PS5 Controller Not Connecting to Console? 9 Fixes to Try!

Causes of a PS5 Controller Not Connecting

There are several reasons why your PS5 controller won’t connect to the console:

1. Synced with a Different Device: If the controller is paired with another device, such as a PC or another console, it won’t connect to the PS5 until it’s unpaired from the other device.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Problems may arise if interference from nearby Bluetooth devices or other objects disrupt the wireless signal between the controller and the PS5.
3. Issues with USB-C Cable: Using the wrong or damaged cable can lead to connectivity problems between the controller and the PS5.
4. Problems with USB Ports: Damage or dirt in the USB ports, either on the controller or the console itself, can prevent proper connection between them.
5. Internal Hardware Issues: Malfunctions in the controller’s internal hardware components, such as the battery or Bluetooth sensor, can cause connectivity problems.
6. Outdated Firmware: If the PS5’s system software isn’t up-to-date with the latest updates, it may lead to compatibility issues with the controller.

How to Fix PS5 Controller Not Connecting to Console

Now that you know why your PS5 controller might not connect to the console, pinpointing the problem and finding the appropriate solution should be easier.

Follow these troubleshooting steps until your PS5 controller connects again to the console.

1. Charge the PS5 DualSense Controller

The most common issue with connecting a PS5 controller to the console is that it has lost charge.

If the charge is gone, as can happen quickly with extensive gameplay with a lot of vibration when a user tries to power up the controller or wake up the PS5 from “rest mode” while having no charge. 

Luckily, this is only a temporary delay, as you can use a USB provided for the controller to charge it up.

The charge should last for a minimum of 15 minutes, and the light pad around the touchpad will indicate that charging is in progress.

Another option is acquiring a PS5 cooling or charging stand to keep the controllers charged when not used.

2. Restart Your PS5

If your PlayStation 5 controller won’t connect via Bluetooth, it could be due to software glitches. Try restarting your console to clear temporary data and fix wireless issues.

If you have a working controller:

1. Press the PS button.
2. Go to Power.
3. Select Restart PS5 to reboot the console.

If you don’t have another controller:

1. Press and hold the PS5’s Power button until it beeps twice.
2. This will force the console to shut down.
3. Press the Power button again to turn it back on.

Check to see if you still have connection issues with your controller.

3. Pair Your PS5 Controller Again

If this is the first time the controller is attempted to be used or its pairing had recently been changed to another PS5 console (not uncommon if players bring their controllers to a friend’s house for instance), then the issue might have to do with pairing.

You’ll need to pair the controller again to the PS5 to fix this.

Here’s how:

• With the PS5 console turned on, use the USB cable to connect the controller to the console
• Press the PS5 button on the controller (located between the controller’s thumbsticks)
• This will take a few seconds to complete the pairing process

If your DualSense controller has already been connected to your PS5 before, and you’re having trouble reconnecting it, you can use a different controller that is already connected to help.

Using a connected controller (should one exist), follow these steps. If not, you’ll have to factory reset it (we’ll cover how to do that later): 

• Navigate to Settings.
• Go to the Accessories tab.
• Select Bluetooth Accessories.
• From the registered accessories, select the controller you are looking to pair again.
• Press the Options button and select Delete.
• Confirm the disconnection by confirming with OK.

Restart your PS5 and pair your controller again to see if you still have connectivity issues.

4. Check the USB Cable

If you have tried charging your controller with a USB and it still is not connecting, or the touchpad ring does not indicate it is charging, the issue might be with the USB cable itself.

Take a look at the USB cable to see if it is damaged, frayed, or housed in a compromised casing at all first.

Try to recall if this is the USB cable that came with your PS5 console or if it is a third-party cable.

Third-party products are often ineffective in what they need to accomplish, so they should be replaced if suspected as the culprit.

You can also use the USB wire by connecting the controller to a different port to see if the charge works. 

5. Check for Bluetooth Interference

The controller communicates with the PS5 via Bluetooth, but if the signal is obstructed by things like solid objects (walls, furniture, fixtures, etc.) or signals from other electronics utilizing Bluetooth for their own means.

Being away at a distance will also impede the signal from working. If your console is located in an adjacent room, you will need to get close for the pairing to be secured. 

If Bluetooth interference seems unavoidable, consider hooking the DualSense PS5 controller to the PS5 with the USB cable.

You can change the communication method by following these steps:

• Go to Settings.
• Select the Accessories tab.
• Select the Controller (General) tab.
• Choose Communication Method.
• Then, select Use USB Cable.

6. Keep the Controller and Console Close

The PS5 controller uses Bluetooth to connect, but walls, metal, and other devices can mess with the signal.

This can cause the controller to disconnect or lag if it’s too far from the console. Keep the controller close to the console, or use a wired connection to avoid this.

Follow the steps from the previous section to set up the DualSense controller to work in wired mode.

Still having connection issues with your controller? Move on to the next step for troubleshooting.

7. Update PS5 Controller and PS5

DualSense controllers, as well as the PS5 consoles, get periodic firmware updates. Not being up to date can sometimes cause issues, including connectivity.

To update the PS5 controller, follow the above path to the Controller (General) tab, then select DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software. 

You should also check for and apply any updates for the PS5 firmware.

You can do this from the System tab in the PS5 Settings.

• Just go to the System Software section.
• Choose System Software Update and Settings.
• From here, you will have the option to Update System Software, followed by Update Using Internet.

8. Factory Reset Your DualSense Controller

If you’re still having connection problems, you might need to factory reset your DualSense controller:

First, let’s do a soft reset:

• Press and hold the PS button for 10 seconds until the light turns off.
• Wait another 10 seconds, then press the PS button to turn it back on.

If the problem persists, try to hard reset the PS5 controller:

• Turn off your PS5. Hold the Power button to force shutdown.
• Use a paper clip or a SIM ejector to press the Reset button on the back of the controller for 3-5 seconds.
• Turn on your PS5 and reconnect the controller wirelessly (if you have another controller) or over USB.