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To turn off a standard PS5 DualSense wireless controller without shutting down the console, either press and hold the PS button until the controller lights go out, or press PS > Accessories > Wireless Controller > Turn Off. Both methods turn off the controller only; the PS5 remains on.
Method 1: Hold the PS button
- Locate the PS button in the center of the DualSense controller.
- Press and hold it until the controller’s light bar and player indicator turn off.
- Release the button.
This is the quickest method and does not require menu navigation. Make sure you hold the button: a brief press opens the PS5 Control Center instead.
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Method 2: Use the PS5 Control Center
- Press the PS button once to open the Control Center.
- Select Accessories.
- Choose the controller listed as Wireless Controller.
- Select Turn Off.
This method is especially useful when multiple controllers are paired, because you can select the specific controller to turn off. A PS5 supports up to four controllers simultaneously. Sony documents this PS5 menu path.
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How to tell whether the controller is off
The light bar and player indicator should both be off. The PS5 itself can remain powered on for downloads, streaming, or another player.
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- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Pressing the PS button again turns the controller back on. If the PS5 is in Rest Mode or powered off, pressing the PS button on a paired controller may also wake the console. See Sony’s PS5 support information.
What if the controller will not turn off?
- Try holding the PS button again until the lights go out.
- If a USB cable is connected, disconnect it temporarily and retry.
- If the Control Center is unresponsive, restart the PS5.
- Update the PS5 system software and the DualSense device software.
A USB connection may also charge the controller, depending on the PS5’s power state and settings. Charging and the controller’s power state are separate; confirm the result by checking whether the lights are off. Sony explains DualSense charging behavior.
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Do not reset the controller merely to turn it off. Resetting is a later troubleshooting step for connection problems: Sony’s procedure requires turning off the PS5, disconnecting the controller, and holding the small reset button on its back for at least five seconds. Follow Sony’s reset instructions if necessary.
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If you actually want to shut down the console, open Control Center > Power > Turn Off PS5. Turning off the PS5 or placing it in Rest Mode also turns off a connected controller, but this is unnecessary when you only want the controller switched off. See Sony’s power-saving guidance.
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- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
Do these steps work with other controllers?
The instructions above are for the standard DualSense wireless controller. Compatible PlayStation controllers, including the DualSense Edge and DUALSHOCK 4, may use similar PS-button behavior, but menu labels and available options can vary. Third-party controllers may not offer exactly the same controls. Sony lists its controller support separately.
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- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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