When a DualShock 4 controller is connected to a phone, tablet, PC, or another Bluetooth device, it may not always power down in the same way it does on a PlayStation console. Leaving it connected can drain the battery, so it is worth knowing the quickest ways to shut it off properly.
Table Of Contents
The Quick Button Method
The simplest method is to hold the PS button for around 10 seconds. The light bar should turn off, which means the controller has powered down. This works in most Bluetooth situations and is the fastest option when you are finished playing.
Disconnect It from the Device
If the controller does not turn off immediately, open the Bluetooth settings on the device it is paired with and disconnect it manually. On Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, or macOS, the controller usually appears as DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller. Selecting disconnect should end the active Bluetooth session.
If you will not use the controller with that device again, choose forget or remove device. This clears the pairing and prevents the device from reconnecting automatically later.
Let It Sleep Automatically
The DualShock 4 will eventually turn off by itself after inactivity, but this is not the best method if you are trying to save battery. Some apps and devices keep the Bluetooth session alive longer than expected, so manually powering it off is more reliable.
If the Controller Will Not Turn Off
If the light bar stays on, hold the PS button for longer and make sure no game or streaming app is still using the controller. You can also turn off Bluetooth on the connected device to force the controller to disconnect. As a last resort, use the small reset button on the back of the DualShock 4 near the L2 shoulder button. Press it gently with a pin or paperclip, then pair the controller again when needed.
Reconnecting to a PS4 or PS5
After using the DualShock 4 with another Bluetooth device, it may not automatically reconnect to your PlayStation. To pair it back to a PS4, connect it with a USB cable and press the PS button. On PS5, the DualShock 4 can be used for supported PS4 games, but not for playing PS5 games.
Battery Care Tips
Turn the controller off after every Bluetooth session, avoid leaving it connected overnight, and charge it with a reliable USB cable. If the battery drains unusually quickly even after being turned off, the controller may be old, heavily worn, or failing to sleep correctly after disconnecting.
Best Practice
For most players, the best habit is simple: hold the PS button until the light bar turns off, then confirm that the phone, tablet, or PC no longer shows the controller as connected. That prevents unnecessary battery drain and avoids connection confusion the next time you play.
