How to Charge PS4 Controller | 4 common mistakes

The PlayStation 4 is a popular gaming console bundled with the DualShock 4 controller. Since the controller operates wirelessly, keeping it adequately charged is essential to avoid any unexpected interruptions during your gaming sessions.

Did you know there are correct methods for charging the PS4 controller and some common mistakes to avoid?

This guide’ll walk you through charging your DualShock 4 controller to ensure optimal performance.

How to charge DualShock 4 on PS4

Charging the DualShock 4 is simple. To do this, follow the steps:

1. Make sure your PS4 console is turned on or in sleep mode.
2. Connect a micro USB cable to the controller (a cable comes in the product box). The entrance is below the light bar.
3. Insert the other end of the cable into the PS4’s USB port.
4. If everything is working, the light bar will glow orange.

When charging is complete, the light bar will be off. You can check the battery level by pressing and holding the PS button (the round button with the PlayStation symbol).

Sony states that it takes approximately 2 hours to charge the DualShock 4 controller from empty fully. However, it’s important to note that you don’t necessarily have to fully charge it before using it. The great thing about the controller’s lithium-ion battery is that it doesn’t develop a “dependency” on being fully charged.

If the controller is not charging in sleep mode, you need to change the console settings. Do the following:

1. Go to settings (a briefcase icon, which is on the top menu of the screen).
2. Select Power Saving Settings.
3. Then tap on Set available features in sleep mode.
4. Under Provide power to USB ports, leave the option enabled.

How to charge DualShock 4 on a PC?

To charge the PS4 controller directly from the computer or notebook, the process is similar:

1. Make sure the PC is turned on or in sleep mode.
2. Connect a micro USB cable to the controller. The entrance is below the light bar.
3. Insert the other end of the cable into a USB port on your computer.
4. If this is the first time you connect the controller to the PC, the system may download and install some drivers. Wait for the installation; it should not last more than a few minutes.
5. If everything is working, the light bar will glow orange. When the controller is fully charged, the light will turn off.

You can connect the controller to either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports.

How to charge DualShock 4 by charging the base?

You can find several models of charging bases for the DualShock 4 at retail, both from Sony and partner brands. You can load several controls simultaneously (usually two) with these bases. To do this:

1. Connect the charging base to power. Just insert the power adapter into the bottom of the base and plug it into an outlet.
2. Then, insert the DualShock 4 into the base, fitting the “tip” of the base into the bottom socket on the controller (next to the headphone jack).
3. If everything works, the DualShock 4’s light bar will turn light orange.

How to charge PlayStation Move?

Sony also sells a PS4 and PS VR motion controller, called the PlayStation Move. To load it, just follow the same steps as with a normal controller:

1. Make sure your PS4 console is turned on or in sleep mode.
2. Connect a USB cable to the motion controller. The input is at the bottom of the control.
3. Insert the other end of the cable into the PS4’s USB port.
4. If everything is working, a light will turn orange. When the controller is fully charged, the light will turn off.

The main errors when charging the DualShock 4

4. Use the controller while charging

It is not recommended to use the controller while charging. This is because the control can heat up more than recommended, compromising the life of the equipment and, in more serious cases, damaging the product.

3. Charging the controller at too-high or too-low temperatures

Still discussing heating, Sony recommends that the controller be charged only when the temperature is between 10 °C and 30 °C. It may not be possible to charge the control at other temperatures efficiently.

2. Leaving the controller unloaded for a long time

Sony states that you must fully charge the controller at least once a year to work correctly. Leaving it empty for so long can damage the battery in the long run.

1. Charge the controller directly from the outlet

The correct way to charge the DualShock 4 is to connect a USB cable to the controller and then connect the other end to the console. Therefore, do not try to charge the controller using cell phone chargers, inserting them directly into the socket. Doing so can strain internal components and damage accessory life.