The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller has been praised for its innovative features and immersive gaming experience. However, like any piece of technology, it can sometimes experience issues that can be frustrating for users. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the most common problems users face with the DualSense controller, such as drifting, connectivity issues, and battery life problems. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve each issue.
Stick Drifting Issues
Drifting is a common issue with controllers, where the analog sticks register movement even when they’re not being touched. This is known as thumbstick drift or “stick drift”. This can be particularly annoying during gameplay. While this is generally a hardware problem, it can sometimes be caused by other things which means fixing stick drift on the Dualsense is possible. Here’s how to fix drifting issues with your DualSense controller:
- Reset the controller: On the back of the controller, there is a small reset button located in a tiny hole next to the L2 button. Use a paperclip or a similar object to press and hold the button for around 3-5 seconds. After resetting, reconnect the controller to the PS5 and see if the issue is resolved.
- Clean the analog sticks: Dust and debris can accumulate around the analog sticks, causing drifting issues. Use a can of compressed air to clean the area around the sticks. Be sure to move the sticks around while cleaning to ensure all debris is removed.
- Update the controller firmware: Make sure your controller has the latest firmware installed. To do this, connect the controller to the PS5 with a USB cable and go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Update Controller Software.
- Contact Sony Support: If none of the above steps work, your controller may have a hardware issue. In this case, you should contact Sony Support for further assistance or a potential replacement.
Connectivity Issues
Connectivity issues can prevent your DualSense controller from connecting to your PS5 or cause it to randomly disconnect during gameplay. Here’s how to troubleshoot connectivity issues:
- Reset the controller: Follow the steps mentioned in the drifting section to reset your controller.
- Re-pair the controller: Turn off your PS5 and unplug it from the power source for a few minutes. After that, plug it back in and turn it on. Connect your DualSense controller to the PS5 using a USB cable and press the PS button to re-pair the controller.
- Check for interference: Make sure there are no other wireless devices or electronic appliances near your PS5 that could be causing interference. If possible, move your PS5 to a different location to see if the connectivity issue persists.
- Update the controller firmware: As mentioned in the drifting section, ensure your controller has the latest firmware installed.
- Contact Sony Support: If the issue persists, contact Sony Support for further assistance.
Battery Life Problems
If your DualSense controller’s battery life is shorter than expected, it may be down to the age of the battery. As batteries are charged and depleted, they lose capacity over time. There are a few things outside of replacing the battery that you can do to improve the battery life of the DualSense controller try these solutions:
- Adjust controller settings: Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and adjust the settings to conserve battery life. You can lower the brightness of the controller’s light bar, disable vibration, and reduce the volume of the built-in speaker.
- Charge the controller properly: Ensure you are using an official Sony USB cable to charge the controller. Connect it directly to the PS5 or use a wall charger with the appropriate voltage. Avoid charging the controller with third-party charging stations, as they may not provide the optimal charging conditions.
- Check for hardware issues: If the battery life issue persists even after adjusting settings and charging properly, there may be a hardware issue with the controller. Contact Sony Support for further assistance.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common issues with your DualSense controller and get back to enjoying your PlayStation 5 gaming experience.
