Is Your PS5 Controller Charging? Tell-Tale Ways to Know

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

You‘ve settled into a nice gaming groove, when suddenly that dreaded flashing warning appears – PS5 controller battery low. Quick, plug it in! But is it actually charging?

When you connect your DualSense controller to power, here‘s how to tell if juice is flowing and you‘re good to game on.

Check Lightbar Charging Indicator

The indicator light on your controller has you covered. When charging, it will pulse orange. Once fully topped up, it glows solid white.

So flashing orange = refueling underway. Nice steady white = charger can be safely unplugged.

Monitor Battery Level

You can also press the PS button to view battery percentage in the control center.

  • An animated battery icon means still charging
  • A static icon and fuel gauge indicates current power level

This lets you check charging progress. From 0% to 100% takes about 2-3 hours.

Not Charging? Troubleshoot With This Handy Guide

If your PS5 controller isn‘t charging when connected to power, don‘t panic. Here is a handy troubleshooting checklist:

1. Try different cable

Faulty cables are often the culprit. Switch to another USB-C to confirm.

2. Inspect USB port

Check for debris/damage. Carefully clean and ensure firm cable connection.

3. Switch charging source

Try wall adapter instead of PS5 ports to isolate issue.

4. Power cycle PS5 and controller

Full reboot can clear software hiccups inhibiting charging.

5. Firmware updates

Updating devices/charge accessories to latest firmware fixes bugs.

6. Try safe mode boot up

Booting in safe mode minimizes software interference with charging.

7. Reset controller

Factory reset clears any settings/data bugs preventing charge.

These steps will help get your controller battery juicing up properly again.

What Impacts PS5 Controller Battery Life?

When fully charged, expect around 5-15 hours of play time before a recharge is needed. Runtime varies based on:

  • Game Genre – Graphics/compute intensive titles like Horizon Forbidden West drain battery fastest. Slower paced games extend play per charge.
  • Features Used – Rumble, mic, stereo speaker, adaptive triggers all consume extra power. Turn off when not needed.
  • Brightness – Keep lightbar dim to save battery. Dynamic range less demanding than vivid colors.
  • Age & Condition – Controller battery capacity wears over time with heavy use. Year old devices may see shorter runtimes.

Let‘s explore techniques to stretch duration between charging sessions even with power hungry games.

Top Tips to Extend PS5 Controller Battery Life

  1. Dim or turn off lightbar – Saves substantial battery drain without colorful immersion.

  2. Lower rumble intensity – Start conservative around 40%, increase as needed. Big power saver.

  3. Disable mic/speaker if not used – Each add hours to each charge.

  4. Adjust trigger effects to minimal – Default high realism saps battery.

  5. Fully power down when not playing – Avoid standby which uses trickle power.

  6. Avoid temperature extremes – Heat/cold degrade battery compounds faster.

With these battery maximizing tweaks your controller can surely go the distance, even on marathon gaming quests!

Does Charging Speed Matter for PS5 Controller?

When in the heat of intense gameplay, rapidly getting your controller battery boosted back up is clutch.

  • Charging via PS5 USB-C port takes about 3 hours
  • Using higher wattage wall charger achieves full charge in 2 hours
  • Charging stations with 15W output fuel up in 2-3 hours

So yes, for impatient gamers faster charging can get you back battling faster!

Best Accessories for Seamless PS5 Controller Charging

To avoid running empty mid-game, smart recharging accessories can keep you brimming with wireless freedom.

PS5 Controller Charging Station

Charging stations like OIVO with auto-stop safely top-up 2 controllers so backup battery is always ready. No wires!

High capacity replacement batteries like HyperX give a boost – 2500mAh lasts over 10 hours per full charge.

Extra long 10 foot USB-C cables allow gaming while charging from greater distances if wires are needed.

Investing in the right recharging gear pays back with endless untethered game time!

So in summary – watch for that trusty orange flashing light to know your PS5 controller is actually charging up. And use the tips above to relax about battery life or recharge speed getting between you and the win.

Now brace those thumbs, get charging, and game on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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