How to update your PS5 DualSense controller firmware

💡Need to know

• Follow the Prompt. Choose Update Now when prompted with your controller plugged in.
• Go through Settings. After dismissing a prompt, look under DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software for an available PS5® controller update.
• Use your PC. Use the official PlayStation® Accessories application.
• Stay connected. Keep your controller plugged in throughout installation, no matter which method you choose.

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You sit down with your PS5 DualSense® controller in hand, ready to play, only to get a prompt that it’s time to update your controller. Or, maybe your controller starts acting strange, and you want to fix it. Either way, installing the PS5 controller firmware update is your best next move.

Firmware is the controller's own built-in software, separate from the console's, and updating it can help your controller function properly. Asurion Experts have helped countless people like you keep their devices running smoothly. Here’s our guide on how to update a PS5 controller.

How to update your PS5 controller on your console

The most common way to update a PS5 controller is through your console itself with these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General).
2. Select DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.
3. If there is an update available, it will appear here.
4. Plug your controller into the console and start the update.

Make sure you update your PS5 system software first, though. New controller updates appear when you update the console's system software, so a current console matters.

Keep the controller connected through the whole update, and don’t turn off your console. You’ll see an on-screen message confirming the controller is up to date when the installation is done.

How to update your PS5 controller on a Windows PC

Alternatively, you can connect your DualSense controller to a PC and update it with the official PlayStation Accessories app. Follow these steps to update a PS5 controller on PC:

1. Install the PlayStation Accessories app.
2. Connect your controller to your PC via Bluetooth or a USB cable.
3. Open the PlayStation Accessories app and select the firmware update when one is offered.
4. Install the update and wait for it to finish.

You don’t need a PS5 to update controllers this way—that’s the whole reason this route exists. The app supports both the standard DualSense and the DualSense Edge.

Keep the PC powered on and the controller connected throughout. Bear in mind that you want to specifically choose the PS5 controller firmware update on PC, not an update to the app version.

What to do if your PS5 controller won't update

If your PS5 controller update won’t go through, consider these common causes:

• The controller has a low battery.
• Your PS5 or PC can’t detect the controller.
• There’s no update option showing, likely because your controller is already up to date.
• The installation didn’t finish, possibly because your controller got disconnected.

Try charging the controller, checking the data cable and USB port, and keeping your console and app software up to date. Reconnect and retry after one reported update failure, never during an active installation.

If your PS5 controller won't connect, consider a hard restart. You may also need to troubleshoot your PS5 internet connection after a failed download or if a network error pops up.

What firmware updates can and can't fix

A PS5 controller software or firmware update can fix many common issues, but not everything. Generally, they can address:

• Controller stability.
• Compatibility.
• Feature improvement.

Updates won't, however, promise better battery life or reduced lag from every release. They also cannot repair physical wear or damage.

If you have persistent problems after a successful update, try more symptom-specific troubleshooting options.

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FAQ

What is the latest PS5 controller firmware?

You can check the installed firmware on your controller and whether an update is available on your console or in PlayStation Accessories. On the console, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General). Select DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software. If there’s an update available, you can install it here after connecting your controller.

What did the new PS5 controller update do?

PS5 controller updates include different changes depending on the version. For example, in February 2024, they improved the mic and speakers.

Do PS5 controllers need software updates?

Keeping controller software current ensures your controllers work properly and have access to the latest supported features. Check for available updates in Settings or by using PlayStation Accessories on your PC.