is an orange indicator, try changing the PS4 controller’s position/orientation.
Check Your PS4 Storage Device
There might not be actual input lag in your PS4 controller, but instead the PS4 storage device where the game you’re playing on is malfunctioning. As a result, some of the game functions wouldn’t perform well.
In such a case, the hard drive where the game is installed needs to be formatted. Read the following articles for more details:
Other Fixes to Try
If none of the above has worked for you, you need to try basic solutions for this issue:
- Completely turn off the PS4 then turn it on again. This is supposed to resolve many systematic issues if that what causes your PS4 controller input lag.
- Reset PS4 controller. This can help immensely resolve many PS4 controller performance issues including the data input lag.
- Initialize PS4. This can help here if the problem is with the PS4 system software.
You can also try the basic PS4 controller troubleshooting in order to resolve this issue.
When trying to play two player FIFA or Lego games one of the controllers is lagging massively. Both controllers are brand new genuine ps4 controllers so it can’t be that it needs cleaning. Btw this is not for online gaming
do you experience this lag while connecting wirelessly or wired? It’s very important to answer this question first before suggesting any solution.
Both of my PS4 controllers have pretty annoying input lag for some reason. At first, I thought it was just during online games due to internet lag, but then I started playing single-player games and I couldn’t move in-game for upwards of 20 seconds after moving the joystick
The input lag can be fixed by cleaning the controller, connecting it via cable, resetting, or outright switching to a brand new controller. Additionally, enable the gaming mode on your TV and use a wired internet connection on your console for the best performance.
I probably haven’t used my PS4 Pro in three to four months. The entire time, both of my controllers were docked on charging stations. It was functioning properly the last time I played.
I recently started my console and installed a new game. I had a significant delay in my button inputs when I was on the main dashboard. I simply ignored it and launched the game after updating the game’s and my console’s firmware. The input lag was really noticeable while I was playing. It was so awful it was tough to even play. When I changed controllers, the issue persisted. I then stopped playing my game, shut off the console, and wrote on a piece of paper.
How can input lag on the PS4 controller be fixed? Cleaning the controller, plugging it in with a cable, resetting, or just switching to a new controller can all reduce input lag. For the best performance, you should also use a wired internet connection on your console and turn on the gaming mode on your TV.
My controllers have suddenly developed significant input lag. I probably haven’t used my PS4 Pro in three to four months. The entire time, both of my controllers were docked on charging stations. It was functioning properly the last time I played.
Check the internals of the controllers by opening them. Clean everything with isopropyl alcohol, paying careful attention to the transparent ribbon wire that interfaces with the main board. and makes sure the connectors and cables are in excellent contact.