How to sync a PS4 controller

By the conclusion of its lifespan, the sync PS4 had developed a strong reputation for dependability, but occasional niggling problems can occasionally occur. There are still numerous reasons to keep your PS4, or at least the controller, operational even if many people have switched to the PS5.

Despite certain issues, the ease of having wireless PlayStation 4 controllers cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, to utilize them, you must first sync them to your system. Owners of PS4 or PS4 Pro shouldn’t have any trouble synchronizing their PS4 DualShock, but in case there is any ambiguity, we are here to help. We’ll go through every frequent PS4 controller issue so you can concentrate on selecting games to play.

We’ve also put prepared instructions for connecting your PS4 controller to your PC in case you decide to give up your console.

How to sync a PS4 controller

It’s really simple to connect a DualShock 4 controller to a PS4, but one piece of gear is needed: a USB to Micro-B connection. There is no wireless workaround for Bluetooth controller connection, thus a cable is required to sync new controllers with your PS4 (though you can connect a PS4 or Xbox controller to your smartphone or tablet). Any USB 2.0 to Micro-B cable will function in place of the one that came with your DualShock 4 controller.

Step 1:

Connect the USB cable to the PlayStation 4’s USB port before inserting it into the controller.

Step 2:

Your controller should instantly connect to your PlayStation 4 when you turn it on due to the USB cord. To turn on the controller, press the PlayStation button located in the middle of the device. After you do so, the PS4 ought to prompt you to select a player account to use with that controller on the login page.

The top LED light bar of the controller will turn blue while it is functioning (or another color if it is not the first controller connected; red for player 2, green for player 3, and pink for player 4). Your controller may be recharged using that cable, and when it is charging but is not switched on, the light will turn yellow.

Syncing a PS4 Controller Via USB

• To start the PS4, press the power button. The power button for the console is located on the front of the device, however, its precise placement varies depending on the console version you own.

Attach a USB cable from the controller to the console.

• The cable’s bigger end is inserted into the port on the console’s front. The smaller end of the cable is inserted into the port located between the L2 and R2 shoulder buttons on the top of the controller.
• Hold the PS button on the controller for around three seconds. Your controller and the console are in sync.

Troubleshooting: Re-pairing your controller

Undercharging of the controller’s battery is the typical problem with pairing when a controller won’t connect wirelessly to your PS4. If that sounds like the “unplug it and plug it back in” approach to the issue, that’s exactly what it is.

Step 1:

When you connect to the controller, make sure it is charging since the top light bar will turn yellow when it is not in use. If it isn’t charging, there may be another problem, such as a broken controller port or a faulty cable.

Step 2:

You may need to reset both your PlayStation 4 and your PlayStation 4 controller to connect it again if your pairing problems aren’t caused by power or your cable. You may do this in the Settings menu on the PS4 if you have a controller that is still functional. The icon for it is a suitcase, and it can be found on the far-right side of the home screen.

Step 3:

Choose Bluetooth Devices from the Devices menu by descending the page. You can find all of your controllers under the Bluetooth settings, along with any additional Bluetooth gadgets that work with your PlayStation, such as PS4 headphones and the much-upgraded PDP PS4 Bluetooth Remote. Choose the controller you want to reset (it might be tricky to discern, and if you have more than one, you might need to turn them all on), and then press the X button.

To pick Forget Device from the contextual menu that appears after pressing the Settings button on your controller, click it. By doing this, your PlayStation 4 and your controller will no longer be paired.

After doing that, you should be able to connect the controller to the console once more by plugging it into your computer using your USB adapter, as was explained in this article.

How to hard reset your controller

If re-pairing the controller is unsuccessful, the PS4 may not be the source of the problem. You’ll have to reset the controller in such a situation. To reset your PS4 controller, push a secret button on it with an unfurled paper clip (or another thin, robust object).

Step 1:

To prevent your controller from receiving any network signals when you reset it, turn off your PS4 and disconnect it along with your internet router or modem.

Step 2:

Upon completion of that, turn the controller over and search for a tiny hole on the right side. Place a paperclip within the opening, then press and hold the button for three to five seconds. To be sure, it’s ideal to keep it down for a count of 10.

Alternative: How to go USB-only

You may also play with your DualShock 4 as a wired controller using a USB-enabled connection instead of the Bluetooth wireless connection. Although it’s not ideal given the possibility of playing wirelessly, it might be used as a temporary fix if connectivity and signal problems continue. By modifying the controller settings in the Devices menu, as previously mentioned, you may configure a controller to only connect with the PS4 through USB when it is plugged in. Set any controllers to only communicate through USB when they are connected under Devices, then choose Controllers. So long as you have a cable connection, signal difficulties, or Bluetooth issues shouldn’t affect the controller.

Maybe switching to the PS5? Check out our comparison table to see how the PS4 and PS5 stack up.