Fixing the blinking blue light on your PS4 controller

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Some PS4 users have reported a constant blue light blinking on their controllers. But don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean your console is dead. The blue light is a sign of the controller trying to connect to the console. Typically, the light should stop blinking shortly after the console is turned on. However, if the issue persists, there are simple troubleshooting steps you can try, such as resetting the controller to its factory settings.

Here’s a closer look at the blinking blue light problem and how to fix it, so you can get back to gaming quickly.

What causes the blue light to blink on my PS4 controller?

There are several potential causes for the blinking blue light on your PS4 controller, including:

Software problems: Outdated software, glitches, and bugs can affect the functioning of your PS4 controller.
Hardware problems: Loose screws, incorrectly positioned hard drives, and other hardware issues can cause the PS4 to shut off randomly and display a blinking blue light.
Incompatibility issues: Inconsistent device and pairing connections can sometimes lead to malfunctions.
Power supply problems: Wear and tear on the power supply, frayed cables, and other damage can result in issues.

Fixing Your Controller: What You Need to Know

Don’t panic if you see a blinking blue light on your PS4 controller. This problem is common and can often be fixed with some troubleshooting. Here are some potential solutions to try:

Resetting the Controller

If the blinking blue light on your PS4 controller is due to a pairing issue, resetting the controller can help. Here’s how:

Flip the controller over. You should see four screws.
Find the reset button, located near the upper right-hand screw in a small hole.
Using a paperclip, toothpick, or similar object, press and hold the button for five seconds.
After resetting, you may need to pair and re-sync your controller with the console.

Using Bluetooth Mode for device repair

After resetting the controller, enter Bluetooth mode by simultaneously pressing the PS and Share buttons. You can then try to pair your PS4 controller with your console using the Bluetooth Pairing function.

Fixing your PS4 with Safe Mode

One way to address the blinking blue light issue on your PS4 is by booting it in Safe Mode:

Press and hold the power button until your PS4 turns off.
Continue holding the power button until you hear a beep and your PS4 enters Safe Mode.
Press the PS button on your controller.
You’ll see the options: “Change Resolution,” “Rebuild Database,” and “Restore Default Settings.”
Choose either “Rebuild Database” or “Restore Default Settings.”
Select “Restart.”

Note that the “Rebuild Database” option will not erase any data unless there’s a corrupted game file. On the other hand, “Restore Default Settings” will erase all data not saved on the Cloud, so use it only as a last resort.

Updating your PS4 software

To make sure your PS4 is up-to-date, you can enable automatic downloads or run updates manually:

From the home menu, select “Settings” using your PS4 controller.
Go to “System Software Update.”
Choose “Update Now.”
Follow the on-screen instructions, select “Next,” and wait for the download to complete. You’ll see the license agreement once the download is finished.
Agree to the software update.
The update will start to install, and your PS4 may restart during the process.

Inspect the hard drive

If you have some technical knowledge, you can examine if your PS4 hard drive is properly installed.

Shut down your PS4 by holding down the power button until it beeps twice.
Unplug all cables from your PS4.
Remove the hard disk drive cover and check its alignment.
If you find that the alignment is off, loosen the hard drive screw and realign the hard drive.
Put the hard disk drive cover back in place.
Reattach all the cables and turn on your PS4 to see if it starts normally.

Examine the power sources

A flashing blue light on your PS4 controller could indicate a problem with the power supply or damaged cables.

Turn off your PS4 by holding down the power button until it beeps twice.
Disconnect all cables from the PS4.
Check the power supply cables and inlet for any tears, frays, or other forms of damage.
If there are no issues, reconnect all the PS4 cables and restart the console.

If the problem persists, it might be necessary to substitute the power supply cables.

Can a PS4 controller display different colors?

The answer is yes. PS4 controllers can blink and emit light in various colors, depending on the game you’re playing, the game’s events, and if you have multiple controllers paired. When playing a multiplayer game with multiple controllers, each controller will have a unique glow. The following are the assigned colors for each player:

Player 1: Blue
Player 2: Red
Player 3: Green
Player 4: Pink

Different games also have various color options. For example, in GTA 5, your controller may glow either red or blue. Games like Destiny, DC Universe, and Far Cry 4 utilize various shades for various situations.

Troubleshooting inoperative PS4 controllers

If your PS4 controller continues to not work, there are a few more troubleshooting options. You can alternatively try another controller to narrow down the source of the problem.

If you have tried some or all of the above troubleshooting steps, it might be time to test another controller. If you don’t have a spare controller, you can borrow one from a friend to determine if the problem persists. If not, you will probably have to buy a new one.

Get in touch with PlayStation

If your PlayStation console and controller are still not functioning properly or the blue light won’t stop blinking in your PS4 controller, you should consider reaching out to PlayStation Support. You can visit the official PlayStation Support website to find similar issues or talk to a representative.