How To Fix That Blinking Blue Light Your PS4 Controller

Multiple PlayStation 4 users have reported a continuous blinking blue light that appears on their controllers. Although this can be concerning, it probably doesn’t indicate the death of your beloved console. So, what gives?

The blinking blue light on your PS4 controller means it’s attempting to pair with the console. It should stop blinking quickly after the console is turned on, but if the problem persists, there are several quick & easy troubleshooting techniques to try like factory resetting the controller.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about the dreaded blinking blue light and how you can go about fixing it. We’ll get you back to gaming in no time!

Why Does My PS4 Controller Keep Blinking Blue?

There are several reasons why your controller might be blinking blue, including the following:

• Software Issues: Outdated software, glitches, and bugs can cause your PS4 controller to malfunction.

• Hardware Issues: Loose screws, improperly placed hard drives, and other hardware errors can cause your PS4 to randomly turn off and show a blinking blue light.

• Incompatibility Issues: Incompatible devices and pairings can sometimes cause malfunctions.

• Power Supply Issues: Damage to the power supply, frayed cables, and other wear and tear can easily cause problems.

How Do I Fix My Controller?

A blinking blue light on your controller doesn’t necessarily mean your PS4 is on its last legs. Many users have fixed this problem with proper troubleshooting. Here are some potential fixes:

Reset the Controller

The blinking blue light on your PS4 controller is likely a pairing issue. Thankfully, this issue can be quickly resolved by manually resetting your controller:

1. Turn your PS4 controller over. You should see four screws.
   
2. Locate the reset button, which is found in a hole next to the upper right-hand screw.
   
3. Press and hold the button down for five seconds using a paperclip, toothpick, or something similar.
   
4. You may need to pair and re-sync your controller afterward.

Repair Devices Using Bluetooth Mode

Now that you’ve reset your controller, you’ll need to hold the PS and Share buttons down at the same time to reboot the controller in Bluetooth mode.

Afterwards, you can try to pair your PS4 controller with your console using the Bluetooth Pairing feature.

Troubleshoot Your PS4

Booting your PS4 in Safe Mode is another way you can resolve the blinking blue light:

1. Hold down the power button until your PS4 turns off.
   
2. Keep holding down the power button until your PS4 enters Safe Mode. You’ll know you’ve entered Safe Mode after hearing a beep.
   
3. Press the PS button on your controller.
   
4. You’ll see the options “Change Resolution,” “Rebuild Database,” and “Restore Default Settings.”
   
5. Select either “Rebuild Database” or “Restore Default Settings.”
   
6. Select Restart.

“Rebuild Database” won’t delete anything unless there’s a corrupted game file. “Restore Default Settings,” however, will delete all data not backed up on the Cloud, so only use this solution as a last-ditch effort to fix your PS4.

Update Your Software

Typically, PS4s have automatic downloads enabled. However, you can also run software updates manually if the situation calls for it.

1. Select “Settings” from the home menu using your PS4 controller.
   
2. Choose “System Software Update.”
   
3. Select the option “Update Now.”
   
4. Follow the prompts provided, choose “Next,” and wait for the download to complete. You’ll see the license agreement when the download is finished.
   
5. Accept the software update.
   
6. The software update should begin to install. Your PS4 may restart during the update.

Check the Hard Drive

Loose hardware and shifting hard drives can cause your PS4 to malfunction. If you have some tech experience, you can see if your PS4 hard drive is seated correctly.

1. First, hold down the power button until your PS4 turns off.
   
2. Disconnect all the PS4 cables.
   
3. Remove the hard disk drive cover and check the alignment.
   
4. If you notice the alignment is off, you can unfasten the hard drive screw and realign the hard drive.
   
5. Afterward, put the hard disk drive cover back on.
   
6. Plug in all the cables, turn on your PS4, and see if it boots normally.

Check the Power Sources

The blinking blue light could be caused by a faulty power supply or damaged cables:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding down the power button until it beeps twice.
   
2. Disconnect all of the PS4 cables.
   
3. Inspect the power supply cables and inlet for any tears, frays, or other damages.
   
4. If everything looks okay, connect all the PS4 cables and reboot the console.

If the issue continues, you may need to replace the power supply cables altogether. Thankfully, you can find a PS4-compatible AC cord (on Amazon).

Can My Controller Blink Other Colors?

Yes, PS4 controllers can blink and glow in different colors. The color depends on the game you’re playing, what’s going on in the game, and if you have multiple controllers synced.

If you’re playing a party game with multiple controllers involved, each controller will glow a different hue. Here’s what to expect:

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

Various games have different colors as well. For instance, GTA 5 may have your controller glowing red or blue. Games like Destiny, DC Universe, and Far Cry 4 use a variety of hues for different scenarios.

What if My Controller Still Isn’t Working?

If your PS4 controller still isn’t working, there are a few more troubleshooting options available.

Try Another Controller

If you’ve tried all or some of the troubleshooting solutions listed above, it may be time to try another controller. If you don’t have an extra controller, consider borrowing one from a friend to see if the issue persists.

Otherwise, you’ll most likely have to purchase a new one altogether.

Contact PlayStation

If your PlayStation and controller are still acting up, you should consider contacting PlayStation Support. You can visit the official PlayStation Support page to find similar issues or speak with an agent.

Alternatively, you can call them directly at 1-800-345-7669.

Purchase a New, Improved Controller

It may be time to ditch your old controller and get an upgrade. Here are a few of our favorite options.

The Nacon Revolution Pro 3 (on Amazon) is a controller built to last. With wired USB-C connections, you’ll have reduced latency and faster reaction times. The optional weights enable you to find the perfect middle ground.

The main selling point of the Pro 3? The rear buttons that are nestled into the handles allow for easy access without removing your thumbs from the analog sticks.

Other options you can consider are the Horipad FPS Plus (on Amazon) and the Scuf Impact (also on Amazon.

Regardless of which controller you pick, an upgrade can fix the blinking blue light issue and up your game tremendously.