It’s a gamer’s worst nightmare: you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session when suddenly, your PS4 controller dies. You scramble to find a charging cable, but you can’t seem to get the controller to charge. Is it broken? Is there something wrong with the cable? Don’t panic! There are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem and get your controller charging again.
First, check the charging cable. Make sure that it’s securely plugged into both the controller and the PS4 console. If the cable is loose, it may not be making a good connection and the controller won’t charge. Try using a different cable if you have one available. Also, check for any damage to the cable. If the cable is frayed or broken, it will need to be replaced.
If you’ve tried a different cable and the controller still isn’t charging, there may be a problem with the controller itself. One way to check is to try resetting the controller. To do this, use a small paperclip or other pointed object to press the reset button on the back of the controller. Once the controller has been reset, try charging it again. If the controller still doesn’t charge, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Charging via USB Cable
The most common way to charge your PS4 controller is by using a USB cable. The USB cable that came with your PS4 console can be used to charge the controller, or you can use any other USB cable that is compatible with the PS4 controller.
To charge your PS4 controller using a USB cable, simply follow these steps:
- Connect the USB cable to the PS4 controller’s USB port.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your PS4 console or a computer.
- The controller will begin charging, and the light bar on the controller will turn orange.
- Once the controller is fully charged, the light bar will turn off.
Charging Times
The amount of time it takes to charge a PS4 controller varies depending on the type of USB cable you are using and the power source you are using to charge the controller. The following table shows the approximate charging times for different types of USB cables and power sources:
| USB Cable | Power Source | Charging Time |
|—|—|—|
| USB 2.0 cable | PS4 console | 2-3 hours |
| USB 3.0 cable | PS4 console | 1-2 hours |
| USB 3.0 cable | Computer | 1-2 hours |
Tips for Charging Your PS4 Controller
* Use a USB cable that is compatible with the PS4 controller.
* Connect the USB cable to a USB port on your PS4 console or a computer that is turned on.
* Do not charge the controller for more than 24 hours.
* If the controller is not charging, try using a different USB cable or connecting the cable to a different USB port.
LED Status on the Console
The PlayStation 4 console’s LED can indicate the charging status of your controller. Here’s how you can interpret the different LED colors:
1. Amber LED: When the controller is connected to the console and charging, the LED will glow amber. Once the controller is fully charged, the LED will turn off.
2. Blue LED: If the controller is connected to the console but not charging, the LED will remain blue. This indicates that the controller is powered on and ready to use.
3. Flashing Blue LED: A flashing blue LED indicates that the console is in pairing mode. This is useful when you need to connect a new controller to your PS4 or if you need to re-pair an existing controller.
| LED Color | Charging Status |
|---|---|
| Amber | Charging |
| Blue | Powered on, not charging |
| Flashing Blue | Pairing mode |
Testing with a Different Controller
If you have another PS4 controller, try connecting it to your console using the same USB cable you’re using with the problematic controller. If the new controller charges normally, this indicates that the issue lies with your original controller, not the console or the cable.
Here’s a table summarizing the possible scenarios and their implications:
| Scenario | Implication |
|---|---|
| New controller charges normally | Problem lies with the original controller |
| New controller doesn’t charge | Problem could be with the console, cable, or both |
If the new controller also fails to charge, it’s likely that the console or cable is at fault. In this case, you’ll need to perform further troubleshooting to identify the exact cause.
Utilizing a Multimeter for Diagnosis
Checking Battery Voltage
Unplug the controller or disconnect it from the console. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage and select the 20V range. Touch the positive probe to the metal terminal on the battery pack labeled “+”. Touch the negative probe to the metal terminal labeled “-“. A healthy battery should read between 3.6 and 4.2 volts.
Checking Charging Circuit
Plug the controller into the console or a wall charger. Set the multimeter to measure AC voltage and select the 20V range. Touch the positive probe to the metal pin on the charging port labeled “+”. Touch the negative probe to the metal pin labeled “-“. A healthy charging circuit should read between 5 and 12 volts.
Checking Output Voltage
Connect the multimeter to the output terminals of the charging port. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage and select the 20V range. A healthy charging port should provide an output voltage of around 5 volts.
Measuring Resistance
Disconnect the controller from the charger or console. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and select the 200 ohm range. Touch the positive probe to the metal terminal on the battery pack labeled “+”. Touch the negative probe to the metal terminal labeled “-“. A healthy battery should have a resistance of less than 1 ohm.
Inspecting Cables and Ports
Carefully inspect the charging cable and the ports on the controller and charger. Look for any damage, such as loose wires, broken pins, or corrosion. If any damage is found, replace the faulty cable or component.
Troubleshooting
If your multimeter readings indicate a problem, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Clean the battery terminals and charging port contacts with rubbing alcohol.
- Try using a different charging cable or port.
- Replace the battery pack if necessary.
- Contact Sony support for professional assistance.
How To Know If Your PS4 Controller Is Charging
There are a few ways to tell if your PS4 controller is charging. First, look at the light on the front of the controller. If the light is orange, the controller is charging. If the light is white, the controller is fully charged. Second, you can plug the controller into your PS4 console with a USB cable. If the controller is charging, the light on the front of the controller will flash orange. Third, you can use the PS4 Charging Station to charge your controller. The Charging Station will charge your controller even if the PS4 is turned off.
People Also Ask
It takes about 2 hours to fully charge a PS4 controller.
Can I charge my PS4 controller with any USB cable?
No, you cannot charge your PS4 controller with any USB cable. You must use a USB cable that is specifically designed for charging PS4 controllers.
How do I know if my PS4 controller is charging wirelessly?
If your PS4 controller is charging wirelessly, the light on the front of the controller will flash white.
It takes about 2 hours to fully charge a PS4 controller.
Can I charge my PS4 controller with any USB cable?
No, you cannot charge your PS4 controller with any USB cable. You must use a USB cable that is specifically designed for charging PS4 controllers.
How do I know if my PS4 controller is charging wirelessly?
If your PS4 controller is charging wirelessly, the light on the front of the controller will flash white.
