Can You Reset a PS4 Controller? A Complete Guide to Resetting Your Controller

If you’ve ever faced issues with your PS4 controller, such as unresponsiveness, connectivity problems, or software glitches, you might have wondered whether resetting the controller could help fix the problem. The good news is that yes, you can reset your PS4 controller, and it’s a relatively simple process.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to reset your PS4 controller, why you might need to do so, and what to expect from a reset.

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Why You Might Need to Reset Your PS4 Controller

There are several situations in which resetting your PS4 controller might solve issues, including:

1. Controller Not Syncing to PS4:

   • If your controller isn’t connecting to your PS4, resetting it might help re-establish the connection.

2. Unresponsive or Frozen Controller:

   • If your controller isn’t responding to button presses or stick movements, a reset can sometimes clear out the issue.

3. Stick Drift or Sensitivity Problems:

   • Resetting can sometimes help fix software-related issues that cause stick drift or unresponsive controls, especially if the issue is caused by calibration errors.

4. Battery Charging Issues:

   • If your controller isn’t charging correctly or is having trouble maintaining a charge, a reset can sometimes resolve minor glitches.

5. Firmware Issues:

   • A reset can clear out any bugs or temporary software issues with the controller, especially after a system update or power surge.

6. Controller Glitches or Weird Behavior:

   • If your controller is exhibiting strange behaviors, such as random button presses, flashing lights, or unregistered input, a reset may help restore normal functionality.

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How to Reset Your PS4 Controller

Resetting your PS4 controller is a straightforward process, and it can often help resolve minor glitches. Here are two ways to reset the controller—soft reset and hard reset—depending on the issue you’re experiencing.

1. Soft Reset (Quick Fix)

The soft reset is the quickest way to fix minor issues and restore the controller’s connection with the PS4.

Steps for Soft Reset:

1. Turn on your PS4 and connect the controller using a USB cable.
2. Hold the PS button (the PlayStation logo button in the center of the controller) and the Share button (located to the left of the touchpad) at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons down for about 10 seconds.
4. The controller will vibrate and the light bar will flash, then turn off. Once the light bar stops flashing, release the buttons.

What to Expect:
The controller should automatically reconnect to your PS4 once the reset is complete. If the controller was unresponsive, this soft reset often solves the problem.

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2. Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

A hard reset is a more thorough reset and is useful if the soft reset doesn’t solve the problem or if you need to completely clear the controller’s settings.

Steps for Hard Reset:

1. Turn off your PS4 and disconnect the controller.
2. Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 shoulder button. It’s a small hole that requires a paperclip or pin to press.
3. Press the reset button using a paperclip or similar object for about 5–10 seconds.
4. Once the reset is complete, reconnect the controller to your PS4 using a USB cable and press the PS button to re-pair the controller.

What to Expect:
After performing a hard reset, the controller will return to its factory settings, and all settings (like player assignments) will be cleared. You will need to re-pair the controller with your PS4 by pressing the PS button.

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What Happens After Resetting Your PS4 Controller?

After resetting the PS4 controller, the following changes will occur:

1. Re-pairing with the PS4:
   After a reset, the controller may need to be re-paired with your PS4. You can do this by connecting the controller to the PS4 via USB and pressing the PS button.

2. Button Mapping and Settings:
   If you’ve customized the controller’s settings or button mapping, they will be reset to their default settings after a hard reset.

3. Battery Reset:
   Resetting the controller can sometimes help recalibrate the battery, which might resolve charging or power issues.

4. Improved Performance:
   For software-related issues like unresponsiveness, glitches, or input lag, a reset often restores the controller to normal performance.

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What to Do If Resetting Doesn’t Solve the Problem

If resetting the PS4 controller doesn’t resolve the issue, here are some other troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Clean the Controller

• Dust, dirt, and grime can interfere with the functionality of the analog sticks, buttons, and charging port. Clean the controller with a soft cloth and use compressed air to blow out dust from around the analog sticks.

2. Check for Software Updates

• Sometimes, controller issues can be related to system or firmware bugs. Ensure your PS4 is updated to the latest firmware. Go to Settings > System Software Update to check for updates.

3. Test with Another Controller

• If possible, test the controller with another PS4 to see if the issue is with the controller itself or the console. This can help rule out any hardware problems with the PS4.

4. Replace the Battery or Analog Stick

• If the controller has persistent issues like stick drift or battery failure, you may need to replace the internal components. You can either do this yourself (if comfortable) or take it to a professional repair service.

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Conclusion

Resetting your PS4 controller is a simple and effective way to resolve many common issues like unresponsiveness, stick drift, and syncing problems. Whether you perform a quick soft reset or a more thorough hard reset, this process can often get your controller back to working as it should. If resetting doesn’t fix the problem, cleaning the controller, updating the software, or seeking professional repairs may be necessary.

By keeping your controller in top shape and knowing how to reset it when needed, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth and uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Further Troubleshooting Tips for PS4 Controller Issues

If resetting your PS4 controller didn’t resolve the problem, don’t worry—there are still plenty of other steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix various controller issues. Here’s a comprehensive list of troubleshooting tips to help you get your controller back to working smoothly.

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1. Check for Connection Issues (Bluetooth or Wired)

If your controller isn’t syncing with your PS4, or if it disconnects intermittently, it could be a connection issue.

Wired Connection Troubleshooting:

• Try a Different USB Cable:
  Ensure the USB cable you’re using is functioning properly. Damaged or low-quality cables can cause issues with both charging and syncing. Try using a different USB cable, preferably one that’s official or of good quality.

• Use a Different USB Port:
  If the USB port on the PS4 isn’t working, try connecting the controller to another port on the front or back of the console.

Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting:

• Re-pair the Controller:
  If your controller is having trouble connecting wirelessly, try re-pairing it. You can do this by turning off the PS4, connecting the controller via USB, and pressing the PS button. This should force the PS4 to recognize the controller again.

• Reset the Controller (Bluetooth Mode):
  If re-pairing doesn’t work, use the reset button on the back of the controller (next to the L2 button) to perform a hard reset and then reconnect.

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2. Fixing PS4 Controller Stick Drift

Stick drift is one of the most frustrating problems a controller can face, but there are several steps you can take to address it.

Step 1: Clean the Analog Sticks

• What to Do:

  • Use a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean around the base of the analog sticks.
  • Use compressed air to blow out any dirt, dust, or debris around the sticks.

• Why It Helps:

  • Dirt and grime buildup around the analog sticks can interfere with the sensors, causing unwanted movement or drift. Cleaning the controller regularly will help prevent this issue.

Step 2: Adjust the Dead Zone in Games

• What to Do:
  • Some games allow you to adjust the dead zone for the analog sticks. If your controller’s drift is minor, adjusting the dead zone settings can reduce the effects of drift in the game.
• Why It Helps:
  • Increasing the dead zone can ensure that small, unintended movements of the stick don’t register during gameplay.

Step 3: Recalibrate the Controller

• What to Do:
  • If your controller allows it, recalibrate the analog sticks by going to the settings menu. You can also try using third-party software or apps for calibration.

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3. Battery Charging and Power Issues

If your controller isn’t charging properly or the battery is draining too quickly, follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem:

Step 1: Inspect the Charging Port

• What to Do:

  • Inspect the micro-USB port on your controller for any visible damage or dirt.
  • Use compressed air to clean the port and remove any debris that might be interfering with the charging process.

• Why It Helps:

  • Dust or dirt inside the charging port can prevent the controller from charging properly.

Step 2: Use a Different Charging Cable or Wall Adapter

• What to Do:

  • Test the controller with a different USB cable or connect it directly to the PS4 using a different port.
  • Alternatively, try using a wall adapter to charge the controller outside of the PS4.

• Why It Helps:

  • Charging issues can arise from using low-quality or damaged cables. Trying different cables and power sources can help identify the issue.

Step 3: Reset the Battery

• What to Do:

  • If your controller is not holding a charge, a reset (via the back reset button) can sometimes help recalibrate the battery and resolve power issues.

• Why It Helps:

  • A reset can help restore the controller’s normal functionality, especially if the issue is related to software glitches.

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4. Addressing Unresponsive Buttons

If some buttons on your controller aren’t responding, follow these steps to get them working again:

Step 1: Clean the Buttons

• What to Do:

  • Clean around the buttons using compressed air to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface of the buttons.

• Why It Helps:

  • Dirt, oils, and grime can build up around the buttons, causing them to become unresponsive or sticky.

Step 2: Check for Software Issues

• What to Do:

  • Restart your PS4 and check the button functionality in the system settings. If the buttons are unresponsive in the settings, there may be a software issue causing the problem.

• Why It Helps:

  • Sometimes, a simple restart or update can resolve software issues that cause the controller to malfunction.

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5. Check for Firmware and System Updates

Controllers can sometimes have issues due to outdated firmware. Ensuring both your PS4 system and your controller have the latest updates can help resolve compatibility or performance issues.

• What to Do:

  • Go to Settings > System Software Update on your PS4 to check for any system updates.
  • You can also update the controller's firmware by connecting it to the PS4 via USB and ensuring it is synced properly.

• Why It Helps:

  • Firmware updates can fix bugs, improve controller performance, and resolve issues that might be causing malfunctioning buttons, unresponsiveness, or charging problems.

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6. Test with Another Controller

If you have another PS4 controller available, try using it to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the controller itself or the PS4 console.

• What to Do:

  • Connect a second controller to your PS4 and see if the issue (such as unresponsiveness, charging problems, or drift) occurs with the second controller as well.

• Why It Helps:

  • This can help pinpoint whether the issue lies with the controller or the console. If the second controller works fine, your original controller likely has a hardware problem that requires repair.

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Conclusion

If your PS4 controller is experiencing issues like unresponsiveness, drift, charging problems, or button malfunctions, there are a variety of troubleshooting steps you can take. From cleaning and resetting to checking for firmware updates and trying out different charging cables, these tips should help you get your controller back in working order. If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the problem, it may be time to consider professional repair or replacement.