How To Fix PS5 Controller Not Charging

A PS5 controller not charging can significantly disrupt gaming sessions. When the battery depletes mid-game, players are forced to pause and wait for the controller to recharge, interrupting the flow of gameplay and potentially causing frustration. Limited playtime due to a non-functioning battery can be a major inconvenience, especially for those who enjoy longer gaming sessions. Additionally, the need to replace cables, repair the controller, or even purchase a new one can lead to unexpected expenses. Troubleshooting and resolving the issue can also be time-consuming and take away from valuable gaming time.

Potential Causes

The situation of PS5 controller not charging is a common issue that many users have faced since the launch of the console. There are several possible causes for this problem, that can result in the controller not charging at all, or charging very slowly or intermittently. This can affect the performance and functionality of the controller, and limit the gaming experience of the user.

The most common causes of a PS5 controller not charging are:

Faulty Charging Cable

The USB-C cable used to charge the PS5 controller is susceptible to wear and tear, leading to internal wire damage or connector issues. This can disrupt the flow of electricity and prevent the controller from charging.

Dirty Charging Port

Over time, dust, lint, and debris can accumulate in the controller’s charging port, obstructing the connection between the cable and the controller. This blockage can disrupt the charging process, even if the cable and power source are functional.

Software Glitch

Like any electronic device, the PS5 controller and the console itself can experience temporary software glitches. These glitches can interfere with the charging process, causing the controller to not charge or not recognize the charging cable.

Hardware Malfunction

The internal components of the controller, such as the charging port, battery, or circuitry, can malfunction due to wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or accidental damage. A malfunctioning component can prevent the controller from receiving or storing charge.

Incorrect Power Settings

The PS5 console has power-saving settings that can disable USB ports in Rest Mode. If these settings are not configured correctly, the controller may not receive power when connected to the console in Rest Mode.

Insufficient Power Output

The power source used to charge the controller, whether it’s the console’s USB port or a wall adapter, might not provide sufficient power to charge the controller effectively. This is especially common when using low-power adapters or when charging multiple devices simultaneously.

Common Solutions

Here are some of the most common solutions to fixing A PS5 controller that won’t charge:

Inspect and Replace Charging Cable

If the USB-C cable appears damaged or worn, replace it with a new, high-quality cable specifically designed for the PS5 controller. Ensure a secure connection on both ends.

Clean the Charging Port

Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any dust or debris from the controller’s charging port. You can also carefully use a toothpick or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn particles.

Restart Controller and Console

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Turn off your PS5 console and controller, then turn them back on. You can also try resetting the controller by pressing the small reset button on the back with a pin or paperclip.

Check Power Settings

If charging via the console in Rest Mode, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Power Saving” > “Features Available in Rest Mode” and ensure that “Supply Power to USB Ports” is turned on.

Use a Different Power Source

If charging through the console, try a different USB port or use a wall adapter with sufficient power output (5V/2A or above). Avoid using USB hubs or extension cables, as they might not provide enough power.

Update Controller Firmware

Connect the controller to the PS5 with a USB cable and check for updates in the “Accessories” section of the Settings menu.

Try a Different Controller

If you have another PS5 controller, try charging it to see if the problem lies with the controller or the charging setup.

Contact PlayStation Support

If none of the above solutions work, contact PlayStation Support for further assistance or to explore repair or replacement options.

---

Useful User Experiences

Experience #1

So, there is a little pinhole on the back of the controller that will reset the controller. You have to use something tiny to poke it. They say to have the PS5 off when you’re doing this and make sure your cord is connected to the controller before pressing the button to turn on the console. Inside the pinhole there’s a tiny button that you can hear when pressed. Keep it held for 5 seconds and the controller will reset – the PS5 will realize it’s disconnected. With the USB cable still connected, just press the PS5 button to repair and it should start charging immediately.

Experience #2

I did the following and it seems to have worked:

• Settings>Accessories>General>Bluetooth Accessories>Wireless Controller>Delete
• Plug in the controller and re-register it (turn it on).

This seems to have sorted it out. It’s now charging again with original cable from the front of the console.

Experience #3

As soon as I disconnected the cable, the controller was dead until I plugged it back in.

Just tried a USB C-C cable that my Android cell uses in the other front port and it’s charging fine now.

Tried plugging my cell into the front USB-A port with the USB A-C cable from the PS5 box and my phone screen says “charging slowly”.

Also tried the same USB A-C cable from the PS5 box to charge my cell phone from a different USB-A port on my powerbar and that works a bit faster (screen says “charging”).

So either the front USB-A port can only charge at a MUCH slower (<1A) speed that the system can't keep up with when you're actively using the controller and using the battery (draining faster than it can charge), or maybe a firmware/update issue?

Experience #4

Use phone charger. That’s how I got mine to charge.

Experience #5

• Try using a wall charger e.g. one for your phone
• Make sure you have set it in the setting so that the USB ports receive power when the console is in rest mode. By default no power is delivered to the usb slots.