How to Check PS4 Controller Battery?
As any avid gamer knows, having a fully charged controller is essential for non-stop gaming sessions. Nothing ruins the fun quite like your controller dying mid-game! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about your check PS4 controller battery level, maximize battery life, and troubleshoot common issues. By following these tips, you can ensure your controller is always ready to go and extend its lifespan. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways to Check PS4 Controller Battery
- Learn how to check your battery level using the PS button or on PC/PS5
- Extend battery life with proper charging habits and settings adjustments
- Troubleshoot blinking lights and low battery warnings
- Frequently asked questions about battery life, charging, and DualSense compatibility
Section 1: Checking Your Controller Battery Level
Monitoring your battery status is the first step to avoiding any nasty gaming interruptions. Thankfully, Sony makes it quite simple to check the battery on your PS4 controller.
Using the PS Button
The quickest and most straightforward way is to press the PS button in the controller’s center simply. The small LED light above the button will indicate your current battery level:
- Solid white light – Battery level is over 30%
- Slowly flashing white light – Battery level is between 20-30%
- Rapidly flashing white light – Battery level is below 20% and needs to be charged soon!
This light will also blink blue when charging via a USB cable. Monitor the flashing patterns to know when it’s time for a charge.
Checking on PC
If you commonly use your PS4 controller on a Windows PC via Bluetooth or a USB cable, there are still ways to check the battery. The popular DS4Windows application displays a percentage readout right on your desktop. Alternatively, some controllers may pop up a notification bubble. Just make sure to keep the program or drivers updated.
Checking on PS5
The PS4 controller is fully compatible with the PS5, so you can also check the battery there. Simply turn on your controller and look for the same battery level indicators through the PS button light. There is no need to charge exclusively on the PS4 console – the PS5 works great, too.
Section 2: Extending Your Controller Battery Life
Now that you know how to monitor the battery, let’s discuss some techniques for maximizing its lifespan through proper charging and setting adjustments.
Charging Best Practices
Only use the included USB cable and wall adapter for charging. This prevents overcharging which can degrade the battery over time. Fully charge until the light turns solid white before unplugging. Leaving it plugged in for extended periods isn’t necessary.
When charging directly on the console, put your PS4 into rest mode instead of leaving it running – this avoids unnecessary power draw from the controller port.
Reducing Battery Drain
You can tweak a few controller settings to reduce battery usage during gameplay:
- Lower the brightness of the light bar
- Disable vibration effects (Settings > Devices > Controller)
- Adjust the trigger response curve to reduce motor usage
- Turn off features like voice chat when not needed
It’s also a good idea to charge when the battery reaches 30% instead of running it down completely each time. This preserves optimal capacity over many charge cycles.
Section 3: Troubleshooting to check PS4 controller battery Issues
No battery guide would be complete without troubleshooting tips for common problems. Let’s cover what to do if you see blinking lights or get low battery warnings.
Blinking Pattern Meanings
Slow or rapid blinking can indicate more than just charge level. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Slow blinking – Battery is low, charge immediately
- Rapid blinking – Battery error, try charging or resetting the controller
- Flashing red – Pairing mode is active, deactivating may resolve it
- No response – Fully charge the controller or try connecting via USB
What to Do When Low
If that low battery warning pops up mid-game, don’t panic! You have a few options:
- Plug the USB cable directly into the controller for pass-through charging
- Keep some rechargeable batteries on hand as a backup
- Suspend the game until you can fully charge the controller later
With a bit of preparation, you can always be ready to jump back in seamlessly.
PS5 Compatibility
Rest assured, the PS4 controller is fully backward compatible with the PS5 through its USB-C port or Bluetooth. Look for the same light patterns through the PS button to check the battery level. The DualSense controller battery can also be monitored here for future-proof compatibility.
FAQ about your check PS4 controller battery
How long does a fully charged battery last?
On average, you can expect 6-8 hours of continuous gameplay from a fully charged PS4 controller. Heavier vibration use, bright light bar, or continuous charging/discharging will decrease this somewhat.
How often should I charge my controller?
Most users charge around every 3-4 gaming sessions or every other day, depending on usage. It’s best not to let the battery completely drain between charges.
Can I use my controller wirelessly on a PC?
Yes, with a Bluetooth connection. Keep Bluetooth and related drivers up to date on your PC for optimal wireless connectivity with Steam titles, too.
Will these tips work for the PS5 DualSense controller?
Absolutely! While the DualSense has some advanced haptics, the battery check method and charging practices translate directly. Proper care maximizes the lifespan of both controllers.
My controller won’t charge, what’s wrong?
First, try a different USB cable and wall adapter, as faulty cables are standard. Next, perform a full reset by holding the PS button for 7+ seconds. As a last resort, replace the battery if it’s reached the end of its lifespan after 2+ years of use.
Conclusion
With diligent battery monitoring, optimized charging habits, and quick troubleshooting methods, you can keep your PS4 controller primed and ready for long gaming marathons. Taking good care of the controller hardware extends its useful lifetime immensely. So get out there and game on with peace of mind that your battery will never let you down! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Last Updated on 20 February 2024 by Ray Imran
Controller Review, founded by Ray Imran, is a premier online platform delivering comprehensive insights and unbiased reviews of gaming controllers and peripherals. Established in 2023, it has grown into a trusted resource, guiding gamers and tech enthusiasts with rigorous testing and up-to-date information about the latest gaming innovations.