Fixing PS5 Controller Not Working In Game

The PS5 controller is a wireless device that connects to the console via Bluetooth or USB cable. It has various features and functions that allow the user to interact with games and other applications. However, sometimes the PS5 controller may not work properly in some games, which can be frustrating and disappointing for the user. There are several possible reasons why this may happen, such as:

• The controller is not paired or connected correctly with the console or the game.
• The controller is low on battery or has a faulty battery.
• The controller has a software issue or needs to be updated.
• The controller has a hardware issue or needs to be reset.

Common Solutions

Here are some possible solutions to fixing a PS5 controller not working in game:

• Check if the L2 or R2 button is stuck and pop it out.
• Restart the game and/or PS5.
• Reset the controller by pressing a button at the back for 5 to 10 seconds.
• Update the controller software in the settings menu.
• Try using the USB cable to connect the controller to the PS5.
• Delete previous Bluetooth pairing and repair.
• Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
• Charge your controller.
• Check Steam controller settings.

Useful User Experiences

Experience #1

If the R2 button is not registering properly, try using slight force to lift the R2 up. This action may reset the button and resolve the issue.

Experience #2

If the PS5 controller is not working in-game, try accessing Safe Mode by long-pressing the power button until you hear two beeps. In Safe Mode, go to the fourth step and delete the cache. After performing this action, check if the controller starts working in games.

Experience #3

If the PS5 controller is not responding in-game and the issue seems hardware-related, particularly with triggers like L2, you may consider carefully opening the controller and inspecting the triggers. In this case, the problem was identified as the underside of the L2 trigger putting too much pressure on the button. The solution involved filing the underside of the trigger slightly to create a deadzone, similar to the right trigger. This resolved the issue, but it’s important to note that such actions may void the warranty and should be approached with caution.

Experience #4

If you encounter issues with the X button not responding in games like Miles Morales, try disconnecting and reconnecting the controller. This action seems to resolve the problem.

Experience #5

I was having this issue as well. I then held R1, R2, L1, L2 all together and the controller started working again.

Experience #6

I found out it was my R1 button being depressed that was causing the issues on the in-game menus. I took a screwdriver and carefully popped off the r1 button. It’s just 2 plastic hinges holding it in and pops on and off easily. The rubber button connecting to the board seemed to be constantly depressed. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to stretch it back up into place. Popped the r1 button back on, and good as new.

Experience #7

I can confirm that the only problem with this when happens it’s due to the fact that the trigger/s are making the problem! Either the cable on the motherboard is unplugged for an inch or completely or it has a R1 pressed showing ! Seen and dealt whit several controllers with this problem .

After getting the trigger aligned, everything will work like it is supposed to!

Experience #8

If the PS5 controller becomes unresponsive in games after modifying it, such as attempting to replace analog sticks, and it works in the PS5 menu but not in games, consider opening the controller again. In this case, the issue was resolved by discovering that a zif connector was not pushed all the way in. Ensuring all connectors are properly seated might solve the problem, and it’s a step worth checking before resorting to other measures or sending the controller for service.

Experience #9

I ran into the same issues. I just updated the controller and switched the controller connection settings from Bluetooth to USB, and now my controller works again.

Experience #10

I literally smacked my controller against my hand hard a few times n it started working.

Experience #11

After I connected my phone to the console I started up NBA2K23 and was playing around in the menu for like 10-20 seconds. Then I turned on my controller and took control from my phone back to it and miraculously it started working again

Experience #12

This is 100% an issue with the shoulder buttons. If I manually lift up my R2 button, all the other buttons start working again.

Experience #13

I just unplugged my PlayStation while it was on and plugged it back in. that solved my issue

Experience #14

I just unplugged my PlayStation while it was on and plugged it back in. that solved my issue

Experience #15

In my case, I waited for the controller to turn itself off. I turned it back on and it started working again. I never left the game while doing all this.

Experience #16

I just held the reset button for about 45 seconds and it seems to have fixed it for now

Experience #17

I found mine only works right when I hook it up with USB cable. Also not charging controller in rest mode.

Experience #18

After closing and opening and mashing buttons a few times seems to work

Experience #19

I removed the controller from Bluetooth. Then connected via cable. I went to accessories and chose to connect controller via USB. I used it this way for about 3 or 4 hours with zero issues.

Today I switched back to connect via Bluetooth and have had zero issues.

Experience #20

It is not a hardware issue. It has to do with connecting your ps4 controller to your ps5. If you start the console up with your ps4 controller when you go in game it wont respond. Even if you switch to ps5 controller. Turn off console, reset both controllers, and make sure not to start up with the ps4 controller. You can switch once in game. Had this problem over a week ago, havent had it since.

Experience #21

So it seems the L2 and R2 triggers can get stuck even though they are not being pressed like what some people were saying. I just felt them and L2 was fine but R2 had some resistance. I pulled R2 out a little bit (opposite of pushing in) and this worked for me

Experience #22

if you turn off Bluetooth in the settings the controller works fine wired.

Experience #23

I just turned off the PS5 and left it for 12 hours. The next morning, when I came back, everything was okay!

Experience #24

I just unplugged my PS5 from the socket while it was still on, with no games open, and the system reboot fixed it.

Experience #25

I smashed the controller lightly with my hand on its right side, somehow fixed the controller

Experience #26

I checked the L2, gently pulled it back, and it clicked loose. Now the buttons are working again. I assume it was from all the aiming in Fortnite, but at least we identified the issue.

Experience #27

if you turn off your controller after you open the game then turn it back on it works

Experience #28

I usually crack the controller open and disconnect/reconnect the battery as a first port of call then test as this sometimes fixes the issue. If not I then I run through and inspect for any signs of corrosion or burn outs and clean up the board with isopropyl alcohol and then make sure all of the ribbon cables are disconnected/ reconnected to ensure they’re properly seated.

Experience #29

try this:

1. Open up your controller and lose the screws
2. Remove black cover from the front of the controller and test if controller works

What I have noticed when fixing controllers is that the black plastic gets “stuck” and it pushes on the buttons therefore the controller can’t read proper inputs.

Experience #30

I’ve had the same problem the past week and to fix it I have to pull both triggers out as hard as I can.

Experience #31

So I had this happen, turns out the left trigger was pushed in . It would retract outward all the way but when I pulled it out a bit I heard something click and it started working again.

Experience #32

You have to open the controller, unplug all the wires from the slots, blow on them to clean, and then replug them back in. Before closing the controller, ensure that you push the analogs and buttons out of the frame, and then close it up. You’re good to go!

Experience #33

The issue was a stuck thumbstick (or stuck button). The controller worked in menus but was unresponsive in games. After attempting a system restart with no success, the user considered connecting the controller to a laptop via USB and using Gamepad-tester.com to check for button presses. However, before doing so, they discovered that the right stick was jammed to the left, and part of the cone that keeps dust out was pinched. After unpinching and straightening the stick, the controller worked fine in games. The advice given is to check the controller on gamepad-tester before resorting to disassembling or sending it for repair, as the issue might be a stuck button.

Experience #34

What I’ve found to work is this.

1. Start the game using your messed up controller.
2. While in the menu asking you to press x or (any button) use a small object “I used a paper clip” to press the tiny reset button on the back of the controller.
3. Once the controller turns off “lights are off and you see a notification that it was disconnected from the ps5” plug it in with the USB cable that it came with or any other working g USB to USB C.

This should automatically signal a button was pressed and start your game, the controller will work from there on out. At least so far this has been my solution.

Experience #35

Turn controller off, hold the triggers outwards with pressure so there is no depression, turn the control on again while holding triggers, viola!

Experience #36

The issue was related to Sony’s software and the high sensitivity of the trigger buttons. If a button is even slightly activated when a game is launching, it can cause the other buttons to lock up until the activated button is deactivated. In this case, the problem was with the left trigger, which was slightly pressed due to a faulty spring. The solution involved purchasing a pack of springs from eBay and replacing both trigger springs. After the replacement, the controller worked without any problems.

Experience #38

L2 was slightly stuck. I unstuck it and it worked fine.

Experience #39

The only solution I found was to enter an app, shut off my controller and reconnect. That seems to sort out the problem for me until I open another app. Rinse and repeat for the new app. May be extremely tedious but I prefer the tediousness before buying a new controller

Experience #40

When you get into the game and it asks you to press any button, press the PS button, go to the controller, turn it off, then turn it back on with the PS button. This should get it working.