How To Fix PS4 Controller Bluetooth Connectivity Issues [UPDATED 2023]

The PS4 controller is a critical component of the PlayStation gaming experience, providing players with a way to interact with their favorite games. However, when the controller experiences Bluetooth connectivity issues, it can be frustrating and prevent players from fully enjoying their gaming experience.

This article will explore the possible causes of PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues and provide troubleshooting procedures to help fix the problem.

Possible Causes

There are several potential causes of PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues, including distance, interference, low battery, and firmware issues. It’s essential to understand these causes as they can help you identify the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it. In the following section, we will discuss each of these causes in detail and explain how they can affect the controller’s connectivity.

Some possible causes include:

Controller distance: If the controller is too far away from the console, the Bluetooth signal may be too weak to connect.
Interference: Other Bluetooth devices, such as a smartphone or wireless headphones, can interfere with the PS4 controller’s signal.
Low battery: A low battery charge can also cause connectivity issues.
Firmware issues: Outdated firmware or software can prevent the controller from connecting.

Troubleshooting Procedures

If you are experiencing PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues, there are several troubleshooting procedures you can follow to fix the problem. In this section, we will outline these procedures step-by-step, so you can easily follow them and identify and resolve the problem.

Here are some procedures you can follow to fix the problem:

Move closer to the console

Moving closer to the console is an essential step to troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. If the controller is too far away from the console, the Bluetooth signal may be too weak to connect.

Identify the location of your console: Locate the PlayStation 4 console, which is typically placed near the television or entertainment system.
Determine the distance between the console and the controller: Look at the distance between the console and the controller. If the controller is too far away from the console, it may be challenging for the Bluetooth signal to connect.
Move closer to the console: To move closer to the console, simply walk closer to it while holding the controller. Try to get as close to the console as possible while still being comfortable.
Reconnect the controller: Once you are closer to the console, try to reconnect the controller by pressing the PS button in the center of the controller. If the controller still doesn’t connect, try resetting the controller or updating its firmware as outlined in the troubleshooting procedures section.

By moving closer to the console, you can ensure that the Bluetooth signal is strong enough to connect the controller to the console. This is a simple but essential step that can help you troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues.

Disconnect other Bluetooth devices

Disconnecting other Bluetooth devices can help troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. When multiple Bluetooth devices are connected to the console, they can interfere with each other and affect the strength of the signal.

To disconnect other Bluetooth devices, follow these steps:

Go to the settings menu: From the PlayStation 4 home screen, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
Select “Devices”: From the “Settings” menu, select “Devices” and then select “Bluetooth Devices”.
Disconnect other Bluetooth devices: If there are other Bluetooth devices connected to the console, select them and then choose the “Disconnect” option. This will disconnect the device from the console.
Reconnect the controller: Once you have disconnected other Bluetooth devices, try reconnecting the controller by pressing the PS button in the center of the controller. If the controller still doesn’t connect, try resetting the controller or updating its firmware as outlined in the troubleshooting procedures section.

By disconnecting other Bluetooth devices, you can eliminate potential interference and help strengthen the Bluetooth signal between the controller and the console. This can help you troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues and get back to your gaming experience.

Charge the controller

Charging the controller is another essential step to troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. If the controller’s battery is low, it may not have enough power to connect to the console via Bluetooth.

To charge the controller, follow these steps:

Connect the USB cable to the controller: Locate the USB port on the front of the controller and plug one end of the USB cable into it.
Connect the USB cable to the console: Plug the other end of the USB cable into one of the USB ports on the front of the PlayStation 4 console.
Check the charging status: The light bar on the front of the controller will start to flash orange, indicating that the controller is charging. The light will turn off once the battery is fully charged.
Wait for the controller to charge: Leave the controller connected to the console for at least an hour to allow it to charge fully.
Disconnect the USB cable: Once the controller is fully charged, disconnect the USB cable from both the controller and the console.
Reconnect the controller: Press the PS button in the center of the controller to try to reconnect it to the console via Bluetooth. If the controller still doesn’t connect, try resetting the controller or updating its firmware as outlined in the troubleshooting procedures section.

By charging the controller, you can ensure that it has enough power to connect to the console via Bluetooth. This can help you troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues and get back to your gaming experience.

Reset the controller

Resetting the controller is another useful step to troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. Sometimes, the controller may experience software or firmware glitches that can cause Bluetooth connectivity problems. Resetting the controller can help clear these glitches and restore the controller’s functionality.

To reset the controller, follow these steps:

Locate the reset button: Turn the controller over and locate the small hole next to the L2 button. This is the reset button.
Press the reset button: Use a paperclip or a similar object to press the reset button. Hold it down for a few seconds until the light on the front of the controller starts to flash.
Wait for the controller to reset: The controller will vibrate and then turn off. Wait a few seconds, then turn the controller back on by pressing the PS button.
Reconnect the controller: Press the PS button to try to reconnect the controller to the console via Bluetooth. If the controller still doesn’t connect, try updating its firmware as outlined in the troubleshooting procedures section.

By resetting the controller, you can clear any software or firmware glitches that may be causing Bluetooth connectivity issues. This can help you troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues and get back to your gaming experience.

Update the controller’s firmware

Updating the controller’s firmware is another useful step to troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. Firmware updates can add new features and fix bugs or glitches that may be causing Bluetooth connectivity problems.

To update the controller’s firmware, follow these steps:

Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable: Plug one end of a USB cable into the controller and the other end into one of the USB ports on the front of the PlayStation 4 console.
Turn on the console: Turn on the PlayStation 4 console if it’s not already on.
Go to the settings menu: From the PlayStation 4 home screen, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
Select “Devices”: From the “Settings” menu, select “Devices” and then select “Controllers”.
Check for updates: Select “Update Firmware” to check for any available updates for your controller.
Download and install the update: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Disconnect the controller: Once the update is installed, disconnect the USB cable from both the controller and the console.
Reconnect the controller: Press the PS button on the controller to try to reconnect it to the console via Bluetooth.

By updating the controller’s firmware, you can ensure that it has the latest features and bug fixes that can help troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. This can help you get back to your gaming experience.

Re-pair the controller

Re-pairing the controller is another step you can take to troubleshoot PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. Sometimes the Bluetooth pairing between the controller and console may get disrupted, resulting in connectivity problems. Re-pairing the controller can help restore the Bluetooth connection between the two devices.

To re-pair the controller, follow these steps:

Turn off the console: Press and hold the power button on the PlayStation 4 console until it beeps and turns off.
Connect the controller to the console: Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable. Make sure to use the cable that came with the controller, or a compatible one.
Turn on the console: Press the power button on the console to turn it on.
Turn on the controller: Press the PS button on the controller to turn it on.
Pair the controller: Once the controller turns on, press and hold the Share button and the PS button simultaneously until the light bar on the controller starts flashing. The controller will enter pairing mode.
Select the controller in the Bluetooth devices list: Go to the “Settings” menu on the PlayStation 4 home screen, and then select “Devices” > “Bluetooth Devices.” The controller should appear in the list of Bluetooth devices.
Connect the controller: Select the controller in the list of Bluetooth devices and press the “X” button to connect it to the console.

Once you have re-paired the controller, try using it again to see if the Bluetooth connectivity issue has been resolved. If the controller still does not connect, try some of the other troubleshooting steps such as resetting the controller, updating the firmware, or moving closer to the console.

Conclusion

The PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues can be frustrating, but they are usually fixable. By understanding the possible causes and following the troubleshooting procedures outlined in this article, you can identify and fix the problem, allowing you to enjoy your PlayStation gaming experience without interruption.

FAQ’s

In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about PS4 controller Bluetooth connectivity issues. This will provide additional information and help you troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing.

Q: Why is my PS4 controller not charging?

A: There could be several reasons why your PS4 controller is not charging, such as a damaged charging cable, a damaged charging port on the controller, or a problem with the console’s USB port. Try using a different charging cable, and if that doesn’t work, try using a different USB port on the console.

Q: Why is my PS4 controller not turning on?

A: If your PS4 controller is not turning on, it could be due to a low battery or a software or firmware issue. Try charging the controller first, and if that doesn’t work, try resetting the controller. If the controller still does not turn on, try updating its firmware as outlined in the troubleshooting procedures section.

Q: Why is my PS4 controller not connecting to the console via Bluetooth?

A: There could be several reasons why your PS4 controller is not connecting to the console via Bluetooth, such as a low battery, interference from other Bluetooth devices, or a software or firmware issue. Try moving closer to the console, disconnecting other Bluetooth devices, resetting the controller, or updating its firmware.

Q: Why is my PS4 controller not working in games?

A: If your PS4 controller is not working in games, it could be due to a software or firmware issue, a problem with the game itself, or a problem with the console. Try updating the controller’s firmware, updating the game, or restarting the console.

Q: Why is my PS4 controller drifting?

A: “Drifting” refers to a problem where the controller’s analog sticks move on their own, even when you’re not touching them. This could be due to a hardware issue, such as worn out or damaged analog sticks, or a software issue, such as a problem with the game. Try cleaning the controller, calibrating the analog sticks, or replacing them if necessary.