Why Your DualShock 4 Controller Not Turn On (How To Fix)

So your DualShock 4 Controller Not Turn On? Yeah, that’s super annoying — I’ve been there too. Sometimes it’s just a dead battery. Other times, the DualShock 4 not working can mean something a bit more tricky, like a firmware glitch or a hardware fault. But don’t stress. Most of the time, you don’t need to replace it. This guide will help you troubleshoot DualShock 4 issues step-by-step, so you can figure out how to fix your PS4 controller without wasting time or money.

Common Reasons Why DualShock 4 Controller Not Turn On

Battery Might Be Fully Drained

If your controller won’t power on — no lights, no vibration — it could just be a dead battery. I’ve seen this happen when the DualShock 4 is left sitting for weeks. Try plugging it in using the original Sony USB cable or a good-quality one. Let it charge for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes, a deep-drained PS4 controller battery needs a bit more time before it wakes up.

Faulty or Incompatible Charging Cable or Adapter

Sometimes the problem isn’t the controller — it’s the cable. If your DualShock 4 has a charging issue, the PS4 charging cable might not be doing its job, especially if it’s a cheap third-party one. Some of these don’t give enough power or only support data. Try using the original Sony USB cable, and plug it into your PS4 or PC directly. That helps rule out bad adapters or low-power cables.

Loose or Improper Charging Connection

Even if you’re using the right cable, your PS4 controller might not charge properly if the connection is loose. I’ve seen this happen when the DualShock 4 charging port gets dusty or the cable end is worn out. Try gently wiggling the cable once it’s plugged in — if the light flickers, that’s a sign. You can also clean the port with a soft brush or use another cable to test it.

Problem with the Power Source Itself

Sometimes your PS4 controller won’t charge, and it’s not even the controller’s fault. The power source might be the real problem — like a faulty socket, USB wall adapter, or power strip. I’d try plugging it straight into a laptop or a different wall outlet to be sure. Even surge protectors mess up sometimes. Don’t worry, it’s a super common issue and easy to check.

Dust or Damage Inside the USB Charging Port

If your controller still won’t charge, the problem might be hiding inside the port. A dirty USB port on your PS4 controller can stop power from getting through — dust, lint, or crumbs can block the connection. I’ve also seen ports get messed up from yanking the cable too hard or using bad-quality ones. Stuff like power surges or plugging into a broken charger can damage it too. So yeah, even tiny things can mess up the port over time.

Controller Battery May Be Dead or Degraded

If your PS4 controller won’t stay on even after a good charge, the battery might just be worn out. These DualShock 4 batteries are lithium-ion, and after a few years, they stop holding power like they used to. I’ve had one go bad after about 3 years. If that’s the case, you might need a DualShock 4 battery replacement. You can try doing it yourself with a guide or get help from a repair shop if it’s out of warranty.

Outdated Firmware Might Be Causing Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t the battery or cable — it’s the software inside the controller. The DualShock 4 has firmware, kind of like its brain, and if that’s outdated, your PS4 controller not working right or even turn on. I’d try plugging it into your PS4 or a PC using a USB cable. That can often trigger a quick update. It’s a simple fix and happens more often than you’d think.

Possible Internal Damage from Physical Impact

If your controller still won’t turn on after everything else, it might be an internal hardware issue. Even one bad drop can mess up something inside — like the battery connection or circuit board. I’ve seen controllers stop working from small falls that didn’t leave a scratch outside. If you hear a rattle, see a cracked shell, or notice buttons not clicking right, that’s a sign. At this point, I’d look into PS4 controller repair or check if it’s still under warranty.

Real User Fixes & Community-Backed Solutions

Reddit

A user shared that their PS4 controller wouldn’t turn on despite trying everything. Community advice included tapping the PS button repeatedly, plugging it into the PS4 to charge, and resetting the controller using the small pinhole button on its back with a paperclip. Some suggested putting the PS4 into safe mode and connecting the controller, while others recommended checking the battery by swapping it with a working controller’s battery or inspecting the charging port. Many agreed that a stuck or broken PS button could cause this issue, and resetting often helps restore functionality.

Quora

Users recommend first resetting the controller by pressing the small reset button on its back with a paperclip for 5-10 seconds. Then, connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB data cable and press the PS button to re-pair it. Trying different quality USB cables is also important, as some only charge but don’t support data transfer. If the controller still won’t turn on, the battery may have degraded and require replacement. Cleaning the charging port or checking connections inside the controller can help too. Re-pairing usually fixes syncing issues after long disuse.

Final Verdict

If your DualShock 4 Controller Not Turn On, don’t panic — it’s usually something small. Could be a dead battery, a bad charging cable, or even dust in the port. Try the easy stuff first: switch cables, check power sources, and give it some charging time.

But if you’ve tried everything and it’s still not working, it might be a worn-out battery or internal damage. In that case, a battery swap or repair shop visit could be your next move. Most of the time, it’s fixable without buying a new controller.

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