As an avid gamer, I often find myself anxiously waiting for my PS4 controllers to finish charging so I can get back to playing. The standard DualShock 4 wireless controller that comes with the PS4 typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge when plugged in. However, the actual charging time can vary depending on several factors. In this article, I will provide an overview of how long you can expect the PS4 controllers to charge and offer some tips to help speed up the charging process. Whether you’re charging from empty or just need a quick boost to get you through the next level, follow these best practices to minimize downtime and maximize playtime.
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Charge Your PS4 Controller When the Battery Is Low
As an avid gamer, keeping my PS4 controller charged is essential for uninterrupted gameplay. From my experience, the best approach is to charge the controller when the battery level is low to maximize playtime and avoid unexpected power-offs.
When the PS4 controller battery life indicator shows only one bar remaining, I connect the controller to the PS4 system using the included USB cable. The controller begins charging automatically and the light bar on the back of the controller pulses orange. Charging from this point typically takes 3 to 4 hours for a full charge, depending on if the controller is in rest mode or powered on during charging.
To speed up the charging process, I power off my PS4 and controller before connecting the USB cable. With the devices powered off, the controller can charge in 2 to 3 hours. Another option is to use a higher output USB wall adapter or charging station, which can fully recharge the controller in under 2 hours due to the increased power delivery. However, charging methods and times can vary between controller models, so check the specifications for your exact controller.
Keeping a second PS4 controller charged provides a backup for uninterrupted play when the battery runs low in the first controller. With a full charge, PS4 controllers typically last 6 to 8 hours, depending on vibration, light bar, and speaker usage. Following these best practices helps ensure my PS4 controllers are charged and ready for any gaming session. Staying on top of charging the controllers is a small habit that pays off in hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Use a USB Charging Cable
As an avid gamer, I understand the frustration of having a PS4 controller die mid-game. To avoid this, I recommend fully charging your controllers after each use. The time it takes for a PS4 controller to charge can vary depending on the method used.
Using a USB charging cable is the most efficient approach. Sony’s official DualShock 4 USB cable can provide a full charge in 2 to 3 hours. I have found third-party USB cables to work equally well. The key is using a cable specifically intended for charging the DualShock 4 controller to ensure maximum power throughput.
You can also charge your PS4 controller using a standard wall charger with a USB port, but this typically takes 4 to 6 hours for a complete charge. Charging via your PS4 console is the slowest method, often requiring 7 to 9 hours. The PS4 has to power both the console and the controller, reducing the amount of energy supplied for charging.
To speed up charging, turn off your PS4 controller during the process. The light bar and any rumble features consume power even when idle, slightly prolonging charge times. I also recommend not using your controller for the first 30 minutes of charging to allow it to reach an optimal state for fast, efficient charging.
With the proper precautions taken, you can have your PS4 controller fully recharged and ready to use in just a few hours. Keeping it charged will allow for uninterrupted gameplay and less time waiting on the sidelines. Take it from an experienced player – a fully charged controller is a happy controller!
Connect the USB Cable to Your PS4
To charge your PS4 controller, you will need to connect the included USB cable to your PS4 console.
Connect the USB end of the cable to your PS4
- Locate the USB ports on the front of your PS4 console. There are two USB 3.0 ports that can be used to charge your controllers.
- Plug the USB end of the cable into either of the USB ports. Make sure the cable is pushed in all the way for a solid connection.
Connect the micro USB end of the cable to your PS4 controller
- Find the micro USB port on your PS4 controller. It is located on the back side, near the top.
- Insert the micro USB end of the cable into the micro USB port on your controller. Again, ensure it is fully inserted for the best connection.
Once the cable is connected to both your PS4 and controller, the light bar on your controller will start flashing to indicate it is charging. The charge time can vary depending on the model of your controller, though most take 2 to 3 hours for a full charge. You can continue using your controller while it charges, though the charge time may increase slightly.
Some tips to speed up the charging process:
• Turn off your PS4 controller before charging for the fastest charge time. The controller does not need to be on to charge.
• Do not use a USB hub or splitter. Connect the cable directly to your PS4 for the best power output.
• Consider using a wall charger with a higher power output, such as 2 amps or higher. This can charge your controller faster than the PS4 alone.
• Keep your PS4 in rest mode instead of fully powered off. Rest mode still provides power to the USB ports so your controller can charge, even when the PS4 is not actively in use.
• Avoid charging in very hot or cold temperatures. Room temperature will yield the fastest, most efficient charge for your PS4 controller’s lithium-ion battery.
Following these steps and tips will ensure your PS4 controller is fully charged and ready for use as quickly as possible. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Charge the Controller in Rest Mode
To charge my PS4 controller as quickly as possible, I put it into Rest Mode. This special power-saving mode keeps the PS4 in a low-power state while still supplying power to the USB ports, allowing the DualShock 4 controller to charge.
How to Enable Rest Mode
- Go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Make sure “Supply Power to USB Ports” is checked. This will allow the USB ports to provide power even when the PS4 is in Rest Mode.
- Put your PS4 into Rest Mode by pressing and holding the PS button on the controller, then selecting “Enter Rest Mode.” Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Power > Enter Rest Mode.
Charge the Controller in Rest Mode
With the PS4 in Rest Mode and “Supply Power to USB Ports” enabled, connect your DualShock 4 controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. The light bar on the controller will flash orange while charging and turn off once fully charged. Charging a controller from empty typically takes 3 to 4 hours in Rest Mode. The exact time will depend on the model of your controller.
Compared to charging while the PS4 is powered on, Rest Mode can charge the controller up to twice as fast due to the console’s reduced power consumption. The controller will also charge faster when the PS4 is initially put into Rest Mode, as the internal components are still warm. For the quickest charge, connect your controller as soon as the PS4 enters Rest Mode.
Using Rest Mode is the most efficient way to charge your PS4 controllers and ensures they are always ready for use when needed. By following these steps, you can minimize downtime and get back to gaming as quickly as possible. Keeping a spare controller on hand charged and ready can also help avoid any interruption in play.
FAQ: How Long Does It Take for PS4 Controllers to Fully Charge?
As an avid PS4 gamer, a question I frequently get asked is “How long does it take for PS4 controllers to fully charge?” The time required can vary depending on the model of the controller and whether you are charging it for the first time. Here are the details:
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
The standard PS4 controller typically takes 2 to 3 hours to charge fully when plugged in using a USB cable. The first initial charge may take slightly longer, around 4 hours. To speed up charging, make sure you are using the USB cable that came with your PS4 system and plug the controller directly into one of the PS4’s USB ports.
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment
If using the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment, charging time increases to 3 to 4 hours for a full charge due to the added hardware. Again, the first charge may require up to 5 hours. The attachment comes with its own USB cable to use for charging the controller.
Other Considerations
- Using a USB wall adapter or charging station can charge a bit faster, in around 2 to 2.5 hours. However, charging via a computer USB port will take longer.
- Dimming the light bar on the controller can help conserve some battery life between charges. You can adjust the brightness in the Settings menu.
- Avoid using the controller while it’s charging whenever possible. This will allow it to charge as quickly as possible.
- If your controller is not holding a charge well anymore, it may need to be replaced. Rechargeable batteries typically last 2-3 years before losing capacity.
In summary, you can expect a full charge for a standard PS4 controller to take around 2 to 4 hours depending on the model and other factors. Following the tips above will help ensure your controller is charged and ready when you need it for gaming. Let me know if you have any other questions!