“Play without limits”, Sony’s tagline is exactly what you get with the PS5 DualSense controller when you’re not experiencing latency issues. Latency is that delay you get when you press a function on your controller and it takes a while before showing on the screen. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You wouldn’t believe the simple things that could cause such delays.
A lagging PS5 controller is caused by network or device interference, problems with the devices, or the controller/TV setup. To fix this problem, start by restarting the controller & console. Then, escalate to troubleshooting your wireless network and your console/remote settings.
If you’re a PlayStation gamer, then you have to admit that the PS5 DualSense controller is very nice. It makes the games come alive. You can feel the vibrations and sensations of every move. The PS5 controller is very special and quite an upgrade from PS4 DualShock. So if you are experiencing latency issues, the quicker you find the source of the problem and resolve it, the quicker you can get back to playing your games without limits.
Why Does Your PS5 Controller Have Input Lag?
There are many reasons why your PS5 DualSense controller (on Amazon) may lag. These reasons tend to fall under one of the following two categories:
- Network or Device Connection: Your connectivity issue could be due to a lack of network bandwidth, or lack of a network at all (although the PS5 will have signalled that failure to you more directly on the device). A crowded Wi-Fi network may cause lagging or dropout issues, though.
- Controller to TV Setup: If your television and the controller are not properly configured you’re bound to have a problem. Devices may be out of sync due to minor glitches.
We cover more issues you may run into on your DualSense in our Ultimate PS5 Owner’s Guide, but for now, let’s talk about fixing this lag!
How Do You Fix a Lagging PS5 Controller?
Now that you know the possible causes of your PS5 controller delay, let’s take a look at some possible solutions. Everyone’s problems may not be the same, so go through them one at a time until you find the fix that works for you.
Network & Device Connectivity
Although it sounds simple, this is often overlooked as a possible cause for a lagging controller. Luckily, the solution to this problem is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Most importantly, you can fix it yourself.
Try the troubleshooting options below to identify and resolve your network connection issue.
- Check your network connection and make sure that your internet is working.
- Turn the router off for a few minutes and then turn it back on.
- If your controller is connected via Bluetooth you may want to connect it to a wired connection.
- Check the number of devices that are connected to your network, too many devices can slow down your network.
If your PS5 controller was lagging because of network or device connection then it should be resolved by one or a combination of those options. If it’s not fixed then you should check your devices individually.
Device or App Issues
You’ll have to connect a few devices together to play your game. You’ve got the TV, PS5 controller, router, PS5 console, etc. a problem with any one of those could slow down your game.
So many things can cause your controller to lag but the first device to check is the controller itself.
To reduce PS5 input lag try the following fixes.
- Check if the controller, TV, or console firmware needs updating, if they do, update them.
- Check your TV’s menu and enable “game mode” if it has one. This has helped out some users (forum link).
- Enable “performance mode”. This improves the quality of your game by giving you smoother animations and a more responsive feel.
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. A directly wired controller is much faster.
- Reset or update the PS5 console.
- Delete unwanted files and games to free up space.
- Turn off background apps that you don’t need.
- If the lag is only happening on certain games, then check for new updates and update them.
- Restore to default settings.
It is also possible that your controller may drift due to wear and tear or a manufacturer error, so, if you suspect that may be the cause, your next stop should be Sony’s Hardware Support channel to see about a possible warranty repair.
Controller and TV Setup
Sometimes the setup and configuration of your PS5 system to the TV may not have been done properly and this could result in your game slowing down. Follow the easy fixes below to get back on your A-game.
- Connect your PS5 controller directly to your TV. So if you use an HDMI pass-through you can remove it.
- PS5 games should be matched to TVs that have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, so check to ensure that your TV refresh rate is 120Hz.
- Some televisions come with functions that automatically turn devices on and off, be sure to turn them off as this could cause your controller to lag.
- If you must use the HDMI cable, ensure that it is in good working condition and is properly connected to the gaming port. It’s best to ensure you use the dedicated cables and associated connective cables between the PS5 and the television.
- Restart both the controller and console.
Playing PS4 games on the PS5 system can also cause a lag.
If this is the case you can do the following:
- Disable PS4 HDR tone mapping
- Use DualShock 4 with your PS5 system by syncing it with a USB cable.
Remember that DualShock will not work with your PS5 games, so when playing PS5 games use your DualSense controller.
Try the solutions above one at a time and you’re bound to find your culprit. Like I said earlier, they are easy to fix once identified and best of all you don’t have to pay anyone, you can DIY.
Don’t miss your perfect headshot or game play because of an input lag.
DuelSense Features And Troubleshooting
Sony has consistently tried to provide users with newer, more engaging, and realistic gaming experiences. They made the PS5 controller more sophisticated than the PS4 controller which has DualShock 4.
The PS5 controller comes with haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone, plus some of the features of the older PlayStation controllers such as a touchpad and motion sensor.
The haptic feedback enhanced rumbling shakes the controller as well as pinpoint sensations in different places on the gamepad. The haptics help you feel what’s going on in the game as you watch and play; making your experience feel more real.
The adaptive triggers change their tension based on the situation to provide a more heightened state of realistic feeling. The DualSense controller can connect wirelessly to both iOS and Android devices, and can also be purchased separately. Note that all those haptics do take power, though, so you can check out our related article on keeping your DualSense batteries charged if you start to notice issues there.
Some other common issues include phantom vibrations, DuelSense connection drops, or a flashing blue light that just won’t stop when you turn the DuelSense on. The sticks may drift over time, too, but if you keep your DuelSense clean this is way less likely!