PS4 Controller PS Button Not Working | Fixed by Experts
The PlayStation 4 controller has been around for a few years now and it’s still one of the top gaming controllers on the market. One of its features is the ability to remap buttons, which can come in handy if you’re playing a game that doesn’t support certain button layouts. However, what do you do when your PS button isn’t working?
Every PS4 owner has had that moment where they are playing their favorite game and the PS button on their controller just stops working. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a battle or close to completing your level.
Luckily, there is a solution. In some cases, the PS button works fine but when you press it to turn on the DualShock 4 controller, it won’t work and the system won’t respond to it.
So, what are the reasons why the PS button not working and how to fix that? That’s what you’re going to learn through the lines.
Why PS4 Controller’s PS Button Not Working
The possible reasons for PlayStation Controller PS button to not work are:
- the PS4 system is not properly responding to the signals PS button makes, or maybe the signals are weak because the controller might be out of battery power or there are some electrical circuit shorts happening inside.
- The controller firmware driver might have been corrupted or it has compatibility issues with other drivers. this happens when the PS4 database is corrupted or even when the PS4 system files are corrupted. As a result, some of buttons on PS4 controller won’t work properly, including the PS button.
- Some liquid was poured on the PS button and left for some time, so now there’s rust in it that blocks its functionality. There are also various sources of liquids (paint thinner etc.) that can cause the PS button to not work. So, make sure about this point as many users overlook it.
- The controller might be broken and damaged because it fell on the ground and hit some hard surface;
- If you’re connecting the controller via USB, there might be an issue with the USB connection; either the cable is damaged or the PS4 USB port is malfunctioning.
- Some object was inserted in-between PS button’s contact points, which causes a short electrical circuit (it may have happened when you were cleaning your DualShock 4 Controller). Now there is a need to open the PS button and clean it up.
- The battery might be dead or malfunctioning, and as a result the PS button isn’t receiving enough power; you should change it in this case or re-charge your controller if your PS button is still not working after changing the battery.
- You can use a product called “Deoxit” (available on Amazon) which helps with some of these tasks.
How to Fix A not-working PS Button
There are a few things you can do to fix a PS4 controller button that’s not working.The first thing you want to do is to connect your DualShock 4 controller via USB instead of Bluetooth and check whether the PS button works or not. If not, check the cable connecting the controller to your console. If it appears damaged in any way, replace it with a new cable. Otherwise, if the PS button does work here, it means the controller’s battery is weak and declining, and you have to replace it.
Secondly, make sure there are no obstructions between the controller and your console like furniture or walls.
Lastly, try restarting your PS4 system by turning off both devices, then turn them back on again after 30 seconds and see if that fixes the issue.
Now, if none of these worked, try the methods below until you find your way to fix the inworking PS button.
1. Verify the PS4 USB port is actually working
If the PS button on your controller isn’t working, first make sure that the USB connector is properly inserts inside the USB port and in a good contact. There’s a chance it may not be completely inserted or jammed so try using something like a bobby pin to push it into place (be careful!). If it doesn’t work still, try the tips in this article in order to fix an inworking PS4 USB port.
If you’re still having troubles with the PS button, scroll down for additional solutions. We will assume here that the PS4 USB port is working properly and you have no issue with the USB connection (i.e. the USB cable is intact and working fine).
2. Cleaning the PS4 Controller
Sometimes when you press on PS button it might seem as if nothing is happening. This can be because of excess grease that has accumulated over time and needs to be cleaned off first before proceeding with a new one.If you’ve tried cleaning the outer surface around the PS button and it’s still doesn’t work, there’s a good chance that dirt has gotten inside of it. You need to open the controller’s case and use rubbing alcohol to clean off any debris on or near the PS button, especially if you can see an accumulation around or underneath it.
*Note: be sure not to use too much pressure when cleaning the button or you can accidentally damage it.
**Note: if alcohol is not available, try using a small amount of dish soap and water on a q-tip to clean any dirt off around the PS button. Just make sure that there’s no other liquid inside your controller before powering it back up!
3. Rebuild the PS4 database
Sometimes you will need to rebuild the PS4 database on your console. The reason for this is because when games are installed and uninstalled, it can create a corrupt file in the system that needs to be deleted before it becomes an issue. One of the issues might be a conflict with some system files that result into malfunctioning of a hardware driver.
There are other significant benefits of rebuilding the PS4 database. To learn about the importance of rebuilding PS4 database, click here.
4. Full Initialize PS4 from Safe Mode
The PS button might not be working because there’s a sort of corruption in the system data that prevents the controller’s driver from functioning properly. In this case, the best thing you can do is to initialize the PS4 and reinstall PS4 system software from scratch.
This process will eliminate any potential issue caused by the system software.
5. Replace the PS4 controller
If nothing works at all with you, the PS button might be damaged and thus you need to replace the whole controller. This is the last resort. You can though take it to a technician to check whether it can be repaired or not. This might save you some bucks instead of buying a new controller.
Conclusion
The PS button might get not working for several reasons, and fixing it depends on the reason that causes this issue. If you have a problem with the PS button then it might need to be repaired or replaced, while if there is no PS button response at all then maybe the controller needs to be restarted or reset. By following the steps in this article one can hopefully get their buttons work properly again unless there’s a serious damage taking place.
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Very helpful, thanks
thank you safe mode worked
You’re most welcome
It charges and I can use the controller via USB on my laptop, but nothing happens when I press the PS button; is there any way to repair it at home, or will I have to send it to someone else for service?
Turn off and unplug your PS4 console. Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 button. Use a small tool to push the button inside the tiny hole. Hold the button down for roughly 3-5 seconds.
I attempted to reset it but it didn’t work. It charges and I can use the controller on my laptop via USB, but nothing occurs when I push the PS button. Is there a way I can fix this myself or do I need to send it out for repair?
On the controller’s rear, close to the L2 shoulder button, is a tiny reset button. Push the button through the minuscule hole using a little tool. Press and hold the button for three to five seconds. Press the PS button to pair the controller with the PS4 using a USB cable.
There’s certainly a lot to learn about this subject. I like all the points you’ve made.
I attempted to reset my PS4 controller but it didn’t work. It charges and I can use the controller on my laptop via USB, but nothing occurs when I push the PS button. Is there a way I can fix this myself or do I need to send it out for repair?
On the controller’s rear, close to the L2 button, is a tiny reset button. Push the button through the minuscule hole using a little tool. Press and hold the button for three to five seconds. Press the PS button after plugging in your console and connecting your controller with a USB connection.