The Playstation 5 is the best example of a peak in the game console industry that demonstrates excellent creativity by Sony in the development of peripheral game devices. Nevertheless, just like any other tech product, it may also have some issues with its technical aspects.
One of the major problems that arise is the controller going off or dropping out for no apparent reason while the user is playing their favorite games. The disruptive nature of this annoying problem not only distorts enjoyment during gaming but also brings into question, whether it be through USB or Bluetooth, the integrity of the connection.
In this article, we seek to uncover reasons as to why the PS5 controller keeps disconnecting and discuss numerous potential causes leading to such an occurrence. We aim to comprehensively examine this problem from hardware malfunctions to software hiccups with some solutions to ensure continuous gaming.
Potential Causes of Disconnection
It is important to identify the reasons why a PS5 controller keeps disconnecting. A number of these problems may be simple or complex in nature. This can happen as a result of issues caused by a low battery, interference in the Bluetooth signal, and even some hardware malfunctions. In addition, the kind of link between them e.g. USB or Bluetooth has an impact on the dependability of the controllers’ connectivity. By way of illumination, let’s explore how the connection setup processes for USB and Bluetooth are crucial to having a strong connection.
USB Connection
The best USB adapter that matches the quality of Sony’s DualSense controller is Sony’s own USB adapter. Otherwise, any data/power USB cable may be used in case there is no such possibility. It entails putting only one end of the cable into the USB C side of the controller and the other into your console or personal computer. Following this, the device should automatically install drivers and will be ready once the adaptive controller triggers are recognized.
Bluetooth Connection
The connection of the PS5 controller using Bluetooth follows a different process. Begin with switching on your computer’s Bluetooth function, then search for new devices. Lastly, push the shared key together with the PS button on the controller of your PS5 and wait for the LED flashing, which will indicate that it is pairing. When the controller becomes a device listed on your PC, just click it to conclude the pairing. Following these procedures, your controller should be wireless-ready, allowing you to move freely around without any interruptions.
Common Issues Leading to Disconnection
To answer the question of “Why Does My PS5 Controller Keep Disconnecting?” it is necessary to involve several aspects that may result in this problem. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Controller Hardware Malfunction: There are intermittent disconnections that may arise from internal hardware issues, such as a defective circuit or due to environment-like wear and tear. These hardware problems are sometimes so subtle they may not even be obvious at first.
- Controller Settings Leading to Idle Disconnection: As a power conservation feature, the PS5 controller is designed to automatically disconnect after some time of inaction. The game could also experience random disconnections in brief periods of inactivity that may be unexpected to the players.
- Problems with the List of Connections: To facilitate re-pairing, the PS5 controller will remember a previous connection. But when there is an issue with this list, for instance, out-of-date or corrupt connection, the problem will be experienced due to failure in connectivity.
- Bluetooth Driver Issues: The issues of connection may originate from old or corrupted Bluetooth drivers in the case of PC users. Keeping your PC’s Bluetooth drivers up-to-date is essential to have a stable connection.
- PS5 Controller Configurations: Some configurations in the controller are meant to interfere with the game or system, which results in disconnections. It is sometimes possible to solve such problems by resetting these configurations to their defaults.
- Missing Software Requirements: In particular, the absence of some software like DS4Windows may prevent PC users from connecting effectively. This software aids in the translation of input from the controller to games that do not support natively.
- Battery-Related Issues: For instance, the PS5 controller may have a low or faulty battery, and this will cause it to disconnect quite often. To remedy this, keep the controller fully charged or return for battery replacements if they are defective.
- Damaged USB Cable or Port: In the case of wired connections, like their USB counterparts, if a user has a damaged micro-USB cord or port this can also result in a spotty connection. It may be irrelevant to undertake regular inspections for the replacement of worn-out cables or the repair of damaged ports.
How to fix PS5 Controller Connection Issues
Troubleshooting Appropriately for the Repeating Issue of “Why Does My PS5 Controller Keep Disconnecting.” Let’s focus on two key areas that are often overlooked:
1. Charging the Controller
One of the easiest but most forgotten fixes is making sure your PS5 controller has enough charge. Low batteries may cause disconnections. Here’s how you can charge your controller effectively:
- Direct Charging: Use the USB-C cable that comes with your PS5 to connect your controller. This is best done while the console is on or in rest mode (if your settings are set up to supply power to USB ports during rest mode).
- Checking Battery Status: Check the battery status once again by pressing the PS button on your controller periodically. If the battery icon is starting to shift, it means charging.
- Using a Charging Station: With a PS 5 charging station, you can charge your controllers much more conveniently when it is docked there.
- Charge Duration: Charge the controller to a reasonable extent, optimally, until the battery indicator states it is full.
2. Modifying Steam Controller Shutdown Time
Gamers using PS5 controllers for Steam on PC face disconnections due to the default time it takes to shut down when idle. Here’s how to adjust it:
- Accessing Steam Settings: Open the Steam application and proceed to “Settings” usually found in a tab with impressions of Steam on up her head corner.
- Controller Settings: Go to the ‘Controller’ tab in the Settings menu and click ‘General Controller Settings.’
- Adjusting Shutdown Time: The default settings size for the option called Controller shutdown time. The length of time the idle controller remains connected is dictated by this setting. You can increase this time or set it to ‘Never’ so that the controller does not disconnect during inactivity.
3. Restarting Your PS5 or PC
At times, this may be as simple as rebooting the system, whether it’s the PS5 gaming console or personal computer. This helps temporarily to fix connectivity problems with the controller.
- For PS5: Power down your console and remove the power cable for one minute. This clears all momentary temporary files that may be contributing to the problem. Switch on your PS5 again and connect the controller once more after you do so.
- For PC: Rebooting your computer is normally enough if you’re connecting to your controller with a computer and have encountered some problems with connectivity. They may work best if something had already been working fine with your controller, only to start to disconnect again all of a sudden.
4. Running the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Running the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter is an efficient option for people who wish to find and fix any connection problems in case they are connecting a PS5 controller to a PC using Bluetooth.
- Accessing the Troubleshooter: Just visit the “settings” option found on your PC, open “update and security,” and click on “troubleshoot.” To Troubleshooter in ‘Settings’>‘System’>‘Troubleshoot’ for Windows 11 users.
- Running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter: Go to the lists of trouble-shooters select Bluetooth and then click on Run. A new troubleshooter ensures that it scans all problems and tries fixing them on its own. It deals with many different problems, such as car trouble and Bluetooth disputes.
- Following On-Screen Instructions: Identify the problem and fix it following the step-by-step instructions. This might involve measures such as re-installing Bluetooth drivers and resetting Bluetooth options.
5. Updating Your Console and PC
Keeping your PS5 And PC on the updated software version helps fix bugs and connectivity overall.
- Updating PS5: Ensure that you intermittently check for system updates on your PS5. Go to the system tab under settings, choose System Software, and finally select System Software Update and Settings. You can check for and install any available updates from here.
- Updating PC: The matter is essential to PC users who it addresses. Go to Settings, then Update & Security, and look for Windows updates. By doing so, they can be able to fix any compatibility problem associated with the PS5 controller.
6. Updating the PS5 Controller’s Driver
Especially when used with a PC, keeping the controller’s driver updated is crucial. Connectivity issues might arise from an outdated driver.
- For Windows PC: Power up your PS5 controller on the PC. Right-click on the start button and then click Device Manager. Find your controller (which is usually under the ‘Human Interface Devices’ or the ‘Bluetooth’ category), right-click it, and select ‘Update driver’. Search for and install available driver updates by following the prompts.
- For PS5 Console: When PS5 is connected to the internet, it updates the controller’s firmware automatically. However, you would have to do this manually – go to settings on your console, select “Accessories”, and then “Controllers,” You can then update your controller’s software from there.
7. How to Factory Reset PS5 DualSense Controller.
In many cases, a factory reset can fix more profound problems by resetting the controller to default settings.
- Locating the Reset Button: With your PS5 turned off, find the small reset button at the back of this controller. It’s a small hole next to the L2 shoulder button.
- Resetting the Controller: Press and hold the reset button using small tools like a paperclip for approximately 5 seconds. This will restore the controller’s initial settings.
- Reconnecting the Controller: Connect the controller using a USB cable to the PS5 after resetting and press its PS button for re-pairing. The controller is then expected to reconnect and ensure a stable connection.
Tips and Tricks for Preventing Disconnection
Sometimes, prevention is as important as troubleshooting when answering the question “Why Does My PS5 Controller Keep Disconnecting.” Here are some practical tips and tricks to minimize the likelihood of disconnections:
Using the Recommended USB Cable:
Please use the USB cable that comes with your PS5 for wired connections. The role of this cable is to ensure that the connection between the controller and console/PC remains stable.
Do not use for the connection purposes low-quality or too big cables; this may entail poor connectivity and frequent disconnection treatment.
Ensuring Proper Battery Charge for Wireless Connections:
Ensure that your controller is charged all the time and always do a regular check on its battery life. Disconnection issues usually arise from low battery.
In case the battery level is low, charge it completely prior to playing or play while connected with a USB cord for uninterrupted gameplay.
Adjusting Settings for DS4 Controller Option:
For PC users game using their PS5 controller, make sure the DS4 controller option is well set in such a software (DS4Windows or Steam).
While using certain games or applications, for better compatibility and to avoid disconnections you might need to enable/disable this setting.
Checking Hardware Warranty Options:
If you are still experiencing disconnections even with these tips, it may be a hardware problem. Warranty check of your controller.
If required, refer to the warranty services for a professional check-up of or replacement of the controller. This can be particularly useful when you suspect that the printer has a manufacturing defect, or there is an internal hardware problem.
Conclusion
In summary, dealing with the annoying aspect of “Why Does My PS5 Controller Keep Disconnecting” necessitates multifaceted means. Each step, from checking and updating the controller drivers and firmware, both on PS5 or PC to stable USB/Bluetooth plays a major role in troubleshooting. However, resetting the controller, adjusting idle settings in Steam, and running Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter can also be equal solutions.
However, preventive strategies are indispensable beyond reactive measures. To minimize disconnection occurrences when using DS4 Windows, recommended USB cables should be used, and one could opt to maintain the controller’s charge for wireless use.
As you work through these steps, keep in mind that the DualSense controller is a high-tech gaming device. Clearly, through the proper management and troubleshooting procedures for your controller, you are assured of a great PS5 journey.
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