What to do when your PS4 controller is not charging?

What to do when your PS4 controller is not charging?
I recently encountered a frustrating issue with my PS4 controller. Despite plugging it in, the controller simply wouldn’t charge. At first, I thought it might be a minor glitch or maybe the cable wasn’t properly connected. But after trying several USB cables and different charging ports, the problem persisted. My controller didn’t show any signs of life when connected; the light bar didn’t turn on, and the battery level remained the same. I started to wonder what could be causing this issue. Is it a problem with the internal battery, the charging port, or perhaps a software glitch? I also considered the possibility of my controller becoming obsolete or needing a reset. This situation left me confused and unsure about the next steps.
6 Answers

When I encountered a similar issue with my PS4 controller, these steps were quite effective:
1. Switch the USB charging cable. A faulty cable is often the culprit.
2. Try different power outlets or ports, including those on other devices like your laptop.
3. Reset the controller by pressing the small button on the back with a paperclip.
4. Verify the firmware is up to date on both the PS4 and the controller.
5. Clean the charging port with compressed air to remove debris.
6. Consider the age of the controller. Sometimes, older batteries fail to hold a charge and need replacing.

Having trouble with my PS4 controller not charging led me through a variety of troubleshooting methods. Here’s how I approached it:
1. Check Your USB Cable: First thing I did was inspect the USB cable for any signs of wear and tear. Damaged cables can lead to charging issues.
2. Test Different Outlets and Ports: I tried plugging the controller into various USB ports on the PS4 and different outlets to rule out power source issues.
3. Reset the Controller: I used a small tool to press the reset button located on the back of the controller as it often helps reset the charging hardware.
4. Cleaning the Ports: With some compressed air, I gently cleaned the charging port on the controller to remove any dust that could hinder charging.
5. Battery Replacement: Eventually, if charging issues persist, it could be a sign the internal battery needs replacement. Though tedious, this step often resolves persistent charging issues.

I recently tackled this issue with my PS4 controller not charging and discovered a few helpful tricks. Rather than jumping straight to conclusions, I approached the problem step-by-step:
1. Inspect the Cable: Examine the micro-USB cable thoroughly. Look for any visible wear and tear, especially near the connectors.
2. Switch Power Sources: Each time I encountered charging issues, changing the power source helped. Try plugging the controller into different USB ports or using a wall adapter.
3. Clean the Ports: Dust and dirt can accumulate inside the charging port of the controller and the cable. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clean these ports.
4. Check for Firmware Updates: Sometimes, charging issues are related to bugs in the controller’s firmware. Make sure both your PS4 system and controller firmware are up to date.
5. Reboot the System: Power down the PS4 completely and leave it off for a minute before turning it back on. Afterward, try charging the controller again.
6. Consider Hardware Issues: If none of these steps resolve the issue, the controller’s internal battery or hardware might be faulty. In that case, you might consider contacting Sony support or seeking professional repair.

- Check the charging cable: The first step is to inspect the USB charging cable for any visible damage. Sometimes, the issue might be as simple as a broken wire within the cable.
- Try a different cable: If you have an extra micro-USB cable lying around, try using that to charge your controller. Not all cables are created equal, and some may not have the necessary pins for charging.
- Use a different USB port: Plug your charging cable into a different port, either on your PS4 or any other USB power source like a laptop or a wall charger. It could be that the USB port you’re using has malfunctioned.
- Reset the controller: Locate the small reset button on the back of your PS4 controller near the L2 shoulder button. Using a paperclip, press the button down for a few seconds, then attempt to charge your controller again.
- Check the battery: If none of the above steps work, and your controller still isn’t charging, there’s a chance that the internal battery may be at fault and might need replacing.

From personal experience, dealing with a PS4 controller that won’t charge can be quite an ordeal. If you’re facing this issue, here are a few pointers that might help:
1. First, test the controller with different USB cables and on different power sockets. You’d be surprised how often the cable or port is the source of the problem.
2. Additionally, try resetting the controller. You can use a paperclip to press the small reset button located on the back near the L2 shoulder button.
3. If none of these steps work, the battery might need replacing. This involves disassembling the controller, which requires some careful handling. If you’re not comfortable with this, it might be best to seek professional help.

When my PS4 controller refused to charge, I tried several strategies to get it working again:
1. Change the USB cable and port: Initially, I swapped the USB cable and used different USB ports, including those on my computer and a wall charger.
2. Reset the controller: Pushing the small reset button on the back of the controller with a paperclip helped reset the controller’s charging functionality.
3. Check and clean the charging port: Over time, debris can accumulate in the charging port, so I cleaned it carefully with a toothpick.
4. Charge in safe mode: Connecting the controller and booting the PS4 in safe mode (holding the power button for 7 seconds) sometimes helps reset the charging circuit.
5. Replace the battery: As a last resort, I replaced the internal battery which resolved my charging issues. This involved opening the controller and carefully swapping the battery for a new one.