PS4 controller not charging is a problem many PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller users have had to deal with in the past. When connected to charge, the charging light on the front panel of the controller will remain off, and the device will not charge at all.
Well, this is a rather common problem, especially for users who use a charging cable to charge their PS4 controllers. The problem may be caused by different things, including a faulty charging cable, a dirty charging port, or just a firmware glitch on the device.
For enhanced versatility, the controller may be connected to a laptop, the console itself, or a wall outlet socket through a charger for the purpose of charging.
However, you may be frustrated to find that none of the methods seem to work. Discussed below are some of the most effective troubleshooting steps that may be used to resolve the issue.
What Causes is the PS4 Not Charging Problem?
If your wireless PS4 controller is not charging, it is simply not detecting the charger or the USB cable you are using to connect to a PC or the console. This may be caused by a number of things, such as:
Damaged Charging Cable
The device may fail to detect the charging cable simply because it is damaged. Whether you are using a standard USB cable or the cable that comes with the device, the cable may become kinked or frayed with time. Check whether the cable is showing signs of physical damage.
Even if the cable is not showing signs of damage, it is advisable to first attempt charging the controller using a different charging cable. You may also try the USB cable on a different device, such as your Smartphone to see whether it works.
Dead Batteries
The batteries on your PS4 controller tend to deteriorate with continued use. The capacity of the battery to hold charge will decline with time up to a point where it cannot hold any charge. Improper use/charging of the device may also end up damaging the batteries.
In such a case, you will need to replace the batteries to restore the device to its former working condition.
Faulty Charging Port
After you have plugged the charging cord into the charging port on the controller, check to see whether the connection is secure or loose. If the connection is loose, the port is probably damaged and needs to be replaced. If not, the problem could be just dirt and grime in the port.
To clean the port, hold a can of compressed air in such a way that the nozzle is a few inches away from the port. Blow away the dust, preferably in short bursts in order to dislodge any embedded materials. If you notice some rust in the port, you can rub it out gently using a toothpick.
This should be done with the controller switched off. If you used a damp cloth to clean the port, allow it to dry completely before charging or powering the controller back on.
How To Fix a PS4 Controller that is Not Charging
Depending on what is actually causing the problem, different methods may be used to resolve the “PS4 controller not charging” issue. If the above-described workarounds do not fix the problem, here are several methods and steps you may use to troubleshoot and fix the charging issue:
Method 1: Reset The PS4 Controller
In some cases, the failure to charge in PS4 controllers is a result of a malfunction in the firmware itself. If you have checked the charging cable, and port and are functioning as they should, the firmware is probably the issue.
To fix this problem, you need to reset the controller to factory settings. Find the reset button on your PS4 controller it is usually located in a small hole at the back of the controller, below the L2 button. Find a pin or a toothpick that can fit into the reset hole.
To reset the device insert the toothpick or pin into the hole to press and hold the reset button for a few seconds then release. Once done, try to connect the charger to see whether it is charging.
Method 2: Power Cycle Your PS4 Console
The PS4 controller not charging problem may also occur when the console is in a power state. In such a case, power cycling the device will fix the “PS4 controller won’t charge” problem. To begin with, you need to shut the PS4 console as well as the controller down entirely.
Unplug the power cord on the PS4 console from the mains power supply outlet. Allow the unit to remain unplugged for 5 to 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, press and hold the power button for a few minutes with the console still unplugged. This will drain the capacitors of the stored charge.
Thereafter, you may plug the power cord back in and start the console. Connect the PS4 controller to the console once again to see whether the controller not charging problem has been fixed.
Method 3: Check the PS4 Controller Charging Port
As mentioned earlier in this guide, a faulty charging port on the controller will make it impossible for the device to detect the charging cord. To check whether this is the problem, try connecting the charging USB cable you are using on a different controller or device to check whether it is working.
If the other device is charging while connected through the same USB cable, the problem is most likely a faulty charging port. However, the issue could be just some accumulated dirt in the port, which does not necessarily rewire you to replace the port.
With the cable connected to the faulty port, check to see whether it is secure or loose. If loose, the port is broken and needs to be replaced, preferably by a professional.
Method 4: Configure Power Supply Settings on the Console
If you are trying to charge the controller from the PS4 console, the problem could be that the console is not supplying power to the USB ports. To resolve the PS4 controller that can’t charge the issue, you need to configure the settings on the console for it to supply enough power to the ports.
In this regard, you should navigate to the settings on your PS4 console, and select the Devices option. Now Select the “Power Saving Settings”. While on the Power Saving Settings menu, you need to Set Functions Available In Rest Mode and then enable the “Supply power to USB ports” option.
Once done, connect the controller to the PS4 console to see whether the controller not charging issue has been resolved.
Method 5: Check the PS4 Charging Cable
Just as is the case with Smartphones, a damaged USB cable makes it impossible for you to charge your PS4 controller. If your controller is not charging, the first thing you need to check is actually the charging cable. To do this, you should try using the cable to charge a different controller or device.
If it does not work on the other device, then it is broken. Better still, you can also try a different USB cable on the console to see whether it is Charging. If the second cable works alright, then the first one is broken.
If the first cable is not damaged the problem is something else altogether. In such a case, you should use the other methods described in this guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Method 6: Charge Your PS4 Controller Upside Down
Well, the science behind this is yet to be explained, but a considerable number of users have been able to fix the problem by charging the controller upside down. In this case, you should try connecting the device to the power source while placed in an upside-down position.
Since the device can only detect the charger while connected at an angle, chances are that the charging port on the controller is damaged. So, just connect the controller via the USB cable, turn it upside down and let it sit. This may fix the PS4 controller not charging issue.
Method 7: Replace the PS4 Batteries
Of all the above-described methods that have failed to fix the charging problem in your PS4 controller, then the controller batteries are probably dead. Normally, the batteries will continually deteriorate with every recharge.
If you have been using the controller heavily for a considerable period, you should consider replacing the batteries. While at it, it is advisable to purchase genuine replacement batteries for your controller. You should then follow the instructions on your PS4 controller manual to replace them.
Once done, reconnect the device to check whether it is charging. If it is charging, allow it to charge fully before using it to avoid damaging the new batteries.
Final Verdict
For the purpose of playing, PS4 controllers are designed to connect to the console wirelessly. However, you need to connect the controllers via a USB cable for the purpose of charging. When charging, the charging light in the front of the controller should remain on.
If the device is not charging, the problem could be the charging settings on your console, a damaged cable, port, or even batteries. With this guide, you will have an easy time troubleshooting and fixing the PS4 not charging problem on your own.