What Causes a PS4 Controller to Not Charge

When a PS4 controller fails to charge, there are a handful of potential causes to examine. There may be a problem with the charging port or cable, a problem with the PS4 that prevents it from providing power over USB, or a problem with the PS4 controller battery. Here’s a quick look at the issues you might be dealing with:

How to Fix a PS4 Controller That Won’t Charge

If your DualShock 4 controller is dead and won’t take a charge, perform each of the following troubleshooting steps to get it working again. If the micro USB connector feels loose or falls out, then you probably have a worn out cable. Check the little spring steel clips on the connector to see if they have been pushed in or worn down. It’s important to use a cable that is both capable of providing power and transmitting data. While all of the best micro USB cables can perform both functions, some cheaper cables can only do one or the other. If your controller charges when plugged into a charger, your computer, or another device, there may be an issue with the USB ports on your PS4. Use canned air or an electric blower to clear out the charging port, and examine inside with a flashlight. If you see any debris, or the controller still refuses to charge, you can try to clean it further with a small implement like a toothpick. While the DualShock 4 doesn’t use easily replaceable batteries like the Xbox One controller, replacing the battery isn’t that difficult. All you need to do is take the controller apart, unplug the battery pack from the main circuit board, and replace it with a new battery.