Reset PS4 Controller: Quick Guide to Restoring Functionality

Having trouble with your PS4 controller? Learn how to reset it quickly and easily to restore its functionality.

Resetting a PS4 controller can help resolve issues such as unresponsiveness and disconnections. There are two methods you can try: a soft reset and a hard reset.

Soft Resetting the PS4 Controller

If your PS4 controller is not working or not connecting, a soft reset may solve the problem. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on the PS4 dashboard.
2. Select the inactive controller and press the Options button on a working controller.
3. Choose “Forget Device” to reset the connection.
4. Power down the PS4 and connect the malfunctioning controller using a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and log in with the malfunctioning controller to re-pair it.

Hard Resetting the PS4 Controller

If a soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, a hard reset might be necessary. Here’s how to perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the PS4.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the controller.
3. Use a paper clip or pin to press and hold the button in the hole for about 5 seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and wait for it to boot up.
6. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in, and the light bar should turn blue to indicate pairing.

Other Troubleshooting Tips for PS4 Controller Issues

If you’re still experiencing problems with your PS4 controller, try these additional troubleshooting tips:

• Test the controller on another device to determine if the issue is specific to the controller or the console.
• Ensure the controller is charged or connected to power, and check for any issues with the USB cable or charging port.
• Restart the router or modem, as connectivity issues may affect the PS4 controller.

Key Takeaways:

• Resetting a PS4 controller can help restore functionality when it becomes unresponsive or disconnected.
• A soft reset can be done through the PS4 dashboard, while a hard reset requires pressing a button in a small hole on the controller.
• If troubleshooting tips don’t solve the problem, test the controller on another device and check for connectivity issues.

Soft Resetting the PS4 Controller

One way to reset your PS4 controller is by performing a soft reset. This method is effective in resolving common issues like unresponsiveness or disconnections. To perform a soft reset, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on the PS4 dashboard.
2. Select the inactive controller and press the Options button on a working controller.
3. Choose “Forget Device” to reset the connection.
4. Power down the PS4 and connect the malfunctioning controller using a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and log in with the malfunctioning controller to re-pair it.

If a soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, a hard reset may be necessary. To perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the PS4.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the controller.
3. Use a paper clip or pin to press and hold the button in the hole for about 5 seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and wait for it to boot up.
6. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in, and the light bar should turn blue to indicate pairing.

Other troubleshooting tips include testing the controller on another device, ensuring the controller is charged or connected to power, and checking for issues with the USB cable or charging port. Restarting the router or modem may also help resolve connectivity issues.

Steps for Soft Resetting the PS4 Controller

To perform a soft reset on your PS4 controller, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on the PS4 dashboard.
2. Select the inactive controller and press the Options button on a working controller.
3. Choose “Forget Device” to reset the connection.
4. Power down the PS4 and connect the malfunctioning controller using a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and log in with the malfunctioning controller to re-pair it.

If a soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, a hard reset may be necessary. To perform a hard reset, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the PS4.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the controller.
3. Use a paper clip or pin to press and hold the button in the hole for about 5 seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and wait for it to boot up.
6. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in, and the light bar should turn blue to indicate pairing.

Other troubleshooting tips include testing the controller on another device, ensuring the controller is charged or connected to power, and checking for issues with the USB cable or charging port. Restarting the router or modem may also help resolve connectivity issues.

Hard Resetting the PS4 Controller

If a soft reset doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to perform a hard reset on your PS4 controller. This method can help resolve more stubborn issues and restore functionality to your controller.

1. Turn off the PS4 console.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the controller.
3. Using a paper clip or pin, gently press and hold the button inside the hole for about 5 seconds.

Once you have performed the hard reset, follow these steps to re-pair the controller:

1. Connect the controller to the PS4 console using a USB cable.
2. Turn on the PS4 console and wait for it to boot up.
3. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in.
4. Check if the light bar on the controller turns blue, indicating a successful pairing.

By following these steps, you can perform a hard reset on your PS4 controller and potentially resolve any persistent issues you may be experiencing.

Steps for Hard Resetting the PS4 Controller

Performing a hard reset on your PS4 controller requires a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to reset your controller and resolve any stubborn issues you may be experiencing:

1. Turn off the PS4 console.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the back of the controller.
3. Using a paper clip or pin, press and hold the button inside the hole for about 5 seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS4 console using a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 console and wait for it to boot up.
6. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in, and you should see the light bar turn blue, indicating that the controller is pairing with the console.

By following these steps, you can perform a hard reset on your PS4 controller, which can help resolve more persistent issues that may be affecting its functionality.

It’s important to note that a hard reset will reset the controller to its factory settings, so you may need to reconfigure any custom settings or preferences you had previously set.

Remember, if a soft reset doesn’t fix the problem, a hard reset can be a useful troubleshooting step to try before seeking further assistance or considering the need for a replacement controller.

Other Troubleshooting Tips for PS4 Controller Issues

If you’re still experiencing issues with your PS4 controller, try these troubleshooting tips to get your gaming experience back on track:

1. Test the Controller on Another Device

Testing the PS4 controller on another device can help determine if the issue is specific to the controller or the console. Follow these steps to test the controller on a different device:

2. Check Charging and Connectivity

Make sure your PS4 controller is charged or connected to power, as low battery levels can cause issues. Additionally, check for any problems with the USB cable or charging port. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Connect the controller directly to the PS4 using a USB cable.
2. Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected at both ends.
3. Check if the controller’s charging port is damaged or dirty. If so, gently clean it or consider using a different USB cable.
4. Allow the controller to charge for a sufficient amount of time before attempting to use it again.

3. Restart the Router or Modem

Restarting your router or modem can sometimes resolve connectivity issues that may be affecting the PS4 controller. Follow these steps to restart the devices:

1. Power off the router or modem by unplugging it from the power source.

2. Wait for about 30 seconds and then plug it back in.

3. Allow the router or modem to fully reboot before attempting to use the PS4 controller.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve many common issues with your PS4 controller and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions. Remember to try these methods before considering a factory reset, as they often solve the problem without the need for more drastic measures.

Testing the Controller on Another Device

To determine if the problem lies with the PS4 controller itself, you can test it on another device. This will help you determine whether the issue is specific to the controller or if it’s related to the console. Follow the steps below to test your PS4 controller on another device:

1. Connect the PS4 controller to the device using a USB cable.
2. Once connected, ensure that the device recognizes the controller and properly installs any necessary drivers.
3. Once the controller is recognized, try using it on the device to see if it functions correctly.

If the controller works fine on the other device, then the problem likely lies with your PlayStation 4 console or its settings. You can then focus your troubleshooting efforts on the console itself. However, if the controller still experiences issues on the other device, it may be necessary to further diagnose or repair the controller.

Example table:

By testing the controller on another device, you can gather valuable information to identify the root cause of the problem. This will help you determine the appropriate steps to resolve the issue and get your PS4 controller working properly again.

Charging and Connectivity Checks

Before troubleshooting further, make sure your PS4 controller is charged and connected properly. A low battery or poor connection can often be the cause of controller issues. Here are some steps to check and ensure your controller is ready to go:

1. Connect your controller to the PS4 using a USB cable and let it charge for a few minutes.
2. Confirm that the charging cable is securely connected to both the controller and the console. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause charging or connectivity problems.
3. Observe the light bar on the controller. If it is glowing orange, it means the controller is charging. Once fully charged, the light bar will turn off.
4. If the light bar is not turning on or the controller is not charging, try using a different USB cable or charging port. Faulty cables or ports can prevent proper charging.

Once you have confirmed that your PS4 controller is properly charged, you can proceed to check its connectivity:

1. Turn on your PS4 and make sure it is fully booted up.
2. Press the PlayStation button on your controller to log in.
3. Observe the light bar on the controller. If it turns blue, it means the controller has successfully paired with the console.
4. If the light bar is not turning blue or the controller is still not connecting, try resetting the controller using the soft reset or hard reset methods mentioned earlier.

By following these steps and performing the necessary checks, you can ensure that your PS4 controller is charged and properly connected, minimizing any potential troubleshooting efforts and enjoying uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Restarting the Router or Modem

If you’re still experiencing connectivity issues with your PS4 controller, try restarting your router or modem. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any network-related problems that might be affecting the controller’s connection. Follow these steps to restart your router or modem:

1. Locate the power cord of your router or modem and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Wait for about 30 seconds to ensure that all power is drained from the device.
3. Plug the power cord back into the outlet and wait for the router or modem to power back on. This may take a few minutes.
4. Once the device is fully powered on, try connecting your PS4 controller to the console again.

By restarting your router or modem, you allow the device to reset its settings and establish a fresh connection with your controller and other devices on the network. This can often resolve any connectivity problems that may be interfering with the controller’s functionality.

Remember to give your router or modem ample time to fully restart before attempting to connect your PS4 controller again. If the issue persists after restarting the router or modem, there may be other factors contributing to the problem, such as interference from other devices or signal range limitations. In such cases, you may want to consider contacting your internet service provider or seeking further assistance from technical support.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

In addition to the previous troubleshooting steps, here are some additional tips and recommendations for resolving PS4 controller problems:

1. Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your PS4 controller is running the latest firmware. Visit the official PlayStation website or use the PS4’s System Software Update feature to check for any available updates.
2. Clean the Controller: Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the buttons and analog sticks, causing them to become sticky or unresponsive. Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the controller.
3. Use a Wired Connection: If you’re experiencing consistent connectivity issues with your wireless controller, consider using a wired connection instead. Connect the controller directly to the PS4 using a USB cable for a more stable connection.
4. Reset the PS4: If all else fails, resetting the PS4 console itself may help resolve controller issues. Before doing so, make sure to back up any important data. Navigate to Settings > Initialization > Restore Default Settings and follow the prompts to reset the console.

Remember, always refer to the official PlayStation support website or contact customer support for further assistance if you’re unable to resolve your PS4 controller problems.

By following these tips and recommendations, you can increase the chances of resolving any issues you may be experiencing with your PS4 controller, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Table 1: Troubleshooting Tips Summary

Remember, if you’re unable to resolve your PS4 controller problems, it’s always best to seek official support from PlayStation to ensure proper guidance.

Conclusion

Resetting your PS4 controller is an effective way to troubleshoot and resolve various issues. By following the steps provided in this guide, you can quickly restore its functionality and get back to gaming seamlessly.

Soft Resetting the PS4 Controller

If your PS4 controller is unresponsive or disconnects frequently, a soft reset can often solve the problem. To perform a soft reset:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on the PS4 dashboard.
2. Select the inactive controller and press the Options button on a working controller.
3. Choose “Forget Device” to reset the connection.
4. Power down the PS4 and connect the malfunctioning controller using a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and log in with the malfunctioning controller to re-pair it.

Hard Resetting the PS4 Controller

If a soft reset doesn’t resolve the issue, a hard reset may be necessary. Follow these steps to perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the PS4.
2. Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the controller.
3. Use a paper clip or pin to press and hold the button in the hole for about 5 seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
5. Turn on the PS4 and wait for it to boot up.
6. Press the PlayStation button on the controller to log in, and the light bar should turn blue to indicate pairing.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

In addition to resetting the PS4 controller, there are other troubleshooting tips that can help resolve issues:

• Test the controller on another device to determine if the problem is specific to the controller or the console.
• Ensure the controller is charged or connected to power, and check for any issues with the USB cable or charging port.
• Restarting the router or modem may also help resolve connectivity issues.

By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you can effectively address and resolve various issues with your PS4 controller, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.