Table of Contents
Does your PS4 controller fail to charge, and you don’t know why? This article sheds light on the common causes and possible solutions for this problem.
The first section of the article will discuss several reasons your PlayStation 4 controller may not charge. Then, we will explore various tips and strategies to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, our FAQ section offers answers to some of the questions people mostly ask related to this article’s topic.
Reasons Your DualShock 4 Controller Won’t Charge
If your PS4 controller doesn’t charge, it can be frustrating. However, understanding the underlying reasons can help you identify and resolve the issue.
Here are several potential causes for a PS4 controller not charging.
1. Faulty USB Cable
A faulty USB cable is a common reason for charging issues with PS4 controllers. Over time, USB cables can become damaged due to regular wear and tear.
Common issues include fraying of the cable, loose connectors, or damaged wires inside. These problems can lead to an unstable connection between the controller and the power source, hindering charging.
2. Damaged Charging Port
The charging port on a DualShock 4 controller is a delicate component that can be vulnerable to damage. If the port is physically damaged or has loose connections, it may not establish a secure connection with the USB cable.
This can result from accidents, rough handling, or wear and tear over time. Besides, the charging port might be blocked by debris or dirt.
Due to this, the controller may fail to charge. Physical damage to the controller, such as cracks in the shell, exposed wiring, or other structural issues, can also interfere with the charging process.
3. Power Source or Compatability Problems
As most people know, you can charge the PlayStation 4 controller via several sources. These include USB ports, the PS4 console itself, or third-party chargers.
However, if the power source is defective, such as a damaged USB port, it can lead to charging problems. Besides, non-standard or third-party charging cables, adapters, or docks may not be fully compatible with the PS4 controller.
This incompatibility can lead to charging problems as the controller may not establish a proper connection or receive the correct voltage.
4. Battery Issues
The PlayStation 4 controller comes with built-in lithium-ion batteries. However, as with most batteries, these types of batteries have a limited lifespan.
As a result, over time, the battery’s capacity to hold a charge gradually diminishes. This is a natural degradation process and can lead to issues with charging.
Basically, when the battery reaches the end of its useful life, it may not charge or hold a charge for long periods.
5. Software or Firmware Glitch
Every PS4 controller contains firmware and software that manages its functions, including charging. This software ensures that the controller can communicate with the console, accept a charge, and report its battery status accurately.
However, just like any software-driven device, the DualShock 4 controllers can experience glitches and bugs. These are typically minor issues in the software or firmware that can disrupt normal functions, including charging.
Glitches can occur for various reasons, such as errors during firmware updates and conflicts with other software or hardware.
How to Fix PlayStation 4 Controller that Fails to Charge
If your PlayStation 4 controller is not charging, you can try several troubleshooting steps to fix the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a PS4 controller that fails to charge.
1. Inspect the Charging Port
The PlayStation 4 controller uses a micro USB charging connector, which can be very delicate. Hence, if the controller doesn’t charge, try removing the charger and inserting it again.
Furthermore, ensure the charger stays in place without wobbling. Also, make sure the charging port of the controller is clean and free from any debris or dust buildup.
Even a tiny speck of dirt can obstruct the connection between the cable and the controller, preventing it from charging.
2. Check the USB Cable
Begin by thoroughly inspecting the USB cable. Look for visible damage, such as frayed or exposed wires, bent connectors, or loose connections.
If any of these issues are present, the cable may be the root cause of the charging problem. Therefore, you will need to replace the cable.
Ensure to use a USB cable capable of providing power and transmitting data or an original PS4 USB cable. Furthermore, use a high-quality USB cable that is compatible with your DualShock 4 controller.
3. Reset the Controller
In some cases, this problem can be caused by software or firmware glitches. If that’s the case, a simple reset often fixes the issue.
To reset the controller, locate the small reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 shoulder button. This button is typically a tiny hole.
Then, use a paperclip or a similar tool to gently press and hold the reset button for about 3 – 5 seconds. This action resets the controller’s settings without affecting your saved data.
After resetting, connect the controller again and attempt to charge it.
4. Try a Different Power Source
Sometimes, a DualShock 4 controller may encounter charging issues when connected to the console’s USB ports. Therefore, you can try using other power sources to charge the controller, such as a high-quality USB charger.
You can also charge the controller via the USB port on a computer or laptop.
5. Contact Sony Support
If any of the previous tips didn’t fix the problem, your controller may be broken. It may have hardware-related problems like a damaged charging port or a degraded battery.
Hence, it is only right to contact Sony’s customer support. They may be able to offer additional troubleshooting advice or recommend a course of action.
Moreover, they should have in-house technicians who can diagnose and potentially fix hardware-related problems with your controller. However, ensure to check the warranty status of your PlayStation 4 controller.
If the controller is still under warranty, Sony may provide a free replacement or repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
A problem with the lithium-ion batteries in the controller often causes this issue. Basically, if your controller’s internal battery has significantly degraded over time, it may not hold a charge for long periods.
This can result in the controller working when connected but failing to charge effectively.
Generally, the DualShock 4 lasts between four and eight hours per full charge.
If you plug your controller into the PS4 console or a USB power source, the light will flash orange once to indicate it is charging.
Yes, a laptop can charge a PS4 controller. PS4 controllers use a standard USB cable with a micro USB connector, which is a widely compatible interface for charging.
On average, a PlayStation 4 gaming console should be able to last for up to 5 years.
My Final Thoughts
The inability of a DualShock 4 controller to charge can be a frustrating issue. However, it’s a challenge that can be resolved with proper diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Gladly, this article explored various potential reasons behind this problem. Each of these reasons sheds light on specific aspects that could be contributing to the charging issue.
I also provided several tips to troubleshoot and potentially fix the charging issue with your controller.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you did, we would sincerely appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your feedback on our community platform at Itechguides Community.
Furthermore, if you have any questions or inquiries related to this topic, please don’t hesitate to ask them on Itechguides Community. Our dedicated team and fellow community members are readily available to provide prompt assistance.
For additional articles covering similar topics, feel free to explore our Technology Explained page.
References and Further Reading
- lifewire.com – How to Fix It When a PS4 Controller Won’t Charge
- alphr.com – How To Fix A PS4 Controller That’s Not Charging
- technewstoday.com – PS4 Controller Won’t Charge – 10 Easy Fixes
- online-tech-tips.com – PS4 DualShock Controller Not Charging? 10 Ways to Fix
- businessinsider.com – 5 ways to fix a PS4 controller that won’t charge
- pcguide.com – PS4 Controller Not Charging – Fixes
- drivereasy.com – [SOLVED] PS4 Controller Won’t Charge
- Itechguides Community
