PS5 Controller Not Connecting – 8 Easy Fixes 2023

The PS5 controller can sometimes be a hassle, often not connecting. This frustrating issue can be caused by various factors, including firmware issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems, or even physical damage to the controller.

Key Takeaways

• The PS5 will hesitate to connect with the controller even after several tries.
• The error can usually happen due to firmware issues, hardware issues, or physical obstacles blocking the signals.
• You can fix the error by troubleshooting safely and turning off other Bluetooth devices.

Why Does The PS5 Controller Not Connect At Times?

Here’s why the PS5 Controller may not connect at times:

• Firmware problem (outdated firmware or update error)
• Bluetooth interference (fewer devices or physical obstacles affecting the signal)
• Physical damage to the controller (drops or exposure to water)

How Do I Fix The PS5 Controller Not Connecting?

If you’re experiencing issues with your PS5 controller not connecting to your console, you can try several troubleshooting steps. Here’s a list:

1. Reset The Controller
2. Troubleshoot In Safe Mode
3. Turn Off Other Bluetooth Devices
4. Move Closer To The Console
5. Update The Firmware
6. Forgetting The Device
7. Updating the PS5
8. Switch To Ethernet

Before attempting any of the troubleshooting steps to fix the PS5 controller not connecting, here’s something you should do:

• Restart your console.

If you’ve done that, we can move ahead to the fixes.

Resetting The Controller

After testing, this method was by far the most helpful, fixing the issue most of the time. Resetting the controller is one of the most common solutions for fixing PS5 controller connectivity issues. When you reset the controller, it clears its cache and removes any temporary data that may be causing the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

1. On the back of the PS5 controller, you’ll find a small hole next to the screw. This hole houses the reset button. Use a paper clip or a small pin to press and hold the regulator inside the hole for about five seconds.

   

2.  Wait for the Lights to Flash. After holding down the reset button, the controller’s lights should start flashing. This means the reset was successful, and the controller is ready to be reconnected to the console.
3. Reconnect the Controller to the PS5 Console. To reconnect the controller to your PS5 console, hold the PS and Create buttons simultaneously until the controller’s lights stop flashing. This should take about three to four seconds.
4. Verify the Connection Once the Controller is connected to the console. Verify that it is working by checking the controller icon on the screen. If the icon is displayed, the controller is connected, and you should be able to use it usually.

By following these simple steps, you can reset your PS5 controller and hopefully resolve any connectivity issues you were experiencing. 

Troubleshoot In Safe Mode

I was surprised that this method works for a surprising amount of time!

Here’s how to do this:

1. Press and hold the power button on your PS5 until you hear two beeps. This will turn off the console.
2. Please wait for the console’s lights to turn off completely and unplug it from the power source.
3. Get a new USB cable you have yet to use for your PS5.

   

4. Plug the new USB cable into a different USB port on your PS5 console.
5. Connect the other end of the new USB cable to your PS5 controller (DualSense).
6. Press and hold the power button on your PS5 until you hear two beeps. This will put your console into safe mode.
7. A message asking you to connect your PS5 controller with a USB cable will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your controller.
8. Once your PS5 controller is connected, press the PlayStation button and select the first option, “Restart PS5”. This will restart your console and hopefully fix the controller not relating error.

   

Restarting your PS5 safely and connecting your controller using a new USB cable can help fix any software issues preventing your controller from connecting.

Turning Off Other Bluetooth Devices

While I was testing, it often turned out that the PS5 controller would not connect to the console due to interference from other nearby Bluetooth devices. Turning off these devices can help resolve the issue.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify any other Bluetooth devices connected to your console or within range. This can include additional controllers, headphones, speakers, or smartphones
2. Once you’ve identified the other Bluetooth devices, turn them off or move them away from the console. If you have multiple controllers connected, turn off the ones you’re not using.
3. After turning off the other Bluetooth devices, reconnect the PS5 controller to the console. Press and hold the PS and Create buttons simultaneously until the controller’s lights stop flashing. This should take about three to four seconds.

   

4. Verify the connection once the controller is connected to the console; check the controller icon on the screen. If the icon is displayed, the controller is connected, and you should be able to use it usually.

Turning off other Bluetooth devices or moving them away from the console can reduce interference and increase the likelihood of a successful connection between the PS5 controller and the console. 

Also Read: A DNS Server Cannot Be Used PS5

Move Closer To The Console

One of the most common reasons your PS5 controller may not connect to the console is weak or unstable Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re experiencing connect

tivity issues, moving closer to the console may help to establish a stronger connection. This is because Bluetooth signals have a limited range and can be affected by physical barriers such as walls or other electronic devices.

Once you’ve moved closer to the console, try reconnecting the controller to see if the issue has been resolved.

If you’re still experiencing connectivity issues, try adjusting the console’s position or moving any obstacles that may be blocking the signal.

This can include other electronic devices, furniture, or walls. By removing these obstacles or adjusting the console’s position, you can establish a stronger Bluetooth connection and resolve any connectivity issues you are experiencing.

Update The Firmware

I realize this method will require another controller; however, if you have another one lying around, I noticed this method works quite a few times.

Updating the firmware of your PS5 controller can help resolve connectivity issues by fixing bugs and glitches that may be affecting Bluetooth connectivity.

Here’s how to update the firmware:

1.  Connect the PS5 controller to the console using the USB-C cable that came with it. Ensure the controller is turned on and the console is powered on.
2. Select the “Settings” icon from the main menu in the top right corner.
3. Select “Accessories” to access the controller settings.

   

4. Select “Controllers” to access the controller settings.
5. Select “General” and then “Dualsense Wireless Controller Device Software.” The console will now check for any available firmware updates for the controller.

   

6. Select “Update Now” and follow the on-screen prompts to update your controller’s firmware. This may take a few minutes to complete.
7. Verify the connection after the firmware update is complete. Disconnect the USB-C cable and try reconnecting the controller to the console wirelessly. Press and hold the PS and create buttons simultaneously until the controller’s lights stop flashing. This should take about three to four seconds. The firmware update may have resolved the connectivity issue if the controller connects successfully.

Updating the firmware of your PS5 controller can help ensure that it’s operating on the latest software version and reduce the likelihood of any Bluetooth connectivity issues.

Also Check: PS5 Error Code CE-109573-5

Forgetting The Device

This method, although very helpful, is once again limited to those with another controller to work with.

Here’s how you can work around this issue using another controller:

1. Go into “Settings.”
2. Navigate to the “Accessories” option and select “Bluetooth Accessories.”

   

   

3. Find your DualSense Controller and select “Delete.”

   

4. Press and hold the “Create” and the “PS” buttons on the DualSense controller for about 5 seconds until the light bar starts flashing rapidly.

   

5. Go back to the PS5 settings menu and select “Bluetooth Devices.”
6. Select “Add a Device” and wait for your PS5 to search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
7. Find your DualSense Controller on the list of available devices and select it to begin the pairing process.
8. Once the pairing process is complete, your DualSense controller should be connected to your PS5 and ready to use.

By forgetting your DualSense controller and pairing it again, you can reset any Bluetooth or connectivity issues preventing your controller from connecting to your PS5.

Updating The PS5

Here’s how you can update the PS5:

1. Turn on your PS5 and make sure it’s connected to the internet.
2. Go to the main menu and select the “Settings” icon.
3. Scroll down and select “System.”
4. Select “System Software” and then “System Software Update and Settings.

   

5. If an update is available, your PS5 will start downloading it automatically.
6. Once the update is downloaded, select “Update Now” to install the update. Wait for the update to install and for your PS5 to restart.
7. After the update is installed and your PS5 has restarted, try connecting your controller again and see if the issue has been resolved.

Updating your PS5 to the latest software version may help resolve any software-related issues that could be causing your controller connectivity issues. Ensure to keep your PS5 updated regularly to avoid any potential problems in the future.

Switching To Ethernet

It’s important to note that this is a temporary fix and may not work for everyone. Additionally, you will not be able to use WiFi again as it seems to interfere with the Bluetooth signal that your controller uses to connect to your console.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Go to your PS5 settings menu and select “Network.”

   

2. Choose “Set Up Internet Connection” and “Use a LAN Cable.”

   

   

3. Connect one end of the LAN cable to your PS5 and the other to your router or modem.
4. Once the ethernet connection is established, please turn on your PS5 console and wait for it to recognize the ethernet connection. You should see a message indicating that you are now connected via ethernet on the top right of the screen.
5. Next, hard reset your PS5 controller by pressing the reset button on the back with a paperclip or similar tool.
6. After resetting your controller, plug it into the USB port on your console using a USB cable.
7. Turn on your controller; it should now connect to your PS5 via wired USB.

Bonus Quick Fix

Please note that this method may only work for some since it only works on specific versions of the PS5, but it’s worth trying if you still need help with your PS5 controller not connecting.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Turn on your PS5 system.
2. Hold down the PS and Create buttons on your PS5 controller simultaneously.

   

3. Keep holding down both buttons until you see the light on the Controller start flashing very quickly in bursts.
4. Release the buttons.
5. Press the PS button on your controller again to reconnect it to your PS5 system.
6. If successful, the light on the controller should stop flashing and remain a solid color, indicating that it’s connected to your PS5.

You can resolve any connectivity issues that prevent your PS5 controller from connecting to your system by resetting the cache. Keep in mind that this method may only work for some, and if you’re still experiencing issues, it’s recommended to try some of the other fixes mentioned in this article.

What To Do If None Of The Fixes Work?

If you have tried all the possible fixes mentioned in this article, but your PS5 controller is still not connecting, it might be time to contact support. Depending on your location, PlayStation offers various support options like live chat, phone, and email.

To contact support, follow these steps:

1. Go to the PlayStation support website and click on “Contact Us.”
2. Choose the issue you’re experiencing from the list of options.
3. Select your preferred contact method (live chat, phone, or email) and provide your details.
4. Describe your issue and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.
5. Follow any additional instructions provided by the support representative.

Before contacting support, ensure you have your PS5 console’s serial number and any relevant purchase information. This will help the support representative quickly identify and resolve your issue.

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