Are you frustrated with your PS4 controller flashing white? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This frustrating problem has left countless gamers scratching their heads and desperately seeking a solution.
The PS4 controller’s flashing white light occurs when it doesn’t connect properly to the console. This happens due to reasons like low battery, interference from other devices, or weak Bluetooth connection.
Software issues with the console can also contribute to the problem, as modern gaming systems and wireless controllers can cause miscommunication and signal disruption.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix a flashing white PS4 controller. I’ll also explain the two main reasons why this problem occurs, so you can avoid it in the future.
Why Is PS4 Controller Flashing White?
The PS4 controller flashing white usually happens for two reasons. One is when the battery is low, so charging it can fix the issue. The other reason is when the controller can’t connect to the PlayStation 4 due to unknown factors. But don’t worry, you can try the methods below to solve the flashing white light on your PS4 controller.
Why Is PS4 Controller Blinking Red?
A flashing red light on a PS4 controller means there could be a problem with the hardware, like a faulty charging port, cable, or battery.
First, try resetting the controller and using a different cable. If that doesn’t work, consider getting a new controller. If you’re confident it’s a battery or charging port issue, you can try replacing them, but it’s a tricky task. If the controller is under warranty, send it for repairs.
Why Is PS4 Controller Flashing Orange?
If your PS4 controller is flashing white light then orange, t is charging in rest mode. If your controller isn’t charging while on standby, then follow the below steps;
- Go to Settings.
- Power Save Settings.
- Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports and choose one of the options.
If the flashing stops before the controller is fully charged, it may be due to a problem with the charging cable or USB ports. Try using different cables or ports, and if possible, try another controller too. To check for minor issues, restart your PS4, reset the controller, and charge it for a few hours. If the controller still loses charge quickly, the internal battery might be faulty.
Why Is PS4 Controller Blinking Blue?
If your PS4 controller is blinking blue, it typically indicates that the controller is attempting to pair or connect with the PlayStation 4 console.
The blinking blue light is part of the pairing process, signaling that the controller is in “Bluetooth pairing mode” and searching for a compatible device to connect to, which, in this case, is your PS4 console.
The blinking blue light commonly occurs in the following situations:
- Initial Setup: When you first set up your PS4 or after a factory reset, the controller will enter pairing mode to establish a connection with the console.
- Resyncing: If the controller becomes disconnected or unresponsive during gameplay, it may blink blue when you try to resync it with the console.
- Connecting to Another Device: Sometimes, if you accidentally initiate pairing mode while using the controller with other Bluetooth devices, it may start blinking blue while attempting to connect to those devices.
Related: PS4 Controller Not Connecting? How to Fix PlayStation 4 Controller Connection Issues
How to Fix PS4 Controller Flashing White Issue
To resolve PS4 flashing white issue, try the below quick fixes;
- Take the plug of the PlayStation out of the socket and then leave it for ten seconds, then plug it back.
- Try holding down the power button.
- Try connecting your controller with a Samsung Charger that fits into your dual stock 4 controllers.
- Press and Hold onto your PS4 power until it shuts off.
- Try another controller.
- Update your controller driver on your PC.
In case, these fixes won’t work, then worry not & try the below potential fixes;
1. Check the Battery
Make sure that your controller is properly charged. You can do this by connecting the controller to your PS4 with a USB cable.
2. Reset the Controller
If the battery is not the issue, you can try resetting the controller. To do this, press and hold the PS button and the Share button at the same time for about 7 seconds. The controller will turn off and then back on. In case, you still don’t understand, how to reset the PS4 controller, then try the below potential fixes;
Step 1: Turn off your PlayStation 4.
Step 2: Locate the reset button, and it’s on the back of your controller near the L2 shoulder button.
Step 3: Use a small and unfolded paper clip or something like that to push the button and hold it down for a few seconds, and then release it.
Step 4: After resetting the controller, re-pair the controller with the PS4 by connecting the USB cable correctly, and turning the PS4 on.
Step 5: Press the PS button to log in to the PS4.
Your controller should connect to your PS4 console and start to work.
3. Update the Firmware
If resetting the controller does not fix the problem, you can try updating the firmware. To do this, just follow the below steps;
There are two ways to update the firmware on your PS4:
Over the internet
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update.
- Select Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, select Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Using a USB drive
- Download the latest firmware update from the Sony website.
- Create a folder on the USB drive named “PS4“.
- Create a folder inside the “PS4” folder named “UPDATE“.
- Copy the firmware update file (PS4UPDATE.PUP) to the “UPDATE” folder.
- Connect the USB drive to your PS4.
- Turn off your PS4.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.
- Select Safe Mode.
- Select Update System Software > Update from USB Storage Device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
4. Initialize PS4 in Safe Mode
If updating the firmware does not fix the problem, you can try initializing your PS4 in Safe Mode. To do this, hold down the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear two beeps. Then, select Safe Mode from the menu. Once you are in Safe Mode, select Initialize PS4 > Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
Start Safe Mode to rebuild the database
This solution can help you scan the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
Step 1: Press the Power button on the front panel to turn off your PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
Step 2: After turning off your PS4, press and hold the Power button, then release it after you hear two beeps: one when you press at first, and the other seven seconds later.
Step 3: Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable, then press the PS button on the controller.
Step 4: You will enter the Safe Mode and see 8 options. Select 5. Rebuild Database. Then wait for it to complete.
1. Restart System: Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS4 normally.
2. Change Resolution: Changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PS4 is restarted.
3. Update System Software: Allows the PS4 to update the system software by the Internet, USB Drive, or Disc.
4. Restore Default Settings: Reset the PS4 to the default factory settings.
5. Rebuild Database: Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
6. Initialise PS4: Erases all user settings and data, and restore console to default settings.
7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) : Wipes the entire content of the hard drive, including the system software.
8. Set HDCCP Mode: If your PS4 Pro is connected to a 4K TV that doesn’t support HDCP 2.2 (please refer to your TV manual) it may not be able to display image when playing 4K games or 4K video streaming. In order to see image you need to choose this setting and select [2. HDCP 1.40 Only] on the next screen
Step 5: Try to use your PS4 again to see if it works.
5. Install Remote Play on the PC
Some users suggest that installing Remote Play on a PC & then connecting there to PS4 fixes their issue. From there, just follow the below steps;
- Go to Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth
- Remove the PS4 Controller from Bluetooth-connected devices and press the Share + PS button for pairing
- It shouldn’t take long to find the device, connect to it, pair it, and voila.
Quick Trick to Fix PS4 Flashing White Issue
If your PS4 controller is flashing white and won’t connect, you can try disconnecting it from the console. To do this, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices > Controllers. Select the controller that is flashing white and press OPTIONS. Then, select Disconnect.
This method only works if the controller has been connected to the PS4 before. If the controller is new, you will need to pair it with the console using the USB cable.
Once the controller is disconnected, just follow the below steps;
Step 1: Press and hold the PS button and Share button at the same time for about 7 seconds. This will put the controller into pairing mode.
Step 2: Wait for a few seconds until your PS4 is turned on. The controller should then appear in the list of Bluetooth devices
Step 3: Select it and press X to connect it. Try to use your PS4 to see if it works now.
In some cases, you may need to repeat these steps a few times before the controller will connect. If you are still having problems, you can try restarting your PS4.
These are the easy methods to solve the PS4 controller flashing white.
