"Master the Art of Syncing Your PS4 Controller in Just a Few Simple Steps"

The PS4 has gained a reputation for being reliable towards the end of its lifecycle. However, it's not uncommon for users to experience issues. Despite the release of the PS5, many gamers still prefer to use their PS4, or at least their controllers, for a number of reasons.

Aside from the occasional hiccup, having a wireless PlayStation 4 controller is incredibly convenient. However, before you can use it, you need to sync it with your system. Although syncing your PS4 DualShock controller with a PS4 or PS4 Pro is usually trouble-free, we're here to assist you in case you experience any confusion. We'll guide you through the most common PS4 controller issues, so you can focus on choosing which games to play.

If you're considering getting rid of your console, we've also put together a guide to show you how to connect your PS4 controller to your PC.

Learn more

How to Sync a PS4 Controller

Synchronizing your PlayStation 4 DualShock controller with your PS4 is a breeze, but it does require one thing: a USB to Micro-B cable. Unfortunately, there is no wireless alternative available for pairing controllers with Bluetooth. Therefore, if you want to connect new controllers to your PS4, you'll need a cable. However, you can connect your PS4 or Xbox controller to your smartphone or tablet. Your DualShock 4 controller comes with a cable, but any USB 2.0 to Micro-B cable will suffice.

Step 1: Connect the USB cable to the controller and then to the USB port on the PlayStation 4.

Step 2: When you turn on your PS4, your controller should automatically connect using the USB cable. To activate your controller, press the PlayStation button in the center. You'll be taken to the login screen to select a player account for that controller.

You'll know your controller is working when the LED light on the top changes to blue (or another color depending on whether it's the first, second, third, or fourth controller). The cable also serves as a charging station for your controller, with the light turning yellow when the controller is recharging but not turned on.

Troubleshooting: Pairing Your Controller Again

If you're experiencing trouble connecting your controller wirelessly to your PS4, the most common issue is that the controller's battery is not fully charged. It may sound like a "turn it off and then turn it back on" solution, but it works.

Revamp Your Troubled PlayStation 4 Controller with These Simple Steps!

Step 1: Start off by making sure that your controller is charging when you plug it in. You can tell if the controller is charging if the light bar on the top turns yellow. If it's not charging, you may have a damaged controller port or a bad cable.

Step 2: If the pairing issues are not related to power or cable issues, try resetting your PlayStation controller and then reset your PlayStation 4 to pair it again. Go to the PS4's Settings menu to reset a controller that still works. You can find the Settings menu on the far-right side of the home screen, represented by a Suitcase icon.

Step 3: In the devices menu, select Bluetooth Devices. All your controllers and compatible Bluetooth devices for your PlayStation, such as headsets, should be listed. Choose the controller you're trying to reset, select it and hit the X button. Press the Options button on your controller to bring up a contextual menu and select Forget Device. This will unpair your controller with your PlayStation 4. Now plug the controller in with your USB adapter to pair it with the console again.

How to Hard Reset Your Controller

If re-pairing the controller doesn't work, you can try resetting the controller itself. You'll need an unfolded paper clip or something similarly thin and sturdy with which to push a hidden button on your PS4 controller.

Step 1: Before resetting the controller, turn off your PS4 and unplug both it and your internet router or modem so that your controller won't receive any network signals when you reset it.

Step 2: Flip the controller over and look for a small hole on the right side. Push the paperclip in the hole and push the button inside for three to five seconds. It's best to hold it down for a count of 10 to be sure.

Alternative: How to Go USB-Only

When connectivity and signal issues persist, it's possible to skip over the Bluetooth wireless connection and play with your DualShock 4 as a wired controller with a USB-enabled connection. To do so, change the controller settings in the Devices menu. Under Devices, navigate to Controllers, and then set any controllers to only communicate via USB when they're plugged in. That way, signal and Bluetooth issues shouldn't affect the controller, as long as you have a wired connection.

Consider a jump towards the futuristic world of gaming with the awe-inspiring Sony PlayStation 5. Have a glimpse of our ultimate comparison guide that showcases both PS4 and PS5 for you to make an informed decision.

Recommendations from our esteemed editors below: