PS5 controller that does not connect, what to do?

Although the new PS5 DualSense controller is a sensation among the majority of users, some malfunctions have already been reported. Among them, we find a connection problem. And this problem is not the least since it prevents you from playing. But rest assured because there are easy steps to take to find a controller in working order. So, discover what to do when your PS5 controller does not connect?

To start, learn the causes that can explain that your PS5 controller is not recognized and therefore does not connect. Then, learn all the solutions to effectively solve the problem.

Why is your PS5 controller not connecting?

The responsible factors

When your PS5 controller is not recognized by your console or your PC and, consequently, that it cannot connect, several causes may be the cause. This may be a synchronization or connection problem which may be linked to a software bug, a microprocessor malfunction, a problem related to your use or even a hardware failure. Generally, this will be notified to you by a blue flashing persistent on the controller.

Each problem will have its solution. Follow our troubleshooting guide to find what issue is affecting your DualSense controller and how to fix it.

Basic checks when the PS5 controller is not detected

First, your PS5 controller does not connect may be simply because of a problem of use. Then discover the some checks concerning the use you make of your controller to ensure that your use allows it to be detected by the console or the PC:

1 / Make sure the signal is clear between the DualSense controller and the console. Remove the objects that are between the signal of the two devices (wall, cupboard, any object etc.). Move away or turn off electronic devices (microwave, smartphone, laptop, etc.) or Bluetooth (headsets, mice, speakers, etc.) to avoid interference that may prevent the PS5 controller from being detected.

2/ Move the controller closer to the console when you connect it (about 1m), especially if you tend to play at a distance from the PS. Point the front of the console where the receiver is located toward your controller.

3 / Check that your PS5 controller that does not connect is not already associated with another device, like a computer or another PS. Indeed, the controller cannot be paired with several devices at the same time. In this case, unpair it and sync it again with your console.

4/ Your console cannot be connected to more than 4 levers at a time. If any of them are having trouble connecting, try to connect it wired.

5 / Check that the connection problem does not come from the console. To do this, connect your controller to another console or connect another functional controller to your PS. If you conclude that the problem is with the console and not with the controller, contact thePlayStation support by requesting repair of your PS5 or on 01 70 70 07 78 (France).

What to do when your PS5 controller won't connect?

If after these few checks, your PS5 controller still does not connect, more important problems related to a software bug or a hardware malfunction are surely at the origin. Then carry out the following operations to try to find a DualSense controller in working order.

Resynchronize the PS5 DualSense controller

First, try to resynchronize your PS5 controller that does not connect by proceeding as follows:

1. Turn off your PS by keeping the power button on its front pressed for a few seconds until you hear a beep.
2. Turn your console back on by pressing the power button on the console.
3. Plug in the USB cable original on the console and on your controller.
4. Press the PS button of the DualSense controller.

In principle, your PS5 controller should flash for a few seconds and then light up on the front, indicating that the connection has worked well. Subsequently, the light turns blue indicating that the synchronization has worked correctly.

If the procedure did not work and your PS5 DualSense controller is still not detected, it may be that a bigger software bug either at the origin. Then proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Note: The USB cable used for synchronization should preferably be the original one. If you do not have it available, the replacement USB cable must be a quality data cable (and not a cable intended only for charging). Avoid damaged, exposed or counterfeit cables. 

Reset the PS5 controller

A software or CPU bug on your PS5 controller could also be the cause of the connection issue. For remove these minor malfunctions, it is then necessary to proceed to the resetting your controller. This process will reset your controller. Here is how to reset the DualSense controller:

1. Turn off your PlayStation 5 and unplug the controller.
2. Hold down the reset button on the back of the controller for 5 seconds using a small object (SIM card extractor, paper clip, fine pin, earring rod, etc.).
3. Reconnect your controller to the console with the USB cable.
4. Press the ps button on your controller.

Read also: PS5 controller no longer charges, what to do?

Restart and update the PS5 console

If nothing helps and your PS5 controller does not connect after this manipulation, the software malfunction encountered may be from the console. In this case, first try to turn on and electrically reset your PS5 by proceeding as follows:

1. Turn off your PS5 and your DualSense controller.
2. Connect the controller using the USB cable.
3. Unplug your console then wait 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord to the PS5.
5. Turn the console back on with the button on the front.
6. Press the PS button on the DualSense controller.

Note: this procedure does not delete any of your data. 

It may also be that a obsolete system not having received the latest updates is responsible for the problem of your DualSense controller which is not recognized. In principle, updates are automatically offered to you when your console is connected to the Internet. Remember to connect the PS5 to the network from time to time. You can also manually check that the updates have been made by proceeding as follows:

1. Connect your PS5 to Internet.
2. Go to " Settings "Then" System"
3. Then click on " System software "Then" System software update and settings« 
4. Then select " Update system software"

Check the material

If your PS5 controller still refuses to connect, problem is probably hardware. In this case, it may be the bluetooth circuit, USB cable or USB port.

1 / If your PS5 controller can no longer be recognized wirelessly by the console, the Bluetooth circuit is probably defective. To verify this hypothesis, connect your controller with the USB cable. If it connects, the Bluetooth circuit is probably faulty. It must therefore be replaced.

2 / If your PS5 controller no longer connects when it is connected with the USB cable, test to connect it with another compatible cable. If the controller reconnects, then your original USB cable is probably defective. Replace it.

3 / If your controller does not work with another USB cable, the USB port of the controller or console may be defective. Then test another controller on the console and your controller on another USB port on your console or another device (computer or other console) to find the faulty USB port.
• If you find that the controller is working on another console, the USB port is not defective. Otherwise, you will have to replace the cable or the connector of your controller.
• If your controller works on another USB port on your console or on another device, then one of the 4 USB ports on your console is probably defective.

If nothing helps and your DualSense controller still does not connect, then the problem is more serious and it will need to be repaired or replaced.

Contact a professional

If despite all the manipulations seen previously your PS5 controller no longer connects to your console, then the problem is with a larger malfunction such as a power supply or internal component problem. In this case, your controller is defective and it will then have to be replaced.

If your controller is under warranty, contact PlayStation support to get your product repaired or replaced.

If your controller is out of warranty, you can still contact PlayStation Support to try to get a personalized solution. You can also use an electronics repair shop. However, the price of the repair will often not be worth the cost. In this case, you will unfortunately need buy a new PS5 controller.

Note: PS4 controllers work on PlayStation 5 consoles.