Fixing PS4 Controller Not Connecting And Flashing White
When you try to connect the PS4 controller to its console but it won’t connect, rather, it starts flashing white, that most probably means the PS4 controller’s USB cable is defective and failed to establish a connection between the controller and the PS4. This is not the only reason behind this issue, but it’s the most common.
In this article, we’ll address this issue and find out why it occurs in the first place before suggesting the proper solutions to it.
Reasons Why the PS4 controller not connecting and flashing white
The blinking white light on the PS4 controller simply indicates that the controller isn’t able to connect to the console. Therefore, it’s intuitive that when your controller flashes white there’s no connection established with the PS4.
So, let’s lay out the most common reasons for having your PS4 controller not connecting to the console and flashing white.
1. Defective PS4 Controller’s Cable
As stated earlier, this is the number one reason for this situation. When your PS4 controller’s USB cable is defective and not working properly, either because it’s worn out or the USB connector is damaged, or for whatever reason, your controller will flash white indicating that it can’t connect to the console.
Testing the PS4 controller’s USB cable
You can’t be absolutely sure it’s the cable until you test it. That way you can find out whether it’s really the cable or something else.
To do that, there are a few ways:
- Switch the USB port that you used to connect your PS4 controller to and see if it works. The cable might be working and the problem might be in the USB port itself.
- Connect your PS4 controller via USB to another PS4 if possible or to a PC and check if it’s recognized or not.
- Use another PS4 controller with the suspected USB cable to connect to the PS4. This allows you to figure out whether the USB cable works fine or not.
That is in brief. You may have other ideas to test your PS4 controller’s USB cable to verify whether it works fine or not.
If you have found out that the PS4 controller’s USB cable is defective and not working properly, you’ll need a good replacement. We strongly recommend PowerA USB Charging Cable for PlayStation 4 which is an officially PS4 licensed product.
2. Make Sure The PS4 USB Port Is Working
Your controller might attempt to connect to the PS4 via a defective USB port. If your PS4 USB port is dirty it might not work. Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn how to clean PS4 USB ports.
3. Power Cycle The PS4 & Reset The Controller
After passing the first and second steps, it’s time to power cycle your PS4 console. In your case, you have to do the following:
- Turn off the PS4 and unplug the power cord from the power outlet and leave it for around 5 minutes.
- Disconnect the PS4 controller from the console (if already connected).
- While the PS4 is off, hard reset the controller. Just use a straightened paperclip to press the button inside the small hole on the back of the controller for five seconds (learn more on how to reset the PS4 controller.)
- After 5 minutes of turning off the PS4, turn on the PS4 and wait until it asks you to connect the controller.
- Connect the controller and turn it on.
4. Power Cycle The Controller
If the above method didn’t work, you need to power cycle the PS4 controller. This has resolved several issues related to the performance of the controller. All you need to do is open up the controller cover and disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for 3-5 minutes before reconnecting it.
After fulfilling this operation, you have to repeat method #3.
5. Connect the PS4 Controller To Another Device
If nothing has worked for you, try to connect your PS4 controller to another device then connect it back to the PS4. In some cases, this method works.
6. Factory Reset The PS4
If none of the above has worked for you, you’ll need to factory reset your PS4 system as the problem is probably systematic and related to data corruption. You only have to go for this option if you are SURE that your controller is actually working (after testing it) and the problem is with the PS4 console. You can seek the help of a specialist or a technician to test it for you.
7. Get another PS4 controller
Ok, this is a common sense if you find out that it’s your controller that causes the problem. We highly recommend that you get the official DualShock 4 controller as it will last longer than other brands.
