How To Fix PS5 Controller Won’t Connect | Won’t Sync

If you’re a proud owner of a Sony PlayStation 5, you may have encountered connectivity issues with your DualSense wireless controller. Whether it’s your first time setting up the controller or you’ve been using it for a while, there are several reasons why it may fail to connect to your PS5 over Bluetooth. In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to fix PS5 controller connectivity issues and get you back in the game.

Pairing the DualSense Controller to Your PS5

The first step in resolving connectivity issues is to ensure that your DualSense controller is properly paired with your PS5 console. If you’re setting up the controller for the first time, you’ll need to register it with the console through a USB cable. Follow these simple steps:

1. Turn on your PS5 console.
2. Connect the DualSense controller to a USB port on your PS5 using the USB Type-C to USB-A cable that came with the console.
3. Press the PS button on the controller to pair it with your console.

After the pairing process is complete, you can disconnect the controller from the console and use it wirelessly. If you’re setting up a secondary DualSense controller and don’t have a USB-C cable, you can pair the controller wirelessly. Here’s how:

1. Press the PS button on the primary controller and select Settings on the top right of the PS5 Home Screen.
2. Scroll down and select Accessories.
3. Go to General > Bluetooth Accessories.
4. On the new controller, hold the Create and PS buttons simultaneously to put it into pairing mode.
5. Use the primary controller to select the controller you’re about to pair from the Accessories found list on your PS5.
6. Select Yes to confirm the registration of the controller.

Your PS5 should automatically connect to the new controller. If you want to switch back to using the primary controller, simply press the PS button on it.

Charging the PS5 DualSense Controller

If your DualSense controller is not connecting or waking up the console from Rest Mode when you press the PS button, it’s possible that the battery is low. To resolve this, connect the controller to the console via USB and let it charge for at least 15 minutes. The light bar surrounding the touchpad will pulsate to indicate that it’s charging.

To ensure that your controller is always on a full charge, you may consider investing in a PS5 charging station or cooling stand. This will eliminate the hassle of fumbling around with cables and ensure that your controller is ready for gaming whenever you are.

Restarting Your PlayStation 5 Console

Sometimes, unexpected software glitches can cause connectivity issues between your DualSense controller and your PS5 console. Restarting the console can help flush out temporary data and resolve wireless connectivity problems. Here’s how to do it:

1. If you have another working controller, press the PS button on it and select Power > Restart PS5 to reboot the console.
2. If you don’t have another controller, press and hold the PS5’s Power button until the console beeps twice to initiate a forced shutdown. Then, press the Power button again to turn it back on.

By restarting your PS5 console, you give it a fresh start, which can often resolve connectivity issues with your DualSense controller.

Checking for USB-Related Problems

If your DualSense wireless controller is not pairing or charging over USB, the issue may be related to the USB connection. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot USB-related problems:

1. Inspect the USB-C cable that you’re using to connect the controller to the console. If the cable is frayed or severely bent, try using it with a different device like a PC or Mac to confirm if it works. If it doesn’t, consider replacing the cable.
2. If you’re using a third-party USB cord, switch to the original cable that came with your PS5 or try a different high-quality USB-C cable that supports data transfers.
3. Connect the cable to a different USB port on your PS5. Besides the USB port on the front, there are additional ports on the back of the console. This will help determine if the issue is with a specific port.
4. Ensure that the USB-C port on the controller is free of dirt or debris. Use compressed air to blow away any dust (avoid putting the nozzle inside the port) or gently clean it with a toothpick if necessary.

By troubleshooting USB-related problems, you can eliminate any potential issues that may be preventing your DualSense controller from connecting or charging properly.

Unpairing and Reconnecting the Controller

If the problem persists, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting your DualSense controller to your PlayStation 5. If you have another working controller, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories on your PS5.
2. Highlight the controller you want to disconnect from the Bluetooth connections list.
3. Press the Options button and choose Disconnect.
4. Select OK to confirm the disconnection.
5. Restart your PS5 and re-register the controller either wirelessly or via USB.

If you don’t have another controller to interact with the console, you may need to factory reset the malfunctioning controller. More details on this will be discussed in the next section.

Keeping the Controller and Console Close

Even though the DualSense wireless controller and the PlayStation 5 use Bluetooth 5.1 for connectivity, there can still be limitations in the effective range of the Bluetooth signal. Physical obstructions, reflective surfaces, and interference from surrounding devices can reduce the range and cause connectivity issues.

To minimize these problems, it’s recommended to either use the controller in wired mode or keep the controller and the console in close proximity. If you prefer to use the controller wirelessly, ensure that the console and TV are in the same room to avoid random disconnects or lag.

To set up your controller to work in wired mode, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > Communication Method and select Use USB Cable.

Factory Resetting Your DualSense Controller

If all else fails and your DualSense controller is still not connecting, you may need to perform a factory reset. This restores the controller to its default settings and can help resolve significant connectivity-related issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your PS5 console. If you don’t have a secondary controller, press and hold the Power button to force shutdown the console.
2. Locate the small hole on the back of the controller near the L2 button.
3. Insert a SIM-eject tool or a paperclip into the hole and push against the Reset button inside for 3-5 seconds.
4. Turn on your PS5 and re-register the controller wirelessly (if you have another controller) or over USB.

Performing a factory reset should clear any software glitches or settings that may be causing the connectivity issues with your DualSense controller.

Ruling Out Signal Interference from Other Devices

In some cases, signal interference from other devices can disrupt the Bluetooth connection between your DualSense controller and your PS5 console. To rule out signal interference, try the following steps:

1. Remove nearby Bluetooth devices that may be causing interference, such as headsets, controllers, mice, speakers, or other wireless equipment.
2. Disconnect any third-party controller accessories, such as wired headsets or battery packs. These devices may also disrupt the Bluetooth signal and prevent the controller from connecting to the console.

By removing potential sources of signal interference, you can ensure a clearer Bluetooth connection between your DualSense controller and your PS5 console.

Updating Your DualSense Controller

Sony periodically releases firmware updates for the DualSense controller to improve its stability and resolve known connectivity issues. If your controller is working in wired mode, you can update the device firmware directly from your PS5 console. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) on your PS5.
2. Select Wireless Controller Device Software.
3. Check for any available updates and follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

Alternatively, you can also update the controller using the “Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller” utility available on the official PlayStation website. Simply connect your controller to a PC and follow the instructions provided.

Keeping your DualSense controller up to date with the latest firmware can help ensure optimal performance and resolve any connectivity issues.

Updating Your PlayStation 5 System Software

In addition to updating your DualSense controller, it’s also important to keep your PS5 console’s system software up to date. Outdated or buggy system software can interfere with the Bluetooth connection and cause connectivity issues with the DualSense controller. To update your PS5 system software, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your PS5 is connected to the internet.
2. Go to Settings > System on your PS5.
3. Scroll down to the System Software section and select System Software Update and Settings.
4. Choose the Update Using Internet option.
5. Wait for your PS5 to search for and install any pending updates.

If you encounter any issues during the update process, you can also update your PS5 via Safe Mode. Refer to the official PlayStation support website for detailed instructions on updating your PS5 system software.

Contacting PlayStation Support for Further Assistance

If none of the troubleshooting steps outlined above resolve the connectivity issues with your DualSense controller, it’s possible that the controller may be defective or have a dead battery. To verify if the problem is hardware-related, you can register the controller with a desktop, iPhone, or Android device and test its functionality.

If you purchased the controller from a third-party retailer, reach out to them for a replacement. Alternatively, you can contact PlayStation Support for further assistance. They have a dedicated team of experts who can help you diagnose and resolve any issues with your DualSense controller.

Please note that if you’re experiencing issues with a new console or controller, it’s always recommended to reach out to the retailer or manufacturer for warranty support.

Conclusion

Connectivity issues with the DualSense wireless controller can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you should be able to resolve them quickly and get back to enjoying your PlayStation 5 gaming experience. From pairing the controller to your console, charging the controller, and troubleshooting USB-related problems, to restarting the console and updating firmware, these steps cover the most common issues that users encounter. Remember, if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to PlayStation Support for further assistance. Happy gaming!