A genuine PS3 DUALSHOCK 3 or SIXAXIS controller takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge from completely empty, according to Sony’s DUALSHOCK 3 Charging Station manual. For the most reliable charge, connect it to a powered-on PS3 with a USB-A to Mini-B cable. The controller’s numbered lights flash slowly while charging and stop flashing when charging is complete.
Charge a PS3 controller: the quick steps
- Turn on the PS3.
- Connect the Mini-B end of a USB cable to the controller, then connect the USB-A end to a PS3 USB port.
- Press the controller’s PS button if you need to pair it or check its battery indicator on the screen.
- Leave a completely depleted controller connected for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. A partly charged controller will need less time.
Sony’s PS3 manual specifies connecting the controller by USB while the system is turned on. It does not establish that every PS3 model charges a controller while fully powered off, so use the powered-on method as the baseline. See the Sony PS3 user manual.
How to tell when it is charging or full
The controller’s player-number lights should flash slowly while it charges. They stop flashing when charging is complete. You can also press the PS button to view the battery level on the PS3 screen. If the lights do not flash, check the cable, USB connection, and controller before assuming the battery is charging. Sony describes these indicators in its DUALSHOCK 3 Charging Station manual.
Which cable does a PS3 controller use?
A DUALSHOCK 3 uses a USB cable with a Mini-B connector at the controller end and USB-A at the PS3 end. Mini-B is the older, somewhat squarish Mini-USB plug; it is not Micro-USB or USB-C. Sony’s controller manual says to use the USB cable supplied with the PS3 system, which may not have been included with the controller itself.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- What You Get: 2 Packs 10ft extra long PS3 controller cord.
- Simultaneously Charge and Play: There's nothing worse than your controller dying during the game, and you have to stop and charge your PS3 controller. Luckily with SCOVEE PS3 controller cord, you can enjoy a fantastic gaming experience while your PS3 controller fully be charged unlike a PS3 charging dock, making gaming night with friends a breeze.
- 10ft Long: With the extra 10ft length durable PS3 charging cord, you can lie on the couch or sofa and play games while you are charging at the same time. You can also pose in a variety of positions without worrying about the PS3 charging cables are not long enough.
- Superb Durability: The stainless steel connector heads slot in easily and steadily, and won't get loose or fall out from your PS3 controller. The durable PS3 charger cable can bear up to 10000 bending test.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with Sony Playstation 3 controller, PS3 controller,Dualshock 3 controller, Joystick controller and allow you to take charge of your games.
Choose a known-good cable that supports both data and power. A cable that only supplies power may fail to pair or be recognized by the PS3, even if its plug fits. Sony’s DUALSHOCK 3 instruction manual covers USB connection and PS-button operation.
Why charging may take longer than 2.5 hours
Sony’s time is an approximate full-charge estimate for its controller under its stated conditions, not a guaranteed timer for every old, repaired, or third-party controller. Charging can take longer if the battery has aged, the cable or port makes a poor connection, or the controller is being used while connected; gameplay consumes power at the same time. A replacement battery may also differ from the original.
Rank #2
- ✅ USB A to Mini B: This is a USB 2.0 Type-A to USB mini-b male cable. the standard USB type A port connects your PC, Hub and USB Charger. another mini-B port can connect your devices with Mini USB 5-Pin connector.
- ✅ Fast Charging & Sync: this 1 meter mini USB cable can provide 3A(Max) current fast charging for devices, supports data transmission USB 2.0 speed up to 480Mbps(60M/s) with mini port.
- ✅ Durable & Reliable: the Ultra-durable PVC jacket has been bend tested over 10,000 times. Pure copper cable provides safer, more reliable charging. This cable's reinforced, specially designed connectors (longer than others) will never break and provide multiple protections for your cable.
- ✅ Wide Compatibility: usb mini b to usb cord is compatible with HERO 3+, Playstation-3 controller (also named PS3 controller cord ), MP3 players, Astro A40 / 50, HTC, Digital Cameras like Canon PowerShot ELPH / Rebel / EOS, Sat Navigation, compatible for Garmin GPS Receiver, Mic, Dash Cam, Ti-84 and other devices with Mini b 5 Pin connector.
- ✅ What You Get: 1 Pack x 3.3 feet USB A to Mini USB cable, with our 12-month product replacement warranty and lifetime 7*24h friendly technical support.
- Battery age: Sony notes that battery performance declines with repeated use and age. A controller can appear fully charged yet run only briefly.
- Cable or connection: A damaged cable, loose Mini-B plug, worn controller port, or unreliable PS3 USB port can interrupt charging.
- Temperature: Sony gives 10–30°C (50–86°F) as the charging range; charging may be less effective outside it.
- Power source: Sony’s documented method is charging through a powered-on PS3 or its DUALSHOCK 3 charging station. Not every computer, hub, power bank, or wall adapter is established as compatible.
The Sony PS3 manual explains the battery-aging and temperature cautions: CECH-4301A user manual.
PS3 controller not charging: troubleshoot in order
- Confirm the controller type. The 2.5-hour estimate is for an official DUALSHOCK 3/SIXAXIS; third-party models can behave differently.
- Turn on the PS3 and connect the controller directly to a console USB port.
- Try another PS3 USB port. This helps rule out a faulty port.
- Try another USB-A to Mini-B data cable. Look for one advertised for data or syncing as well as charging.
- Watch the controller lights and press PS. Slow flashing indicates charging; the PS button can show the battery level and help with recognition or pairing.
- If the battery may be deeply discharged, leave it connected for 15–30 minutes before checking again.
- Test another known-good controller with the same PS3 and cable. If it charges, the original controller is the likelier source of the fault.
If the lights flash but the controller still dies quickly after a full charging cycle, the battery may no longer hold much capacity. If the controller works only while wired, a failed battery is one possibility, though a loose battery connector or charging-circuit fault can cause similar symptoms. If there is no recognition at all, the cable, USB port, pairing, controller port, or internal electronics may be at fault.
Rank #3
- Long PS3 Charger Cable: With the extra 10ft length durable ps3 controller charging cord, you can lie on the couch or sofa and play games while you are charging at the same time. and you can also pose in a variety of positions without worrying about the ps3 charging cables are not long enough.
- Simultaneously Charge and Play: There's nothing worse than your controller dying during the game, and you have to stop and charge your PS3 controller. Luckily with SCOVEE PS3 Charger Cable, you can enjoy a fantastic gaming experience while your PS3 controller fully be charged unlike a play 3 charging dock,making gaming night with friends a breeze.
- Superb Durability: The stainless steel connector heads slot in easily and steadily, and won't get loose or fall out from your ps3 controller. The durable ps3 charger cord can bear 10000+ bending test,Service life much longer than standard mini-b usb charger cable
- Wide Compatibility: This 10ft Mini USB Cable Specifically designed for Sony Playstations 3 ,PS3 Controller,DualShock 3,Joystick Controller, allow you to take charge of your games.
- What You Get: 10FT Extra Long PS3 Charging Cables.
Can you charge it without a PS3?
Sony made a separate DUALSHOCK 3 Charging Station, and its manual gives the same approximate 2-hour-30-minute charge time from empty. Sony announced that station as an accessory designed to charge up to two controllers. Older stations may be used or incomplete, so check for compatible charging contacts and the correct power adaptor. See the Sony announcement.
Other USB sources may work, but compatibility is not guaranteed for every charger or cable. If an external charger does not produce flashing lights, return to the direct PS3-and-data-cable test before concluding the controller needs a new battery.
Rank #4
- ✅ USB A to Mini B: This is a USB 2.0 Type-A to USB mini-b male cable. the standard USB type A port connects your PC, Hub and USB Charger. another mini-B port can connect your devices with Mini USB 5-Pin connector.
- ✅ Fast Charging & Sync: this 2 meter mini USB cable can provide 3A(Max) current fast charging for devices, supports data transmission USB 2.0 speed up to 480Mbps(60M/s) with mini port.
- ✅ Durable & Reliable: the Ultra-durable PVC jacket has been bend tested over 10,000 times. Pure copper cable provides safer, more reliable charging. This cable's reinforced, specially designed connectors (longer than others) will never break and provide multiple protections for your cable.
- ✅ Wide Compatibility: usb mini b to usb cord is compatible with HERO 3+, Playstation-3 controller (also named PS3 controller cord ), MP3 players, Astro A40 / 50, HTC, Digital Cameras like Canon PowerShot ELPH / Rebel / EOS, Sat Navigation, compatible for Garmin GPS Receiver, Mic, Dash Cam, Ti-84 and other devices with Mini b 5 Pin connector.
- ✅ What You Get: 1 Pack x 6.6 feet USB A to Mini USB cable, with our 12-month product replacement warranty and lifetime 7*24h friendly technical support.
When to replace the battery or controller
Consider a battery replacement if the controller otherwise works but has very short runtime or operates only when plugged in. An aftermarket replacement battery is available from iFixit, with a battery replacement guide. Opening the controller carries a risk of damaging its shell, connectors, or ribbon cables; a damaged charging port or electronics will not be fixed by replacing the battery.
Choose a replacement controller instead if it has several faults, such as damaged buttons and a broken port, or if repair is impractical. A used original controller may also have an aged battery, so working buttons do not guarantee healthy runtime.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBest Value
- ★ USB A to Mini B: USB 2.0 Type-A to USB Mini-B male cable connects your USB-ready computer or USB hub to a digital camera or other device with a mini B 5-pin connector, such us game controller, Digital Camera, PDA, GPS receiver and other devices with Mini B 5-Pin connector
- ★ Compatibility: Compatible with PS3 controller, HERO HD, HERO 3+, Canon PowerShot ELPH/ Rebel/ EOS, Sat Navigation, Compatible for Garmin GPS Receiver, Zoom Mic, Dash Cam,Ti-84 etc and other devices with Mini b 5 Pin connector
- ★ 10ft Extra-Long EXTRA: Extra 10ft cable length provides the freedom you need to sit back and enjoy playing at comfortable distance, never have to eject from an online game because of a dead controller battery again
- ★ Magnetic Ring Design: Provide optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference. No power loss with this premium cable with Magnetic Ring (ensure stable data transmission) for full speed charge and Sync even with extra-long length
- ★ High Speed: Supports Hi-Speed USB 2.0 transfer rate at up to 480 Mbps, backwards compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) and low-speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps)
Stop charging and using the controller if its battery is swollen, unusually hot, smells abnormal, or pushes the casing apart. Keep charging equipment undamaged and away from heat and moisture; do not assume that leaving a visibly damaged battery connected is safe.
Quick Recap
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full charge from empty | About 2 hours 30 minutes for a genuine DUALSHOCK 3/SIXAXIS, per Sony’s charging-station manual |
| Cable | USB-A to Mini-B; use a data-and-power cable |
| Most reliable method | Connect to a powered-on PS3 |
| Charging signal | Numbered lights flash slowly; they stop flashing when full |
| Full but very short runtime | Battery aging is a likely cause; cable or internal faults are also possible |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
