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How to Fix a PS4 That Won’t Charge: 6 Ways to Fix a DUALSHOCK 4

A DUALSHOCK 4 that won’t charge? Check its charging indicator, try another cable and PS4 USB port, enable USB power in Rest Mode, and reset the controller.
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If your PS4 controller won’t charge, work through these six checks: confirm its charging indicator, test another USB cable and console port, charge while the PS4 is on, enable USB power in Rest Mode, and reset the controller. These steps are for a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller; the PS4 console itself is not the rechargeable device covered here.

1. Check whether the DUALSHOCK 4 is charging

Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable, then hold the PS button to open the Quick Menu. Sony says the battery icon blinks while the controller is charging. If it does, leave the controller connected and allow time for the charge to progress.

Sony estimates about two hours to charge a DUALSHOCK 4 whose battery has no remaining charge. That is an estimate, not a guarantee for every cable, battery condition, or charging source. Sony’s DUALSHOCK 4 support page gives the charging guidance.

2. Test a different USB cable

Try a cable that you know works with another suitable device. Sony recommends a USB cable that complies with USB standards and notes that some USB devices may not charge the controller. A cable swap is a useful isolation test, but a successful or unsuccessful test alone does not prove which part is faulty.

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If the existing cable is confirmed faulty, replace it with one compatible with DUALSHOCK 4. Sony’s cited guidance does not specify a connector type, so check compatibility rather than relying on an assumed specification.

3. Try another PS4 USB port

Connect the controller to a different USB port on the console. Sony’s troubleshooting instructions specify using a front or rear PS4 USB port when reconnecting a controller. If the controller behaves differently across ports, that observation can help narrow down the issue, but it does not by itself identify the failed component. Sony’s controller troubleshooting steps include this connection guidance.

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4. Test charging while the PS4 is on

A DUALSHOCK 4 can charge from a PS4 while the console is on or in Rest Mode. If it does not charge in Rest Mode, try connecting it while the PS4 is on. If charging works only while the console is on, check the Rest Mode USB power setting in the next step. Sony explains when a DUALSHOCK 4 can charge.

5. Enable USB power in Rest Mode

To charge a controller while the PS4 is in Rest Mode, enable power to the console’s USB ports:

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  1. On the PS4, open Settings.
  2. Select Power Save Settings.
  3. Select Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
  4. Set Supply Power to USB Ports to an option that supplies power.
  5. Put the PS4 into Rest Mode and connect the controller.

Sony says the DUALSHOCK 4’s light bar slowly blinks orange while charging in Rest Mode and turns off when charging is complete. A PS4 that is fully powered off cannot charge controllers. Sony’s Rest Mode instructions describe the USB power setting, and its power indicator guide explains the console’s power states.

6. Reset and reconnect the controller

If the controller still does not charge properly, Sony recommends resetting it. This reset sequence disconnects the controller and then pairs it to the console again:

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  1. Turn off the PS4 and unplug it from power.
  2. Disconnect the controller from the console.
  3. Use an unfolded paper clip or similar object to press and hold the small reset button on the back of the controller for at least five seconds.
  4. Reconnect the controller to a front or rear PS4 USB port using a USB cable.
  5. Press the PS button on the controller.

Sony’s support page provides the reset and reconnection instructions.

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If it still will not charge

If the cable, ports, charging settings, and reset do not resolve the problem, the controller may have a hardware issue. Sony lists a battery issue among possible controller problems and directs users with remaining issues to PlayStation Repairs. The support guidance does not establish that your controller needs a battery replacement, provide a replacement procedure, or state repair prices. Have the issue assessed rather than assuming which component has failed.

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