Troubleshooting Your PS4 Controller: Steps to Reconnect Your Dash Remote

Have you encountered the frustrating scenario where your PS4 controller won't connect, no matter how many times you try? This article is here to help you resolve the issue. Whether you connected your remote to your phone and the controller won't pair, or the controller doesn't connect even when you use a cord, we'll walk you through the necessary steps to get your playtime back on track.

Disconnect the Controller from Your Phone

Before diving into major reset procedures, ensure the controller isn't still paired with your phone. Here's how to do it:

Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your phone and disconnect the controller.

Reset the Controller

Resetting the controller to its initial state can often resolve connectivity issues:

Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller, near the L2 button. Use a pin or a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds.

Reconnect the Controller to the PS4

Follow these steps to reconnect your controller to the PS4:

Connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. Ensure the PS4 is powered on. Press the PS button in the center of the controller. This should initiate the pairing process with the PS4.

Check for Firmware Updates

Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date:

Go to Settings > System Software Update Follow the prompts if an update is available.

Alternative Connection

If the controller is still not connecting via the USB cable, here are a few alternative methods:

Try using a different USB cable or a different USB port on the PS4. Check that the USB cable is functioning properly by attempting to charge another USB device, such as a cell phone. Manually turn on the PS4 and wait for a full boot cycle. Then press and release the PS button on the controller.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, it's possible you have a bad controller or a problem with the USB port on your PS4. Proceed with the following checks:

Verify the USB cable works by connecting it to another device. Plug the cable directly into the PS4 and attach the controller. Manually turn on the PS4 and wait for it to fully boot up. Press and release the PS button on the controller.

Why does this work? The PS button initiates the syncing process, and the LED should turn blue if everything is working correctly.

What to Do If None of These Work

If your PS4 still cannot locate and configure a wired controller, you may have a cable issue or a controller problem. In some rare cases, the issue could be with the USB port on the PS4. Here are the steps to follow:

Change USB ports or the USB “bridge link” on the PS4. Inspect the controller battery; if it's dead, charge it while it's connected.

If the controller still won't work, it's possible you have a bad controller, either due to a port issue or an internal short. At this point, consider reaching out to PlayStation support for further assistance.

Conclusion

With these detailed troubleshooting steps, you should now be able to reconnect your PS4 controller or at least identify the root cause of the issue. Good luck, and hope this helps you get back to gaming!