How to Fix a Red Light on a PS4 Controller: 4 Simple Ways

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A user-friendly guide to fixing a PlayStation 4 controller with a red LED light

Co-authored by Bryzz Tortello and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 14, 2024 Fact Checked

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Why is my PS4 controller light red?

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Charging the Controller

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Using a Different Cable

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Checking the User Account

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Resetting the Controller

Does your PS4 controller have a red light instead of blue? When the LED light is red, it usually means your controller has low battery. It could also mean you're signed into a secondary PlayStation account as player two. Fortunately, you can fix the red light in a few simple steps. This wikiHow article will explain why your PlayStation 4 DualShock controller is blinking red and what you can do to fix it.

Things You Should Know

A red light usually means your controller's battery is low. Plug your controller in for 2 hours to fully charge it.
Hold the PS button to check if you're logged into a secondary account. If you are, select "Log Out of PS4" and select the primary.
Press a toothpick into the small hole on the back of the controller for 5 seconds to reset it. Pair it again.

Section 1 of 5:

Why is my PS4 controller light red?

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PS4 controllers blink red due to battery, hardware issues, or secondary user sign-in. If your DualShock 4 wireless controller is steadily glowing red, this means your controller has a low battery.^{[1]
X
Research source} If you know your controller is charged and it's red, this could mean you're signed into a secondary account on your PS4.
- If your console is blinking red, this usually means that it's overheating and may have hardware issues. Cleaning it may improve this issue.

Section 2 of 5:

Charging the Controller

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The red light usually indicates a very low charge. If the controller is completely dead, it will take about 2 hours to completely charge it. The light bar on the controller will slowly blink orange as it's charging and turn off when it's complete. When it's fully charged, turn it on and connect it to your console again.^{[2]
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Section 3 of 5:

Using a Different Cable

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If charging your PS4 controller doesn't make the red light go away, it's possible it's not properly charging due to a faulty cable. Try using a different micro-USB cable. The controller should pulse orange when it's charging.

Section 4 of 5:

Checking the User Account

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Make sure you're logged into the primary account. When you are signed in with your primary account and switch to another account, the PS4 controller light will turn red to indicate the different user. You'll just need to sign out of the secondary account and switch back to the primary if you want the controller to return to its normal color.
- Do the following:
  - Press and hold the PS button.
  - Check the bottom-right corner for the user.
  - If the user doesn't match, select Log Out of PS4 at the top.
  - Select the primary user to log in again. If needed, you can remove the other user from your console.

Section 5 of 5:

Resetting the Controller

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Reset the PS4 controller. Behind every DualShock 4 controller, there's a small hole used to reset it. If you think it's an issue with the controller itself, you can try to calibrate it again. You'll just need a small, pointed tool such as a safety pin or toothpick.^{[3]
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- Do the following:^{[4]
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  - Locate the hole on the back of the controller, next to the L2 trigger.
  - Insert the small, pointed tool into the hole.
  - Press the button for 5 seconds. This will reset your controller.
  - Pair your controller again.