Charging Time for a PS4 Controller
One of the great things about more modern consoles like the PS4 is their ability to come with wireless chargers, so you can play games on the big screen without a long wire trailing from the console to the controller. However, the battery inside of a PS4 controller needs to be charged, so it’s important to know how long it takes to charge the controller and how long the battery actually lasts once fully charged.
How long does it take for a PS4 controller to charge?
When using the standard cable that comes with the PS4, it takes about two hours to charge a controller. You can buy fast-charging cables to reduce that time to an hour or so. You’ll then be able to play for the equivalent of four to eight hours of continuous use before you have to charge it again.
Let’s take a closer look at the PS4 controller, including how long it takes to charge, how long it lasts, and then what to do if the controller isn’t charging.
Key Takeaways:
- It takes approximately two hours to fully charge a PS4 controller using the standard charging cable.
- Fast-charging cables can reduce the charging time to around an hour.
- Factors such as battery health, concurrent usage, temperature conditions, and charger specifications can affect the charging time.
- The battery life of a fully charged PS4 controller typically lasts between four to eight hours, depending on usage and light bar brightness.
The time it takes for a PS4 controller to charge depends on the type of charging method you use. On average, it takes two hours to fully charge a PS4 controller using the standard charging cable that comes with the controller, but this time can vary based on the charging cable’s specifications and the state of the battery in the controller.
If you are using a fast-charging cable (which you can buy on Amazon), you can expect the controller to charge faster, often in an hour or less.
Charging Accessories
The USB cable and charging accessories you use play a significant role in determining the charging time of your PS4 controller. It’s important to note that using cheaper, low-quality USB cables or charging power accessories may result in longer charging durations.
Opting for a good-quality charging dock can provide more effective charging compared to inferior alternatives. It is advisable to use Sony-recommended charging accessories to ensure optimal charging performance.
Battery Health
The health of your PS4 controller’s Li-ion battery also affects the charging duration. Over time, the battery capacity of your controller may reduce, leading to longer charging times.
If you notice that it takes longer to fully charge the battery than it did previously, it could be an indication that the batteries need replacement. Some batteries may experience accelerated depreciation, resulting in diminished charging efficiency.
Concurrent Usage
The estimated two-hour charging time applies when the PS4 controller is idle, or when two or more controllers are not in use. However, if you are charging the controller while actively using it, the charging duration will be longer.
This is because a portion of the power being supplied to the controller is utilized to power its functions, thereby extending the charging time. If possible, it is advisable to leave the controller in the charging dock and allow it to charge undisturbed until it reaches full capacity.
Temperature
The charging time of your PS4 controller can also be affected by temperature conditions. Extreme heat or cold can reduce the efficiency of the charging mechanism, resulting in a slower charging process.
Sony recommends charging the PS4 controller within temperature ranges of approximately 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) for optimal performance.
Charger Specs
The output specifications of the charger you use also impact the charging time. Standard PS4 charging docks typically require around two hours to fully charge the controller. However, using a charger with lower output power will likely prolong the charging duration.
By considering these factors and following the recommended guidelines, you can optimize the charging time of your PS4 controller and ensure efficient battery replenishment.
How to Tell if Your PS4 Controller Is Fully Charged
The light bar on the top of the controller will change from orange to white once the controller is fully charged. You will also receive an audio cue — once the controller charges fully, you’ll hear a beeping sound from the controller, indicating that the charging process is complete.
You will also be able to tell if the controller is connected to the PS4. An on-screen battery level indicator will appear on the screen, showing you the current battery level of your controller. 100%, of course, means your controller is fully charged.
How Long Does a PS4 Controller Last on a Full Charge?
The battery life of a PS4 controller can vary based on several factors, including how often you use it and the brightness level of the light bar. On average, a fully charged PS4 controller can last anywhere from four to eight hours of continuous use.
Of course, this also depends on the age of the controller. The battery of a PS4 controller — as with most devices — will degrade over time, so a new controller (which you can buy on Amazon) is likely to last longer than one that’s a few years old.
How to Extend the Battery Life
There are a few ways you can extend the battery life of your PS4 controller, including:
- Reducing the brightness of the light bar on the controller, which can use an extensive amount of the battery if it’s turned on or powered up too high.
- Turning off the controller to conserve power when it’s not in use. You can do this by holding down the PlayStation button on the controller until the power menu appears, and then selecting ‘Turn Off Controller’.
- If you use your PS4 controller frequently, you can invest in a charging station that allows you to charge multiple controllers at once. This way, you can have a fully charged controller ready to go when you need it.
- Using a high-quality charging cable can also ensure that your controller charges efficiently and quickly, reducing the amount of time it spends on the charger and extending the overall battery life.
You should also try to take good care of your PS4 controller. If it gets damaged or wears down quickly, the battery life can be reduced significantly along with other components of the PS4 controller.
Can You Wirelessly Charge a PS4 Controller?
Unlike many modern devices, you cannot wirelessly charge a PS4 controller as it requires a connection through the wire to a source of power.
Even if you buy a charging station, you will still have to connect the PS4 controller with a wire (unlike, say, the PS5 dock which does not require a wired connection to the controller to charge it).
Why Isn’t My PS4 Controller Charging?
If your PS4 controller isn’t charging, there’s a number of potential causes.
Here’s a few:
Faulty Charging Cable
The charging cable may be damaged or broken, which can prevent the controller from charging. You can visually examine the charging cable to see if anything looks off.
Ideally, you will have another charging cable you can use to attempt to charge the controller. If the other charging cable works, then you know the cable itself was the problem and you’ll need to get a new one (available on Amazon). Try borrowing a cable from a friend rather than buying a new one right away in case it isn’t the problem, if possible.
Debris in Charging Port
Dust, debris, or other foreign objects in the charging port can prevent the controller from charging. Clean the charging port with a soft cloth and try charging again.
You should never, ever insert small objects into the charging port to scrape out debris like a safety pin as you could scratch it. You should also never put soap or, in fact, any liquid into the charging port. A soft cloth is really all you can safely do.
Low Power
The charging cable might not be providing enough power to the controller if it is connected to a low-power USB port. Try connecting the controller to a different USB port or using a USB wall adapter to make sure that there’s enough power for the controller to charge.
Dead Controller Battery
Like batteries in other electronics, there’s always a chance that the battery inside of the PS4 has died. You can purchase a new one and have it replaced by a professional. While it’s possible to do this yourself, it’s generally not a good idea unless you’re experienced.
Broken Controller
If none of the above issues is the problem, it could just be that you have a faulty or broken controller. It may be damaged, or it may simply be old. In this case, you will have to purchase a new controller.
Overall, the PS4 controller should charge in a couple of hours and last between four and eight hours of use, depending on the light bar and the game you’re playing. However, over time, it will last less, and eventually you may have to replace the battery or the entire controller itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the charging time for a PS4 controller varies depending on factors such as the type of charging method used, the quality of charging accessories, battery health, concurrent usage, temperature conditions, and charger specifications. Using the standard charging cable, it takes approximately two hours to fully charge a PS4 controller. However, fast-charging cables can reduce the charging time to around an hour. It is important to use high-quality charging accessories and follow recommended guidelines for optimal charging performance.
To maximize the battery life of a PS4 controller, users can adjust the brightness of the light bar, turn off the controller when not in use, invest in a charging station, and use high-quality charging cables. Taking good care of the controller and avoiding damage can also help extend battery life. It is worth noting that PS4 controllers cannot be wirelessly charged and require a wired connection to a power source.
In the event that a PS4 controller is not charging, potential causes include a faulty charging cable, debris in the charging port, low power from the USB port, a dead controller battery, or a broken controller. Troubleshooting steps can be taken to identify the issue and determine if a replacement is necessary. By understanding the charging process and implementing strategies to optimize battery life, gamers can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions with their PS4 controllers.