PS4 controller not responding: white light, in game, on pc

This procedure explains how to fix the common issues that you may experience with the DualShock 4 wireless controller of the PlayStation 4.

How to reset PS4 controller?

• First turn off your console. The Reset button is located in a tiny hole at the back of the controller near the L2 button.
• Using a paperclip, press and hold the Reset button for a few seconds. This should be enough to reset your controller.
• The next step is to once again pair your controller with your device. Simply connect the controller using the USB cable provided and then turn on your PS4 and proceed with the pairing procedure.

How to fix a flashing white light on PS4 controller?

If you are experiencing this problem, this may be due to a low battery level or an unsuccessful connection to the console. Here's what to do to fix this issue:

• Restart your PlaysStation 4.
• Charge your DualShock 4.
• Test the USB cable - plug your controller into the console with another cable.
• Reset your DualShock 4: there is a tiny hole on the back of the controller (near L2). Press and hold with a sim card opener (or with a similar item) for 5 seconds. You can then reconnect your controller.
• Test your PS4: launch the console in Safe mode, connect your controller with a USB cable, and press the PS button.

How to fix a PS4 controller that doesn't work in games?

If your DualShock 4 work in the PlayStation menu but not when playing a game, try the following:

• Shake your controller - you can even smack it against your hand. However, keep it calm and avoid any damage - our team is not responsible for any damage.
• Open and clean your controller. There may be a button that is stuck. To check if this is your case, plug your controller into your PC, then go to Start > Devices and printers. From there, right-click on your controller and select Device settings. From there, select Device properties and follow the test button menu. After this is done, you can disconnect your controller and proceed to clean it, if there is a stuck button. However, if your controller is still under guarantee, we recommend claiming it rather than trying to repair it yourself.
• Hard reset your controller.
• Restore the default settings on your PS4 (this may cause data loss).
• Turn off your console, plug your controller into the PS4 with a USB cable, and then turn it on again with your controller

How to fix a PS4 controller that doesn't work on PC?

There may be several reasons for a DualShock 4 to be unresponsive on a PC:

• The battery is dead: try charging your controller.
• USB cable is damaged: if you're using a USB cable, try using another one.
• The PS4: the problem may be due to the PS4 connectivity. Try rebooting your console.
• The controller needs a reset: a hard reset may fix the problem.
• Bluetooth pairing: try turning off, then on again your PC's Bluetooth. Once this is done, pair it again with your controller. Also, make sure that your console is turned off so there is no signal interference.
• Drivers: make sure all your PC's drivers are up to date.
• Clean your controller: however, we recommend checking if you can still claim the controller's guarantee. If this is the case, we recommend doing so. If you choose to open or repair your controller at home, it will lose its warranty. 

How to fix a PS4 controller that isn't responding to PS4?

There are various reasons this may occur. Here are most of them and how to overcome them:

• The PS4 needs a reset: reboot your console.
• The DualShock 4 controller needs a reset: reset it through the little hole on the back, near L2.
• Bluetooth problem: try pairing your controller again.
• A stuck button: test your controller on your PC - see how in the How to fix a PS4 controller that doesn't work in games section. If this is the problem, we recommend contacting Sony for support, rather than repairing the controller at home - this will cancel the guarantee.
• Low battery: you may need to charge your controller.
• USB problem: try connecting your controller to the PS4 with a different USB cable.

How to fix a PS4 controller that doesn't work in apps?

If your DualShock 4 controller doesn't work when you launch an app but it works in the PlayStation menu, we recommend referring to the How to fix a PS4 controller that doesn't work in games section of the present article: the same reasons and solutions apply to this situation as well.

How to fix a PS4 controller that won't connect in safe mode?

If your controller doesn't connect to the console when in safe mode, this is most likely due to a USB cable. We recommend using the original one because not all USB cables support the same functions (could be charge-only, for example), so even if the one you are using seems to work perfectly fine for other devices, this may not be the case for PS4's safe mode. If you don't have your original cable, then you can try different ones you have at home until you find one that works. 

Another possible explanation is that the USB port is damaged and needs to be repaired - in this case, we recommend contacting Sony.