This troubleshooting guide will walk you through several methods to fix PS5 controller connectivity issues. The problem is likely trivial, and you should be able to resolve it quickly.

1. Pair the DualSense Controller to Your PS5

To use a DualSense Wireless Controller with your PlayStation 5, you first need to register it with the console through a USB cable. ..

After the pairing process, you can disconnect the controller from the console to use it wirelessly.

  1. Connect the controller to your computer using a USB-C cable.
  2. Open the device manager and find the “DualSense Controller” under “Hardware”.
  3. Change the “Device Name” to “Wired Controller” and click on it.
  4. The controller will now be paired wirelessly with your computer!

Your PlayStation 5 should automatically connect to the new controller if you have one. If you want to switch back to using your primary controller, press the PS button on your primary controller.

2. Charge the PS5 DualSense Controller

Your DualSense wireless controller’s battery can drain quickly during extended vibration-heavy gameplay sessions. If it won’t reconnect or wake up the console from Rest Mode when you press the PS button, it may be out of charge.

Plug the controller into a power source and wait at least 15 minutes for it to charge. The light bar surrounding the touchpad will pulsate to indicate that it is charging. ..

If you’re a PS5 gamer, make sure to invest in a charging station or cooling stand so your controller is always fully charged. ..

3. Restart Your PlayStation 5 Console

The PlayStation 5 has been known to have software glitches that can cause DualSense controllers not to connect wirelessly. To avoid this problem, restart the console. This will clear out temporary data and hopefully fix the wireless connection issue. ..

If you have another controller that doesn’t work, press the PS button and select Power > Restart PS5 to reboot the console.

If not, press and hold the PS5’s Power button until the console beeps twice to initiate a forced shutdown. Then, press the Power button again to turn it back on.

If your DualSense wireless controller doesn’t pair, charge, or do both over USB, the problem could be USB-related. Try the following:

  1. Check if your controller is connected to a USB port on your computer. If it isn’t, try connecting it to a different port on your computer and charging it.
  2. Check if your controller is working properly with other devices in your home network. If it isn’t, you might need to update its firmware or connect it to a new network.

If the PS5 won’t turn on, check if the power cord is plugged in and make sure it’s properly plugged into an outlet. If it’s not, replace the power cord. If you’re experiencing issues with your PlayStation 5’s USB-C cable, inspect it for damage and replace it if necessary. There are several ports on the back of the console for connecting peripherals, so make sure that the USB-C port on your controller is free of dirt and debris. If your PS5 won’t turn on, check to see if its power cord is plugged in and properly connected to an outlet. ..

5. Unpair Controller and Reconnect to the Console

If the DualSense wireless controller on your PlayStation 5 is not working, you may need to disconnect it and reconnect it to your PlayStation 5 in order to fix the problem. If you don’t have another controller that you can use to interact with the console, you must reset the malfunctioning controller.

If you have a PlayStation 5, and you’re not sure how to start your console again, or if you want to re-register your controller wirelessly or via USB, here are some tips:

  1. If you’re using a PlayStation 5 through a network connection, restart your console by pressing the power button and then pressing the “reset” button. This will reset all of your settings on the console.
  2. If you’re using a PlayStation 5 through USB, first make sure that your computer is connected to the PS5. Then open up “PS5” on your computer and click on “Settings.” Under “Controller,” make sure that “Wireless” is checked and then click on “OK.” When finished, close “PS5” and plug in the controller.

6. Keep the Controller and Console Close

Despite the DualSense wireless controller and PlayStation 5 using Bluetooth 5.1 for connectivity, physical obstructions, reflective surfaces, and interference from surrounding devices can reduce the effective range of the Bluetooth signal.

If you keep your console and TV in separate rooms, it’s possible that you’ll experience random disconnects or lag. either use the controller in wired mode or keep the controller and the console nearby.

To set up your controller to work in wired mode, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > Communication Method and select Use USB Cable.

7. Factory Reset Your DualSense Controller

If the problem persists, try resetting your DualSense controller. To do that, press and hold the PS button for 10 seconds until the light bar turns off. Wait another 10 seconds and press the PS button again to turn the controller back on. ..

  1. Open the PS5 system software.
  2. Locate and open the “Settings” menu.
  3. Scroll down to the “Connection Settings” section and change the “Auto reconnect” setting to “No.”

8. Rule Out Signal Interference From Other Devices

If your DualSense controller fails to work wirelessly, try removing nearby Bluetooth devices and other wireless equipment that could cause interference. ..

Don’t connect any third-party controller accessories such as wired headsets and battery packs to your console. This could disrupt your controller’s Bluetooth signal and stop it from connecting to the console.

9. Update Your DualSense Controller

Sony has released DualSense firmware updates that improve the controller’s stability and resolve known connectivity issues. ..

If the controller works in wired mode, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General), and select Wireless Controller Device Software to update the controller firmware.

If you have a PlayStation 4 around, you can also update the controller using the “Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller” utility from the official PlayStation website.

10. Update Your PlayStation 5

If you’re experiencing DualSense controller issues, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, make sure your console is up to date with the latest system software. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace your DualSense controller. ..

The update is available now. Please check for the update and install it if you have not already done so.

Wait until your PlayStation 5 finds and installs any pending updates. If you run into issues, update your PlayStation 5 via Safe Mode.

Contact PlayStation Support for Help

If you have a DualSense wireless controller, it may be defective or have a completely dead battery. Register the controller with a desktop, iPhone, or Android device to verify the problem is hardware-related.

Contact PlayStation Support, and they can help you figure out what to do next. If you bought the controller from a third-party retailer, reach out for a replacement.