If you just noticed a blinking blue light in the center of your PS4 controller, don’t fret, because you are not alone. This continuous flashing light is actually a common malfunction that many PlayStation users have reported. So, what does this light indicate and how can you fix it?
A blinking blue light means that your PS4 controller is attempting to pair with the console. However, if it continues, there might be an issue in syncing between any two devices like the controller and a charger, or the controller or console.
Possible causes for blinking blue light?
According to the company Sony, this problem may be attributed to several factors, and that they are actively looking into the matter.
“We are aware that some people have reported issues with their PlayStation 4 systems in the US. We are closely monitoring for additional reports, but we think these are isolated incidents and represent a very small percentage of total units shipped to consumers to date”
The troubleshooting page on the company’s website also says, “We appreciate your patience while we investigate.”
There can be a number of different reasons for the blinking blue light on your controller. Here are the most common causes:
- Software issues: It is likely that the software is incompatible or there is a bug in the software installed.
- Hardware issues: It is possible that your hard drive is improperly placed or the screws are loose in which case your PS4 can randomly turn off and also show the blue light of death.
- Incompatibility between the devices: The device you are connecting your console with may not be compatible.
- Issue in the power supply: Damaged or faulty power cables can also result in issues like this.
How to fix the blinking ‘blue light of death’ on the PS4 controller?
Before you head to the repair shop, you can try a number of easy solutions to fix this issue at home and get back into gaming mode.
1. Forget Your Controller From the PS4’s Bluetooth list
There are two ways in which you can do this. The first is by using an extra controller. The second is by downloading the PS app on your phone and using it as a controller to navigate to your settings.
- Navigate to settings.
- Scroll down and select Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
- Select the controller that isn’t working, select Options, & Forget Device.
- Plug in your remote to your console via the charging cable.
- Now hold the share button for around 5 seconds.
- Now while still holding the Share button, hold the home button for 5 seconds.
You should notice your controller blinking at a faster pace. Now select your device on the PS4’s Bluetooth list. And you should be all set!
If this didn’t solve your issue move on to the next step.
2. Reset the controller
The simplest fix is to reset your controller. Look at the back of your controller, and you will find four screws and a little hole. This hole is actually the reset button, and you need to long-press it to reboot the controller.
You can use a toothpick or pin to push into it. Hold it for 5 seconds or more to ensure that you successfully reset it. Now, resync the controller.
3. Pair in Bluetooth mode
After you reset the controller, hold the PS button and share the button down to boot it in Bluetooth mode. You can do this by holding the PlayStation button and the Share button on the controller at the same time.
Now try to pair your controller with the console again using Bluetooth Pairing.
4. Troubleshoot software
You can try the troubleshooting option in Safe Mode to find a solution. Do this by holding the power button until the PS4 turns off. Now continue holding the power button until you enter Safe Mode. While booting into Safe Mode, you will hear a beep.
Now press the PS button on your controller. From the options, select the option to ‘restore default settings’ or ‘rebuild database’.
Only use this option as a last resort to fix the issue as it will result in loss of data that is not backed up on the Cloud.
5. Update firmware on TV
Another possible solution may be to update your TV’s firmware. You can easily do this through the settings on your TV.
6. Check the hard drive
If you have some know-how of technology, you can also take a look at the hard drive and see if it is seating properly. If there is loose hardware, this can prevent the devices from connecting or booting properly.
Hold the power button until the PlayStation has turned off. After disconnecting all the cables, remove the hard disk cover. Now take a look at the alignment of the hard drive.
You can unscrew and realign the hard drive slot, if necessary.
7. Check the power supply
Hold the power button until the PlayStation has turned off and disconnect all the cables. Now take a look at all the wires and cables. Look for any rips, or signs of damage on them.
Reconnecting all cables is another option. You can also replace all the cables and try again.
When to get professional help
If the problem persists even after you have tried all the mentioned solutions, head to a repair shop and get your PlayStation console and controller professionally checked. Make sure to do your research first and only go to an authorized and reputable repairing service.
In case you are not tech-savvy, it is best to avoid tinkering with electronics too much. Hardware problems are best fixed by knowledgeable technicians.
