PS5 controller not charging? Here’s what to do

It's Saturday night, and you know what that means: Baldur's Gate 3 with your PlayStation 5™. You settle into the couch and grab your controller. But something's wrong—it isn't charged, despite hours connected to the charging cable. So why is your PS5 controller not charging?

Our Asurion Experts love gaming, and we help gamers troubleshoot problems like this all the time. Whether you're having problems with a PS5™ controller that won't connect or need some help with DualSense™ controller drift, we have a solution. Here's what to do if your PS5 controller is not charging.

Troubleshoot PS5 controller that won't charge

If your PS5 controller is not holding a charge, start with the first troubleshooting tip, then work your way through the list until you find the fix. As always, you can reach out to us for tech help if you need it.

Inspect for fraying or bent connectors

Charging cables don't last forever. Wear and tear can fray the tiny wires and prevent you from charging your controller. Inspect your cable for visible signs of damage, such as cuts or exposed wiring. Even if you don't see any, try charging the controller with another compatible, high-quality USB-C cable. 

Test multiple USB ports and power sources

A broken USB port can't transfer power to your controller. Plug your cable into another USB port on the PS5 console and connect it to the controller. Some people find that the PS5 rear USB ports work better than the front-facing ones. Test the cable with a different device, like a wall charger, to make sure it works. 

Clean the USB-C ports on your controller

You hold your controller in your hands—sometimes for hours-long gaming sessions—so it can get quite dirty. Give your controller a spring cleaning with a can of compressed air or a dry toothbrush. Pay special attention to the USB charging port. It may contain some hidden debris that blocks your charging connection. Gently apply the toothbrush or compressed air to remove dust from the port.

Check for charging indicator lights

The PS5 controller lights use different colors to indicate the system's current status. While charging, the light bar should flash orange. If the light doesn't blink like you expect it to, press the PS button to wake up the controller. That allows the controller to recognize the charging plug and begin recharging the battery.

Verify rest mode charging is enabled

The PlayStation 5 uses rest mode to perform low-energy functions after you turn the system off. With rest mode on, you can charge your controller even when you're away from the device. However, you have to turn on the feature and enable charging first; otherwise, your PS5 controller won't charge in rest mode. Here's how to do that.

1. Open Settings > System.
2. Select Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
3. Select Always or 3 Hours from the Supply Power to USB Ports options. 

If your PS5 is part of the CFI-2000 model group, select Adaptive from the Supply Power to USB Ports options. This setting conserves power usage and automatically chooses a charging time based on the controller's current battery level. 

Remove accessories that may interfere

Items you connect to your controller, such as headsets or external grips, can interfere with the charging process. Unplug or remove extra accessories and try to charge your controller again.

Reset the controller

Resetting the PS5 controller clears out minor system bugs that cause problems with your device. It won't delete any of your saved profiles or pairing preferences. 

1. Turn off the PS5. 
2. Locate the reset button on the back of the controller. 
3. Use a safety pin or another small pointed object to press the reset button for five seconds.
4. Connect the controller to the PS5 using its USB cable. 
5. Press the PS button on the controller. 

Update your PS5 and controller firmware

PlayStation™ occasionally releases firmware updates for its DualSense controllers. These updates keep your controller in tip-top condition. The system usually automatically installs updates, but you can also check for updates manually.

1. Open Settings > Accessories.
2. Select Controller (General).
3. Select DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.
4. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Try a DualSense charging station

Sony® markets docking stations designed to charge PlayStation DualSense controllers. If you have one (or a similar charging station that's Sony-certified), try charging your controller with it. This can help you determine if the issue lies with a faulty USB-C port or your controller.