The PS4 controller has a light bar showcasing its functional state. If it’s working normally, it shines with white light. But I’m guessing this is not the case for you, so you’re wondering why yourPS4 controller light is red.
The red light on a PS4 controller is often a sign of physical damage. It means broken hardware, and it’s typically the USB port on the back of the peripheral.
However, a random bug or a normal function may also be causing the issue. For example, if your DualSence was working fine until you suddenly saw a red light, it’s not something to worry about.
But if it has been stuck like that for a while, andit doesn’t work or sync to the PS4, you may need some troubleshooting.
Why Is the PS4 Controller Light Red?
If your PS4 controller light is red, it could be a normal function or a problem you need to solve.
Like the lights on the PS4’s body, the controller also indicates various states with its light bar.
Normal Functions of the PS4 Controller Red Light
There’re cases when the shining light is part of its proper functionality. Most of all, thePS4 controller light may turn red during gameplay without presenting any further issues.
First off, some games like The Witcher 3 can change the light bar’s color as you play. If this is your case, it’s completely normal.
Other titles use the controller’s red light to indicate the character’s health. Another example is some Need For Speed games, as the controller’s light will turn red if you die in a Killzone.
Another example: In GTA V, the light bar shines in a different color for each character (yellow for Trevor, blue for Michale, and green for Clinton).
The light also changes color if you’re playing local co-op on the PS4:
Lastly, if you’re the only player and the controller’s light is red, it could meanyou’re logged as another user. Changing the user to the console’s main account will change the light color.
Possible Errors When PS4 Controller Light Is Red
Sadly, the red light may also indicate errors. It’s easy to tell becauseit’s a red light that keeps flashing and doesn’t change.Also, most probably, the controller is not able to charge.
If this is the case, you may be dealing with one of these problems:
How to Fix PS4 Controller Light Is Red
Here’re various situations where you could see the PS4 controller red light. If you identify your problem, finding the solution you need from the list below may be easier.
Reset the Controller’s Firmware
Let’s hope you’re dealing with a firmware bug, as it’s the easiest problem to solve. Simply, you have to push a button on the controller to restore it to factory default.
Initialize the PS4 in Safe Mode
Let’s keep assuming it’s a bug, so we’re restoring your PS4 to factory settings via its Safe Mode troubleshooter. The process won’t erase your data, but it may take a while.
Drain the Battery
The next logical option is unplugging the charging cable from the power dog for a minute. It allows the controller to cycle power and release random firmware bugs.
Your next option is draining the console’s power to reset the connection with the controller:
Replace the Charging Cable
Let’s hope you can also fix it by changing the charger cable. First, though, check the PS4’s cable for physical damage.
Then, if you connect the PS4 to the console with a new cable, and its light turns orange, it means it’s charging. And when it turns green, it’s fully charged.
Take Your Controller for Repairs
If the issue persists, it means theinternal suffered damage.Like I’ve said, it could be the battery, the ribbon flex cable, or the USB port.
These components are hard to find and hard to install. We do not advise opening the controller for repairs unless you’re a technician. Also, it could be something else, so your best bet would be to take your DualShock 4 to repair.
How to Fix PS4 Controller Red Light on PC
If you’re using the PS4 controller on a Windows PC, the red light means the controller is working withhigh latency.
Easy solutions include plugging the controller into a USB 2.0 or a USB 3.0 port. If you’re using it on a USB 1.0 or via Bluetooth, the latency will likely surpass10ms.
