PS4 Controller Lights (What They Mean & Troubleshooting!)
The PS4 controller is an innovative device designed to make the gaming experience more immersive.
It includes built-in speakers and a light bar that changes color depending on the game you are playing. But what exactly do all the different controller light colors mean?
The PS4 controller light turns blue for Player 1, red for Player 2, green for Player 3, and pink for Player 4. It may also turn white if your controller has lost connection. In that case, you must reset it by pressing the PS button for 15 seconds.
Quick Summary
Quick SummaryThe PS4 controller's light bar alters color based on your player number and certain game conditions. Blue signifies Player 1, Red denotes Player 2, Green represents Player 3, Pink indicates Player 4. The light bar may turn white if the controller disconnects, necessitating a 15-second press of the PS button. Other features include speakers and an efficient battery. If problems arise, options for troubleshooting include controller and console reset, using the Forget Device option, or switching to wired mode. A 7-year-old controller may need replacement.
What Do the PS4 Controller Lights Mean?
The meaning of your PS4 controller lights depends primarily on the number of players and, occasionally, on the game you are playing.
The lighting feature is most helpful when playing multiplayer games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 or Fortnite.
Here are the colors you may come across on your PS4 controller:
PS4 Controller Blue Light
The blue light on your PS4 light bar indicates that you are currently player 1. It shouldn’t change while playing.
That said, action-based games such as Aliens: Isolation or Uncharted may change the light bar’s color.
In these games, the light changes according to what’s happening in the story. For example, it may flash blue during action sequences.
PS4 Controller Red Light
The red light on your PS4 controller light bar typically means that you are currently player number 2.
However, in certain games, it is used to show players that are currently receiving damage at that specific moment.
In games such as Grand Theft Auto 5, you may notice that the light turns red when the police chase you.
The light can also turn red in shooting games like Call of Duty to indicate that you’ve received substantial damage.
PS4 Controller Green Light
The green light on your PS4 controller light bar usually means that you are currently player number 3.
Some games use the green light to give feedback on what’s happening in the story. For instance, KillZone uses the green light to showcase your current health status.
PS4 Controller Pink Light
The pink light on your PS4 controller light bar typically means that you are currently player number 4.
In some games, like Thumper, your controller will change colors depending on what level in the game you’re playing. One of the levels is pink!
PS4 Controller White Light
The light bar will turn completely white if your PS4 controller disconnects from the console.
If that’s the case, all you need to do is hold the PS button down for around 15 seconds.
When you do this, your PS4 controller will reset and it should automatically reconnect to the console.
Other Colors
Some games like Far Cry 4 use yellow and pale blue lights to show your role in the game. Yellow is for the support players, and light blue indicates the medics.
What Are Some Other PS4 Controller Features?
The Dualshock 4 is the wireless controller of the PS4, and it features a wide variety of improvements over previous models.
It has a better motion sensor, a brightly colored light bar, and built-in speakers for a more immersive experience.
The controller also has an excellent battery life that can last up to five hours when fully charged.
However, these controllers are not everlasting and you may notice malfunctions after about the 7th year of use.
How to Troubleshoot Your PS4 Controller?
Certain PS4 controller lights may also indicate that there’s a problem with your controller. It can show wireless connection and battery issues or other less common malfunctions.
Use the following steps if your controller light turns white, if your controller is flashing blue, or if it turns off when you are playing:
Option 1: Reset your PS4 Console
Most of the time, the problem with your controller is linked to the machine itself. However, resetting your console can help you diagnose the issue better.
If your controller has enough power:
1. Press the PS button.
2. Go to the Power option and then press Restart PS4.
If your controller is not working at all:
1. Hold down the power button of the console. Do it until you hear two beeps.
2. Once it is off, you can turn it back on again.
Turn on your controller and check if it is connecting. If it is, the problem was with your console. If not, you need to focus on the controller.
Option 2: Hard Reset your PS4 Controller
If the first option doesn’t work, you can try a hard reset of the controller. This will reset your controller to its original settings.
Note: You will need a USB to Micro-B cable to repair your controller. You received one with your controller, but if you can’t find it or aren’t sure which one it is, the link will help guide you.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Turn off the console.
2. Find the Hard Reset button. It is a small hole on the right side of the back of the controller.
2. Use the point of a paperclip or something similar to press down on the button.
3. Now, you can pair your controller again.
Option 3: Use the Forget Device Option
The Forget Device option in your PS4 settings lets you control which devices are connected to the console.
You can use it to forget your controller in order to go through the pairing process again.
To forget a device so you can repair it, follow these directions.
1. Go to settings
2. Select devices
3. Select Bluetooth devices
4. Scroll down and select the device you want to forget
5. Go to options
6. Then select forget device
Through the pairing process, you can fix wireless connection issues like automatic disconnects.
Step #4 – Use the Controller in Wired Mode
If none of these solutions work, you can check if your controller works in wired mode. All you need to do is connect the controller to the console using the pairing USB cable.
If it doesn’t work, you may need to consider buying a new controller.
When to Buy a New PS4 Controller?
If your PS4 controller is over seven years old, you may notice that it often disconnects or the battery doesn’t last very long anymore. In that case, it might be time to buy a new one.
New PS4 controllers aren’t too expensive, and you can find a high-quality model for about $60 USD at places like Amazon. You can find second-hand options as well.
Conclusion
The PS4 controller lights are designed to enhance your playing experience and make it more immersive.
The different light colors have varied meanings, depending on the number of players and which game you’re playing.
If your PS4 controller is not working correctly, you can do the following:
- Reset the controller to restart its internal mechanism.
- Reset your console to verify whether or not the problem is the PS4 console or the controller itself.
- Use the Forget Device option to re-pair your controller with the console.
- If none of that works, use it in wired mode.
If even wired mode doesn’t work, it might be time to consider getting a new controller.
New Dualshock 4 controllers aren’t too expensive, and you can find good deals on Amazon.
I hope this article was able to help you troubleshoot your PS4 controller. Thanks for reading, and now get back to gaming!
