PS5 controller won't connect? Here’s how to fix it

⚡ Fast fix

• Won’t connect? Plug it into your PS5® with a USB data cable, then press the PS button to pair it.
• Cable the culprit? Swap cables—some charge but won’t sync.
• Hard reset time—Use a pin to press the reset button on the back for 5 seconds, then reconnect.
• Still not speaking? Power cycle your PS5 (shut down, unplug for 60 seconds), then try pairing again.

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You’ve got your next game session set up—snacks included—but your PS5® DualSense® controller won’t connect. Frustrating, right? But don’t worry, we can help.

Asurion is your one-stop shop for troubleshooting, fixing, and getting the most out of your tech. From PlayStation® controller drift to cleaning it the right way—we’ve got you covered. Here’s what our experts suggest you do when your PS5 controller isn’t connecting. 

Restart your console

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective one. Try restarting your PlayStation 5 to see if it resolves your controller connection issue. Here’s how:

1. Press and hold the Power button on the front of the PlayStation until it turns off.
2. To turn the PlayStation back on, press the Power button again.

Re-pair the controller

Your controller can only be connected to one console at a time. Check to see if the controller is listed in your console’s Bluetooth connections. You can see what controllers are registered to your console by going to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. If you don’t see your controller listed. You can un-pair then re-pair it with these steps: 

1. Turn the controller off.
2. Press and hold the PS and Share buttons until a light flashes.
3. Select Add device on screen.

Soft reset the controller

Soft resetting your PS5 controller can clear any minor connection glitches. To do so, press the PS button on the DualSense controller > Control Center > Accessories > select the controller > Turn Off. When the lights on the controller turn off, press the PS button to power the controller back on.

Eliminate Bluetooth interference

If you’ve recently used your DualSense controller with a phone, tablet, or PC, it may be stuck trying to "talk" to that device instead of your PlayStation. Even when plugged in, a previous Bluetooth bond can block a new connection.

• Turn off Bluetooth on any nearby devices that you’ve previously paired with the controller.

💡 Pro tip: Go to your phone or PC’s Bluetooth settings and select Forget Device for the Wireless Controller. Once the old bond is broken, the controller will be much more "willing" to look for your PS5.

Update your controller

Sony® frequently releases updates for their controllers, which can fix various connectivity issues. Make sure your controller is using the latest software.

Your gaming console makes these updates easy. All you have to do is have your controller wirelessly connected while the PlayStation is on. If there is an update available for the controller, you’ll get an onscreen prompt. When you get it, select Update Now to start the update. To manually check for updates for your controller, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) and then select DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.

Try a different USB-C cable

An incompatible USB-C cable can be the cause behind your PS5 controller not connecting.

It’s a common mistake: grabbing any USB-C cable nearby to sync your controller. However, many USB-C cables (especially those for headphones or cheap chargers) are power-only. They can charge your battery, but lack the internal data wires needed to "talk" to the console.

• Always try to use the original USB-C cable that came in the box with your PS5.
• If you don't have the original, try using the cable to connect a phone to a computer. If the computer doesn't recognize the phone for file transfers, that cable won't work to sync your controller either.

Use the rear ports

The front USB-A port on the PS5 is a standard Hi-Speed port, while the two ports on the back are SuperSpeed (10Gbps). Sometimes, the front port can experience power delivery issues that prevent a successful handshake.

Try moving your USB cable to one of the two blue ports on the back of the console. This might solve the issue because these ports have a more direct connection to the system's power supply and are often more reliable for firming up a lost connection or performing a firmware update.

Factory reset your controller

As a last resort, performing a factory reset can help resolve controller connectivity problems. Here’s how:

1. Power off the controller. 
2. Press a thin object, like a paperclip or safety pin, into the small hole on the back of the controller for five seconds.

Connect the controller to the console using a USB-C cable. Then, press the PS button to resync the controller.