Why does my PS4 controller keep disconnecting


Your PS4 controller disconnecting from the PS4 console can be very frustrating. This issue of the controller disconnecting is in two part. 

Either your controller will disconnect and not sync with your console or the controller will disconnect and sync with your console but continue disconnecting over and over.

Lets first start by going through the first one. The first one states that the controller will disconnect and won't connect to your PS4 until you restart the PS4 manually. 

This issue of the controller disconnecting and not synchronizing when you press the PS button is caused by a number of reason. 

Let's go through the reason why your controller keeps disconnecting and how to fix them.

1. The PS4 is Overheating

You might be wondering, how is the PS4 overheating got to do with the controller disconnecting? Well here is a logic explanation

When the PS4 console overheats to the near automatic shutdown temperature, It disables some of the functions such Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth connections.

This is to avoid further operation of the console to help it cool down. However, you will have to shutdown your PS4 console and wait for it to cool down before you can sync your controller again.

This issue will go on for as long as the PS4 is not properly ventilated. I will make a guide on how to properly ventilate your PS4 but in the mean time you can take these few tricks in consideration;

  • Avoid Enclosed space
    One of the causes of the PS4 overheating is enclosed spaces. Avoid these spaces make sure your PS4 console has enough room for the air intake and exhaust otherwise it will overheat
  • Check the vent
    Another reason why the PS4 is overheating is because of the clogged vents. The vents can get clogged with debris dust making it difficult for the Ps4 to properly circulate the air hence causing over heating. 
Let's not get into ventilating the PS4 that much as I will make a separate guide on that. But in the mean time you can try checking for these two I have mentioned above and see if the controller will continue disconnecting after properly ventilating your PS4.

2. Battery is dead

A PS4 controller that has a dead battery will keep disconnecting. Sometime it will display a message on the console saying the battery for the DualShock 4 is low and and sometime it will not.

This usually happens when the battery life of the PS4's controller has diminished. The battery life for the PS4 controller diminishes as we continue to use it like any other battery does.

When that happens, the controller will keep disconnecting from the console without even letting you know it's the battery that is low.

If you have a spare PS4 controller you can try to use that one and see if it will keep disconnecting. If it doesn't then you may consider replacing the battery in your PS4 controller.


3. Controller needs a reset

This is one of the first diagnosis of the PS4 controller. Whenever you are having having any trouble with your PS4 controller be it drifting, randomly pressing buttons, dead zones etc. The first thing you have to do is to reset the PS4 controller. 

How do I reset my PS4 controller

To reset your PS4 controller find a hole behind the controller next to the screw near to the L2 button. Now use a paper clip or a wooden toothpick and press inside the hole, you should hear a button click. You have successfully reset your PS4 controller.

Do not use sharp things like a needle as this will wear out the button inside.

 

4. Controller needs to re-sync

The connection between the controller and the PS4 console may become buggy. When this happens the PS4 controller will keep disconnecting. To solve this issue you have to re-synchronize the PS4 controller.

How to re-synchronize a PS4 controller 

To re-synchronize a PS4 controller you have to forget the controller in the Bluetooth setting of the PS4 console and then connect your controller to the PS4 through a USB cable to re-sync it. 

Alternatively you can search for it in the Bluetooth settings of your console.


5. Other Bluetooth devices are interfering


Another common reason why your PS4 controller keeps disconnecting is because there are other Bluetooth device that are interfering in the connection between the PS4 and the controller.

Check to see if there are devices that are turned on or are in paring mode. You can also check that your phones Bluetooth is off.

FAQs

Do PS4 controllers come with a cable

No, unfortunately the PS4 controller does not come with a charging USB cable. However, when you buy a boxed PS4 console, you will find a USB cable to charge your controller.

Why won't my PS4 controller charge from the wall

There are many reasons why your PS4 is not charging from the wall charger. It could be the wall charger is damaged, the USB cable is faulty or the charging port on the PS4 controller is not working. 

How do I disconnect a controller from the PS4

You can either forget it from the Bluetooth settings on the PS4, Press the PS and share button continuously until the controller starts blinking, Press the reset button on the back on the PS4 controller or you can bring up the Quick menu and log out from the user.

Why is my PS4 controller disconnecting even when plugged in

This can be due to many reasons, it can also be that the USB cable is faulty and not charging the controller. Follow the article above as it explains about this as well.