Is your PS5 controller flashing blue light & not connecting to your console? Well, you’re not alone. Many users have reported this same issue on Reddit.
Although the DualSense is a sturdy & reliable controller, it’s not entirely free of issues. Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot this annoyance in a few minutes.
So what causes this blinking blue light error? And what can you do to resolve it without much hassle? Let’s dive into this article & find out, shall we?
Why is My PS5 Controller Blinking Blue & Not Connecting?
If your PS5 controller’s light is blinking blue, it is trying to connect with your console or any other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity. If your console is turned on, but it is still flashing blue & not connecting with your console, the controller might be having some technical error.
Additionally, there’s a big chance that it is happening due to the infamous rest mode bug. I have seen some PS5 owners report that after turning on their PS5 from the rest mode, the controller keeps flashing blue light and doesn’t connect with the console.
Here’s why the PS5 controller blinking blue error occurs:
- PS5 rest mode bug.
- Technical error.
- Outdated DualSense firmware.
- Interference with other Bluetooth devices.
In my case, it was a technical glitch in the controller’s system that was preventing it from getting paired with any device.
Follow our easy step-by-step guide to fix PS5 X button not working.
How to Fix PS5 Controller Flashing Blue Light Issue
To fix the PS5 controller blinking blue issue, completely turn off your PlayStation console by pressing & holding the power button until you hear a beep sound. Reboot the DualSense as well. Now boot up the console & check if the controller connects to the PS5.
If the controller error persists, try resetting the controller or use the PS Remote Play app to reset the console to factory default. Additionally, there are a few alternative solutions as well. Below I have discussed all these troubleshooting methods in great detail.
Before we begin, turn off any nearby Bluetooth devices to avoid interference. Also, keep the controller cable handy. Since it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of this error, I’d recommend going through the solutions one by one instead of skipping over to a particular one.
Here are the methods to fix the PS5 controller blinking blue issue:
1. Turn off PS5 Properly Instead of Using Rest Mode
PS5’s rest mode bug is the most reported cause of the PS5 controller issue. It’s really disappointing that Sony still hasn’t fixed this issue even after 2 years of the console’s launch.
After waking up the PS5 from rest mode, if you notice the DualSense isn’t connecting with the console and blue light keeps flashing, you are experiencing the rest mode bug.
Simply force shut down the console by pressing and holding the power button until you hear a beep sound. Wait for a few minutes. Now press the power button to turn on the console. Check if the controller has connected with the PS5. If the issue persists, move on to the next method.
Also read how to fix PS5 Triangle button not working.
2. Reset the PS5 Controller
If you haven’t been using the PS5 in rest mode but still facing this controller error, it might happen due to a technical issue within the controller.
Many PS5 users who have faced this blinking blue light error, including myself, have resolved this issue by resetting the DualSense controller and pairing it with the console again.
Here’s how to reset the PS5 controller:
- Turn off the console and the controller.
- Take a toothpick/a straightened paper clip, or any other sharp object and insert it in the hole located at the back of the controller beside the brand logo.
- Press and hold the button inside for 7 seconds.
- Press Create button+PS button simultaneously and hold them for about 3-5 seconds.
After that, the controller will turn on & blue light will start to flash, indicating that it’s ready to pair via Bluetooth. Turn on your PS5 and simply pair the DualSense with the console. If that doesn’t work, use the USB-C cable to connect and pair the PS5 controller.
3. Reset the Console using PS Remote Play
If resetting the controller still doesn’t resolve this error, you need to reset the PS5 console next. Since you can’t use the controller, you have to rely on alternate methods, such as using the PS Remote Play feature to factory reset the console.
Note: All your games and saved data will be deleted, so create a cloud backup of your saved files before you reset the PS5.
Here are the steps to factory reset a PS5 via the PS Remote Play:
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your smartphone from the Appstore/Playstore.
- Ensure your phone and the console are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the PS Remote Play app on your phone and sign in with your PlayStation account.
- Choose your PS5 console in the app to establish a link with your console. After a few moments, you’ll see the console’s display output appear on your smartphone along with on-screen controller buttons.
- Use the on-screen buttons(which are similar to your PS5 controller’s layout) to navigate to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console > Reset >Yes.
Your console will restart to it’s factory default state. Keep in mind that you need to have PS Remote Play enabled on your console. Otherwise, you won’t find your PS5 in the Remote Play app.
If you haven’t enabled the Remote Play feature on your PS5, you can take other measures to reset the console. Use an external mouse/keyboard and navigate through the settings as shown in the steps above.
Here’s a complete guide on how to fix PS5 PS button not working.
4. Update DualSense Firmware
Outdated firmware can often cause many system stability issues. The controller firmware usually gets updated automatically when it is paired with the PS5, and the console is connected to the internet.
If the PS5 controller is still using outdated firmware, it gets more prone to technical issues, such as flashing blue lights and not getting connected to the console.
Thankfully, updating the firmware manually by connecting to a Windows 10/11 PC can easily resolve such technical errors.
Here’s how to update the PS5 controller firmware:
- Connect the controller to your Windows 10/11 PC using a USB cable.
- Download the firmware updater app from Sony’s official website.
- Run the installation file.
- Follow the on-screen instruction if additional files need to be downloaded.
- Launch the firmware updater app.
- Click on Update Now.
- Select OK after the updating process is finished.
Now unplug the controller from the PC, try connecting it to your PS5 and see if the console responds to the controller inputs.
Note: Do not turn off your computer or disconnect the controller from the PC during the firmware update process.
Quickly check our epic post on PS5 eject button not working.
FAQs
What does it mean when the DualSense light flashes blue?
When the DualSense is flashing blue, it means the controller is trying to connect with the console.
How can I fix an unresponsive PS5 controller?
The most common way to fix an unresponsive PS5 controller is to reset the controller.
Can the PS5 controller be damaged from overcharging?
No. The DualSense controller won’t be damaged from overcharge due to the built-in protection chip.
Wrapping Up
It’s frustrating when you get some free time to enjoy video games on your console but end up facing annoying errors. If your gaming session is being interrupted by the controller’s blinking blue light issue, simply follow my guide & you’ll jump back into action in no time.
That’s all for today. Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comment section below. Our tech team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Adios!
