9 Ways To Fix PS4 Controller That Won’t Connect(But Charges)

If you’re having trouble connecting your PlayStation 4 controller to your console, don’t worry – this issue can be fixed.

If your controller doesn’t connect but still charges, reset your controller and forget all the existing controllers on the list. You can control your PS4 through the smartphone app, keyboard/mouse, or the TV remote via HDMI-CEC. After that, try reconnecting your controller, either via the USB cable or Bluetooth.

There are a few things you can do to try and fix it. In this article, we’ll walk you through a few of the most common solutions. Keep reading for more information.

What to Do When your PS4 Controller is Charging But Not Connecting?

If your PS4 controller is not connecting to your console but charging just fine, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. Here are a few of the most common solutions:

1. Reconnect the Controller

Let’s start you off with the easiest tip possible.

If you have a few controllers connected to your PS4, you will first need to disconnect the controller that is already connected before switching, or connecting any new ones.

Simply hold down the power button on the controller until it powers off for about 10 seconds. Now you are good to go and connect your new controller by pressing the PS button.

If you only have one controller, repeat the same steps. Hold down the power button on the controller until it powers off for about 10 seconds. Connect the micro USB cable, and press the PS button to pair it with the console.

2. Use Bluetooth Connection

We list this method first because it will definitely allow you to use your controller right off the bat.

This method will require you to first download the PS4 App/PS Remote Play App. This way, we will be able to control our console through the smartphone. 

Both of these apps can be easily found and downloaded through the Android/iOS play stores.

If you decide to go down this road, make sure both your smartphone and your PS4 are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Now that you got the app, let’s connect your controller through Bluetooth:

1. Connect the app to your PS4, so you have full control over it.
2. Go to Settings, Devices, Bluetooth Devices.
3. On the PS4 controller, you wish to sync, hold down the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for 5 seconds.
4. The new controller will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices.
5. Select it and confirm your choice.

The new controller will then be synced with your PS4.

The steps will vary depending on which device you are trying to link to. You can use the same steps to connect to your PC, for instance.

The general rule is that you should put your controller into the pairing mode by pressing the PS button and the Share button as previously described, then find the Bluetooth Devices section, and connect your controller.

Tip: If it doesn’t work for some reason, try to first delete all controllers in the list, restart your console, and then repeat all the steps.

This trick will work if you have the second controller to confirm a few steps on your PS4.

If you don’t, you can use a mouse/keyboard. We will use them to navigate through the PS4 menu instead of the controller.

You need to make sure that your mouse/keyboard has a USB A type of connector. If they are not compatible with your PS4, you can always get a USB A adapter.

You can even gain control of your PS4 using the TV remote via HDMI-CEC.

These steps below will help you troubleshoot your controller in case you do want to connect it via the USB cable, which is of course miles quicker and easier.

3. Reset the Controller

To do this, we will use a dedicated Reset button at the back of your controller. This method is great if your controller doesn’t connect, and you can’t get to any other setting.

1. Turn off the console and unplug your controller first. 
2. Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 shoulder button.
3. Use a paperclip to push the button inside the hole.
4. Hold the button down for about 5 seconds.
5. Connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.
6. Turn on the PS4 and wait for it to boot up.

Press the PS button on the controller to log into the PS4. When the controller is paired, you can disconnect the USB cable.

When your device is ready, log into your account and see if the controller has stopped having problems.

Tip: Once you reset your controller, don’t forget to delete all the other controllers from the list of connected Bluetooth devices. Then, put the controller into pairing mode, it should show up in the list of available devices.

4. Check the Cables

The first thing you want to do here is check the cable. Make sure it is not damaged and that there are no loose wires.

A common solution is to try a different USB cable, in case the original one doesn’t work.

If the cable is fine, try plugging it into a different USB port on your PS4.

Make sure your charger doesn’t just charge, it has to be able to transfer data as well.

Tip: make sure to use only the original power cable/adapter for your PS4.

5. Soft Reset Your PS4

Now that we are sure the cables are fine, let’s go ahead and soft reset the console.

You can do it by disconnecting your console from the power source for about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in.

Once the console boots up, try connecting your controller again. Connect it to the USB cable, and then press and hold the PS button.

6. Clean your Controller

If your PS4 controller is still not connecting, there are a few things you can do.

Your controller might be charging but not connecting because there is some dirt stuck inside that prevents it from sending the proper signal to the console

Try cleaning the controller’s contacts, the charging port/USB port, and the body of the controller itself with a Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol. 

Blow around the ball at the base of the controller stick to remove the dust.

Try pressing and twisting all the buttons on your controller to make sure none of them got stuck.

Tip: You can even twist the body of the controller carefully, that can help if the issue was caused by a hardware glitch.

7. Power Cycle your PS4

In order to perform this procedure, follow the steps below. This will help if the issue was originally with your console, not the controller.

1. Connect your PS4 console and the controller via a USB cable.
2. Make sure your console is powered on.
3. Unplug the USB cable from the back of the console.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Reconnect the cable to the console, and wait for it to power on.
6. Try reconnecting the controller to the console.

If the reset was successful, your controller should be able to connect.

8. Factory Reset Your Console/Controller

This is the last step we recommend you do.

Now that we have the smartphone app installed(or other ways to control your PS4 as previously discussed), you can easily factory reset both your controller and the PS4.

We have 2 comprehensive articles on this matter, you can find them attached below. Simply choose the methods that fit you best. They all serve the same purpose, really.

How To Easily Reset/Factory Reset Your PS4 Controller?

How To Quickly Reset/Factory Reset PS4 Without Controller?

9. Connect to a Different Device

The last thing you can do is to try connecting your controller to some other device, like a PC or even your phone.

On the PS4 controller you wish to sync, hold down the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for 5 seconds.

If it shows up in the list and connects normally, the issue is with your console.

If it doesn’t, you have a defective controller.

In this case, you can send it in to Sony for repairs. One more option is to get a replacement PS4 controller.

Conclusion

The first thing you should do, in order to get your PS4 console and the controller to function normally, is disconnecting all the other controllers, and only then connecting your new controller.

If that doesn’t work, you can reset both your controller and the console, and then try connecting it via Bluetooth.

Check all the charging cables and try using a different USB cable or port on your console.