Your DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers need to be fully charged in order to work properly. Unfortunately, both PS4 and PS5 gamers may sometimes encounter various controller-related issues. Some of them may indeed be linked to insufficient charging levels.
That’s why you should always make sure that your PlayStation controller is fully charged before unplugging it from the charging dock.
But how do you know when the controller is fully charged?
In this quick guide, we’re going to tell you what signs to look for to see whether your controller is ready for a new gaming session or needs additional charging time.
As a bonus, we’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about your PlayStation controller.
How do you know if DualShock 4 is fully charged?
To check if your PS4 controller is fully charged, open the PS menu and you’ll see the battery icon. If the battery icon displays 3 bars, this means that the battery is fully charged.
If only one or two bars are displayed, this means that your controller is still charging.
Another telltale sign that your DualShock 4 controller is charged is the blue led. When the controller is charging, the led is yellow/orange.
When it’s fully charged, the led is either blue or doesn’t light up at all.
How can you tell when the PS5 controller is fully charged?
When your DualSense controller is fully charged, you’ll see three bars on the battery icon status. And the battery icon will stop animating.
If you want to check the charging status of your PS5 controller, press the PS button on the controller. While the DualSense controller is charging, there will be an animated battery icon visible on the screen.
When the controller no longer needs charging, the battery icon will display three bars.
How long does it take to charge a dead PS4 controller?
A full PS4 controller charge takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to completely charge when using a wall socket. If you plug it into a low-charging USB input, your DualShock controller may need 2 to 3 hours to charge completely.
Of course, there are other variables to take into account apart from the power source. An original Sony controller will charge faster compared to a cheaper third-party controller.
Then there’s the type of charging cable that you’re using. If you’re relying on a cable that was not specifically manufactured for DualShock 4, the charging process will take longer to complete.
How long does it take to charge a PS5 controller?
Your DualSense controller needs about three hours to fully charge. There are two ways you can charge the controller. You can connect it to your PS5 console using the USB-C cable that came with the PS5. Or you can use a controller charging station that Sony sells separately.
The good news is that the charging station can charge two controllers simultaneously.
Can I use my DualShock 4 while charging?
Yes, you can use your DualShock 4 while charging. If you’re playing and charging at the same time, keep in mind that your PS4 controller may take up to 3 or 4 hours to charge.
Can I use my PS5 controller while charging?
You can use your PS5 controller while charging. However, many gamers complained the battery charging process is really slow if you’re charging while gaming. Your DualSense controller may take up to 7 hours to charge while in use.
On the other hand, if you charge it while not in use, the battery should fully charge in 3 hours.
Try to use the USB port on the back of the console instead of the port on the front. Check if you notice any improvements.
How long does a PS4 controller battery last?
On average, your DualShock 4 controller can power you for 4 to 6 hours of gameplay per charge. Again, the battery life may vary depending on your settings, whether you use an old model or a new one, the games you’re playing, and so on.
How long is the PS5 controller battery life?
On average, your PS5 controller has a battery life of up to 15 hours. However, the average DualSense controller battery life may greatly vary depending on how intensively you use it and the games you’re playing.
For example, if you’re playing a jump-and-run game or an arcade fighting game, your controller will run out of battery after 5 or 6 hours. If your controller vibrates a lot while you’re playing games, this will drain the battery faster.
On the other hand, if you’re playing a card game, your battery will last over 10 hours.
Does the PS5 have a lithium battery? Your PS5 DualSense controller packs a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery.
What battery capacity does the PS5 controller have? The PS5 controller comes with a 1560mAh battery. By comparison, the PS4 DualShock 4 controller has a 1000mAh battery capacity. A bigger battery means more battery life.
Is the PS5 controller bigger than the PS4 controller? The PS5 DualSense controller is indeed bigger than the PS4’s DualShock controller. It weighs a little bit more and has more heft to it.
- PS5 DualSense specs: 6.3 x 2.6 x 4.2 inches, 9.9 ounces, USB-C. Haptic feedback, motion controls, adaptive triggers, built-in microphone, touchpad.
- PS4 DualShock 4 specs: 6.4 x 2.0 x 3.9 inches, 7.4 ounces, microUSB. Motion controls, touchpad, built-in speaker.
There you go, we hope we managed to answer your questions regarding the charging process of your PS4 and PS5 controllers. If you want to add anything regarding this topic, hit the comments below.
References:
- PS5: The Ultimate FAQ, PlayStation Blog.
- DualSense Wireless Controller.
- DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.