PS5 Controller Not Connecting? Here’s Fix

Last updated: Mar 31, 2025 • 6 min read
 
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Although Dualsense Wireless Controllers by Sony are among the best gaming devices on the market, they can also fail from time to time.

If you are struggling to connect the controller to your PS5 or PC, but the device is not working properly, then you are not alone.

Many users have experienced these same problems before.

Fortunately, Hypenoon knows exactly how to get this problem fixed once and for all.

Thus, read further to get more info about:

  • Why is PS5 controller not connecting?;
  • How to fix connection issues on PS5 controllers;
  • All you need to know to fix a PS5 controller not connecting to your console.

Why Is PS5 Controller Not Connecting? Common Reasons

There are three main reasons why your controller is not connecting to the console:

  1. There are pairing issues between your controller and your devices. Checking for signal interference will always be a smart decision;
  2. There’s a little bug on your controller that can be quickly fixed by restarting controller’s settings;
  3. Or there is a hardware problem with your Dualsense Controller, USB cable, USB C ports, and more.

Users can fix most of these problems by themselves, but this isn’t always the case.

As it happens when your PS5 won’t turn on, there’s a series of steps to follow so you can try to get your devices up and running as they should, so let’s get to it.

How to Fix PS5 Controller Not Connecting to PS5

If your PlayStation 5 is not getting paired with your PS5 Dualsense controller, then we must look into it to check that it is happening exactly.

Follow these 5 options, so you learn how to fix a PS5 controller not connecting to the console in no time!

Pro Tip: Why is your PS5 turning on by itself? Is there something wrong with your PS5 console? These issues happen mainly due to faulty connectivity between your console and any other device. We show you insights into fixing this matter in our related post - check it out!

1. Re-Sync Your PS5 Controller

Perhaps something happened, and your PlayStation 5 controller is not paired with your console anymore.

In this case, simply do this:

  1. Connect the controller to the console via the USB port on it;
  2. Once you plug the controller, press the PS button to turn it on;
  3. When the light bar blinks, the controller will turn on.

If you don’t have a USB C cable, then you can use an additional controller to sync the controller wirelessly. If this doesn’t work for you, move on to the next fix.

2. Check PS5’s USB Port and Use a Different USB C Cable

Perhaps the USB cable on your controller is not working.

Try plugging the USB-C cable into multiple controllers and check if it works.

If the USB C Cable works on any other controller, then maybe the USB C port of the main controlling that can’t connect is not working.

Clean the whole with compressed air if you have the chance.

3. Disconnect Hardware from Dualsense Controller

Do you have headphones currently plugged into your controller?

Disconnect it before trying to pair the controller to your PlayStation 5.

As simple as this might sound, perhaps the device is interfering with the Bluetooth connection, so give it a go.

4. Update System Software on PS5

If your PlayStation 5 firmware is outdated, users will have problems trying to get controllers connected.

So, turn on your console, go to Settings, System, and select System Software Update.

Many of the bugs related to PS5s are strongly linked to outdated firmware, so have this in mind before losing your head.

5. Factory Reset PS5 Dualsense Controller

Performing a factory reset on your PS5 will clean out all the data of previous Bluetooth connections that the controller had.

In order to do this, do the following:

  1. Get a little paperclip and turn your controller to the back;
  2. On the back side of the controller, you will see a small hole;
  3. Introduce the paperclip into this whole and long-press the reset button to finish the resetting process.

Then, put your controller on pairing mode, and see if pressing the reset button does the trick.

How to Fix PS5 Controller Not Connecting to PC

The PS5 Dualsense Controller also works on PC, but what if the controller is not connecting to the PC either?

1. Pair Dualsense Bluetooth Device to PC

Maybe the controller is not successfully connected via Bluetooth to your PC.

You can connect it by following these steps:

  1. On your computer, go to Settings, select Bluetooth Devices, Other Bluetooth Devices, and click on Add Other Devices;
  2. Press both the PlayStation DS Power Button and Share button on your controller at the same time;
  3. Check if the controller appears on the Nearby Bluetooth Devices list on your system and add it.

2. Use a Different USB Cable

There’s a different way to connect a controller to your PC, and it consists of using a USB cable.

In theory, simply connect the controller to the PC system via the USB Port and turn it on.

If this doesn’t work, using a new cable might help you out.

3. Soft Reset the PS5 Controller and Pair it to PC

To do a soft reset, simply fully turn off your PC, turn on the controller as well, turn all things back on and try to connect the controller.

Sometimes Windows encounter little bugs that don’t let you connect a controller, but if you do this, it should work.

Can Sony Repair PS5 Controller?

Yes, Sony offers Hardware repairs for controllers and consoles as well. Nonetheless, your device could still be under warranty.

Anyhow, if the battery on your controller is damaged, there’s no way to fix it by yourself.

Therefore, all hardware issues should be managed by Sony’s specialized technical service and no one else.

For more PS5 tips, Launch Kit has got you covered.

FAQ

Why is PS5 Controller Not Charging in Rest Mode?

Although your PS5 console fully works while on Rest Mode, your PlayStation Dualsense Controller might not charge while your console is in power savings mode. In order to fix this, do the following:

  1. Go to Settings on your console, select System, and then Power Saving;
  2. Tap on “Features Available on Rest Mode;”
  3. Here, you will find an option that says “Supply Power to USB Ports.” Enable that option, and proceed.

From now on, as long as your controller device remains connected to the console, it will keep on charging the controller’s battery without further issues.



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