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Original poster

PS4 Controller won't connect - any help?

14 replies

asdhelp123 · 06/12/2020 15:55

Are there any gamers watching? Can you help me please?

I've bought a PS4 from eBay for son number 2 for xmas but I can't get the controller to connect. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong or have I bought a duff console??

I have connected the PS4 to my TV, plugged it all in. Connected the controller they sent with the device using the lead they sent. Controller flashed white. Tried using my own controller (I already have a PS4 for son number 1) - same happened. Tried using my own lead - same happened. Tried resetting both controllers and trying them both again and tried both leads with each controller again - same happened. Tried restarting the PS4 and doing all that again - same happened.

I have run out of ideas. Can anyone shed any light and/or help please? This is a xmas present purchase but it will be no good if I can't get it to work. Hoping the good people of Mumsnet might have a solution.

OP posts:
Bremusa · 06/12/2020 16:11

Have you tried resetting the controller at the back?

Original poster
asdhelp123 · 06/12/2020 17:25

Yes, tried that with both. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. xx

OP posts:
Bremusa · 06/12/2020 21:01

I don't really have any more ideas but if you're other controller works fine and connects fine to your other ps4 but it doesn't with the second one that suggests to me there's something wrong with the console. Maybe someone else can think of a fix but I'd be inclined to return it as faulty goods.

vanillandhoney · 06/12/2020 21:04

Do both controllers work on the playstation you already have?

If so, I would be returning it as faulty.

RhubarbAndMustard · 06/12/2020 21:10

Ours turned out to be a faulty cable

Original poster
asdhelp123 · 06/12/2020 22:25

Thanks all. Will try a different cable and report back.

@vanillandhoney - Yes my controller works fine with my existing playstation. Other controller came with the 'new' playstation so can't vouch for that one.

Fingers crossed it's a controller/cable issue as I have a few spares. Don't want to have to return the playstation and start again with ebay. God I hate buying tech on ebay, why did I do it?? Oh yeah - finances!

OP posts:
vanillandhoney · 06/12/2020 23:00

Can you not try the new controller with the original PlayStation? If it works fine then it's a problem with the new PlayStation surely?

Biddums · 06/12/2020 23:35

Hi OP,

Not sure if you tried it but....

Turn on the ps4 with the button on the front of it.
Wait for it to start up.
Plug usb cable in both the pad and front of ps4.
Then turn the pad on and leave it plugged in.

If this does not work then it may be fucked.

A pad can only be registered to one ps4 at a time. The above is how you do that. So remember that if you register the pad from your current ps4 to the new one it will stop working with the current one until you re-register it.

Make sure to test the usb cable if you think that is at fault. Do this by simply plugging it in the other ps4 to see if it charges the pad.

One thing to note is you need a short usb cable to register a pad. For some reason the longer cables don't work, they will charge the pad just fine however. So once it's registered you can use a long cable with said pad to charge it.

I do think from what you have said it's a usb cable issue not the pad, please do try a shorter cable before kicking off with the seller for sending you bust shit. However the seller should have paired the pad for you. Testing goods before posting should always be standard on anything used/opened.

Make sure you tell the seller and ask for a new cable if that is found to be the problem. Yes it may seem pointless once sorted but it highlights their mistake and gets you an extra cable. They do knacker over time so always good to have more.

P.s. Sorry if any of that seems patronising.

Hope you get it working.

Original poster
asdhelp123 · 07/12/2020 16:37

Not at all patronising, I have a masters in computing but the sodding playstation does my HEAD in.

What's a pad? Is it a controller? Am presuming so... Have tried google and it suggests Peripheral Artery Disease so am assuming it's not that, haha.

Going to try to get it connected again this eve when kids occupied elsewhere.

OP posts:
Original poster
asdhelp123 · 07/12/2020 16:37

And good point @vanillandhoney.

OP posts:
Original poster
asdhelp123 · 07/12/2020 16:40

Also found this reddit thread. Will try this too. www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/dcds9e/ps4_pro_wont_connect_controllers_even_with_usb/

Although mine isn't a pro, it's a slim so it might not be the same fix.

Will try everything and report back. Thanks for your help, wonderful helpful people!

OP posts:
Original poster
asdhelp123 · 09/12/2020 11:13

It was a cable issue!

I used one we already had and that got it working straight away.

Thanks everyone for your ideas and help. Hope this thread helps someone in the future too!

OP posts:
RhubarbAndMustard · 09/12/2020 11:45

It must be a common problem! I've stocked up on a separate charging station now. Glad you have it all working now OP. Smile

Original poster
asdhelp123 · 09/12/2020 22:32

@RhubarbAndMustard

Ours turned out to be a faulty cable
Ah! Yes, it must be a common problem, I see what you mean. I got lost in all the avenues of advice and forgot to name check those like you who had the right answer! X
OP posts:
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