If you’re an avid PS4 gamer, you’ve probably encountered your controller’s battery question mark issue. Most issues that trigger this error – which shows up on your TV screen next to the PS4s information about the connected controller – are (you guessed it) related to the battery and charging.
The battery question mark on a PS4 signals an unexpected issue with the PS4 controller’s battery or charging. First, try and recharge the controller. Then you can escalate to resetting the controller, changing the charging cable, or replacing the battery. You may need to replace the controller.
If troubleshooting doesn’t work, don’t fret because we have outlined other quick ways to fix this issue. And with this information, correcting the problem gets more manageable. We’ll get that question-mark battery symbol off your screen in no time!
What Does a Question Mark on PS4 Controller Mean?
The reason for a question mark on a PS4 can range from minor problems, such as cable issues or dust blocking the charging port, to significant issues that signal you need a new PS4 controller.
Furthermore, a question mark on your PS4 controller indicates that the charger isn’t working or the controller’s battery has charging issues.
PS4 Controller Question Mark Fix
Try these quick ways to fix your PS4 controller question mark issue before getting a new controller. If none of these work, you may need to purchase a replacement, and if that’s the case, don’t worry too much because by now there are plenty of cost-effective replacement options like the YCCTEAM Wireless Game Controller Compatible with PS4 (on Amazon).
Of course, you can always go first-party and purchase a genuine replacement directly from Sony (but also listed on Amazon), but the thing about replacing something broken is it’s not that fun so you probably don’t want to pay the full “sticker price.” That’s when the cheaper model above may be more interesting.
1. Try to Recharge the Controller (& Try Charging Upside Down)
The quickest way to try and clear this error is to pause and recharge your PS4 remote. There’s a good chance it’s just dead, or almost dead, and only got half-plugged-in last time you charged it, and so you are just running into a routine low battery issue.
And, this part is going to sound crazy, but gamers online tend to swear by charging their PS4 controllers upside down when they’re acting up. There’s no reason this should work, but since many claim it does, and because it’s a very “cheap” fix to try at home, you may as well try it if normal charging doesn’t work.
2. Reset the PS4 Controller
The quickest way to repair your PS4 controller is by pressing the reset button. Once you press the reset button on your controller, it will reset the controller to factory defaults. this, obviously, assumes the controller can charge!
To reset the controller, insert a thin object like a pin into the small hole near the L2 button and press it down for a couple of seconds. Try charging your controller after you’ve reset it, and if the issue persists, try one of the other fixes mentioned below.
3. Change the Charging Cable or Get a Dock
A worn-out or damaged charging cable can be the reason for this. Try charging your controller with a different cable to test if the charging cable is the problem.
You could consider borrowing a charging cable from a friend who owns a PS4. If your controller charges with another cable, you may need to purchase a brand-new charging cable.
If you’re already going to be replacing the charge cable, you should pause briefly to consider a charging cradle for your PS4 remote, or for multiple remotes, which you may find makes it easier to keep the remote charged because there’s always the one right place to put it when you’re done, where it’s charging. A great option is the OIVO PS4 Controller Charger Dock Station (on Amazon).
4. Replace the PS4 controller battery
Like many devices, PS4 controllers come with a Lithium-ion battery. Unfortunately, these batteries have a limited charge cycle, and once the controller reaches the charge cycle limit, the battery becomes ineffective.
If you are an avid PS4 gamer who constantly charges your controller, the controller’s battery might be dead, which could be the reason for the question mark issue. If other fixes don’t work, consider changing the batteries of your controller.
5. Check the Controller’s Charging Port
Sometimes the problem isn’t the controller or the charging cable but the charging port itself. For example, the charging port could be faulty due to excessive use, which means power isn’t reaching the batteries.
So if the problem is with the charging port case, you need to replace the controller.
But if you want to try a different method, try hardwiring the charging cable directly to the controller’s battery. Just don’t try this if you don’t have any experience with hardwiring devices.
6. Let the PS4 Controller Cool Down
The question mark issue may be due to your controller overheating. Charging generates more heat, and most devices are designed not to operate above a specific temperature to keep the systems from frying and becoming inoperable.
So if your controller gets unusually hot, we recommend wrapping it in a plastic bag and placing it in the freezer for five to ten minutes. Ensure you don’t leave the controller in the freezer for more than ten minutes, which could damage the controller.