It must be annoying to discover that your PS4 controller flashing white light, and you can’t do much about that. But don’t be upset! There’re workarounds to fix the PlayStation 4 controller blinking white issue.
Try these fixes
You don’t need to try them all; just work your way down until your problem is solved.
- Check the hardware to troubleshoot the issue
- Reset your PS4 controller
- Update your controller driver on your PC
- Start PS4 from safe mode
- Try this quick trick to fix PS4 flashing white
Why is my PS4 controller flashing white?
The PS4 controller flashing white issue is generally caused by two reasons. One is because of the low battery, and that means that you need to charge your PS4 controller to make it back on track. The other reason is that your controller is trying to connect to your PlayStation 4, but failed due to unknown factor(s). But don’t worry, you can try the methods below to solve the flashing white light on your PS4 controller.
Method 1: Check hardware to troubleshoot the issue
Sometimes this problem happens due to the hardware issues, such as your PS4 cable loses, or there is something wrong with the PS4 controller. If there is something wrong with the cables or the controller, your PS4 would simply fail to charge or connect, and that’s why the problem occurs with the hardware faulty issues. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Use another USB cable
If you have checked your USB cable is plugged correctly and it doesn’t lose when connecting, you can try another USB cable to see.
1) First of all, you may need another PS4 USB cable that works properly, and you can grab one with suitable price and good reviews, like this USB cable on Amazon.
2) Plug the cable into your PS4 and the controller correctly.
3) Turn on your PS4 and controller to see if it works.
If it works normally, it seems to be your cable’s issue. If it doesn’t, it can be a problem of your controller or your PS4 software. Stick around with the following methods.
Step 2: Try another controller
If you have checked the USB cable and find no problem with the cable, you can try another PS4 controller (if possible) to see if it’s due to the controller hardware problem.
1) Use another PS4 controller to turn on your PS4.
2) Shut down your PS4 completely.
3) Unplug your PS4 cable from your PS4, and wait for 3 minutes.
4) Re-plug your PS4 cable to your PS4 correctly.
5) Plug another connector to your PS4 controller that occurs the problem.
6) Turn on your PS4 now and see if it works properly,
Method 2: Reset PS4 controller
Many PS4 problems can be solved by resetting PS4 controller, such as PS4 blinking white light, PS4 Bluetooth issue, PS4 not syncing or connecting. Follow these instructions:
1) Turn off your PlayStation 4.
2) Locate the reset button, and it’s on the back of your controller near the L2 shoulder button.
3) Use a small and unfolded paper-clip or something like that to push the button and hold it down for a few seconds, and then release it.
4) After resetting the controller, re-pair the controller with the PS4 by connecting the USB cable correctly, and turn the PS4 on.
5) Press the PS button to log in to the PS4.
Your controller should connect to your PC4 console and start to work.
Method 3: Update your controller driver on your PC
If your device driver on your computer is missing or outdated, that will cause problems when using your PS4 controller. You can try to update your PS4’s driver on your PC to fix it.
First of all, you will need to uninstall the device and driver on your computer, and then reinstall the device and driver to have a complete update.
Step 1: Uninstall the PS4 device and driver on your Windows
1) On your keyboard, press Windows logo key 
+ R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
2) Type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter on your keyboard. 
3) Right click your device, and click Uninstall device.
4) Check the box next to Delete the driver software for this device, and click Uninstall (If you are using Windows 7 & 8, click OK).
5) Unplug the device from your computer, and restart your computer.
Step 2: Reinstall the PS4 device and driver on your Windows
1) After restarting your PC, re-plug your PS4 into your PC, then your computer will detect it and install the device for you.
2) You will need to install a proper driver for your device. There are two options to install the device driver in your computer.
Option 1 – Manually: You can go to the manufacturer’s website and find the proper driver for your device, and install it in your computer. This may require time and computer skills.
Option 2 – Automatically (recommended): If you don’t have time or skills, you can try Driver Easy to download and install the correct drivers for you.
Driver Easy will detect the drivers condition in your computer, and install the correct drivers for your PC. More importantly, with Driver Easy, you don’t need to struggle figuring out the Operating System, and you don’t need to worry about making mistakes while processing. That will tremendously save your time and patience.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or Pro version of Driver Easy. It only takes 2 simple clicks with the Pro version (and you will get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee).
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Then Driver Easy will scan your computer and detect any problem drivers
3) Click the Update button next to the driver name to download and install the correct driver (you can do that with the FREE version).
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the problem drivers (you can do that with Pro version, and you will be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
4) Restart your PC and try to connect your PS4 again to see if it works.
Method 4: Start PS4 from safe mode
Many PS4 users find it very useful to solve the problem by start the PS4 from Safe Mode. Safe Mode allows you to start the system with only the most basic functions. The Safe Mode menu options may help you correct issues and allow your PlayStation 4 to start normally.
Start Safe Mode to rebuild database
This solution can help you scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
1) Press the Power button on the front panel to turn off your PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
2) After turning off your PS4, press and hold the Power button, then release it after you hear two beeps: one when you press at first, and the other in seven seconds later.
3) Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable, then press the PS button on the controller.
4) You will enter the Safe Mode and see 8 options. Select 5. Rebuild Database. Then wait for it to complete.
1. Restart System: Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS4 normally.
2. Change Resolution: Changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PS4 is restarted.
3. Update System Software: Allows the PS4 to update the system software by the Internet, USB Drive, or Disc.
4. Restore Default Settings: Reset the PS4 to the default factory settings.
5. Rebuild Database: Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
6. Initialise PS4: Erases all user settings and data, and restore console to default settings.
7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) : Wipes the entire content of the hard drive, including the system software.
8. Set HDCCP Mode: If your PS4 Pro is connected to a 4K TV that doesn’t support HDCP 2.2 (please refer to your TV manual) it may not be able to display image when playing 4K games or 4K video streaming. In order to see image you need to choose this setting and select [2. HDCP 1.40 Only] on the next screen
5) Try to use your PS4 again to see if it works.
Start Safe Mode to update system software
This solution allows the PlayStation 4 to update the system software via Internet, USB Drive, or Disc, so that the problem in your system can be fixed.
1) Press the Power button on the front panel to turn off your PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
2) After turning off your PS4, press and hold the Power button, then release it after you hear two beeps: one when you press at first, and the other in seven seconds later.
3) Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable, then press the PS button on the controller.
4) You will enter the Safe Mode and see 8 options. Select 3. Update System Software. Then wait for it to complete.
5) Try to use your PS4 again to see if it works.
Method 5: Try this quick trick to fix PS4 flashing white
If your problem still persists, you may try this trick which works for many users who have the same problem. This will reset all connections of the controller and searches for a new one.
1) Press and hold the PS button and Share button at the same time.
2) Wait for a few seconds until your PS4 is turned on.
3) Try to use your PS4 to see if it works now.
These are the easy methods to solve PS4 controller flashing white. Which method helps? If your problem still persists, feel free to comment below and we will see what more we can do to help.
idk what to do bc it says “press ps button to play” obviously but my controller isnt connected to my ps4 bc i connected it to my computer and then disconnected but that means i disconnected it from my ps4 too. please help how do i get into my account and go to bluetooth to reconnect my controller?
my ps4 contoller starts blinking but stops blinking quick
I tried this but I don’t think this works if u connected it to ur phone
my ps4 says cannot start ps4 connect dualshock 4 but my controller is not connecting but when i charge it it still turns yellow but still doesnt work?? any ideas?
This happened to our ps4. Suspected the actual port that connected the controller to the ps was a problem but still couldn’t link it via Bluetooth pairing. The other controller still worked. We resolved the issue by trying to pair it in Bluetooth mode through the settings (via other controller) and then once it was flashing we had to scroll through a list of invisible Bluetooth devices until we saw the controller. It was so far down the list that we wouldn’t have known it popped up if I hadn’t noticed a scroll bar on the side.
This worked for me just held down the ps button in Bluetooth devices and it came up and asked me if I wanted to use it with Bluetooth, nothing else worked but this
None off these worked I tried them all except for the pc one as I don’t have a pc but it is really annoying and it winds me up as it just stopped working I have two controllers like this now and joy con drift on a pair of joy cons but I have another pair but it’s still very annoying who feels the same 🤬
none are working
Anyone trying this issue with COD Coldwar, kit is the game and not the controller. Another great programming effort by Activision. My controllers worked fine on other games once I rebooted but once I launched Fractured Jaw on Call of Duty the controllers would disconnect.
Same
im pissed it still wont connect its just flashing a white light even with usb im mad annoyed
So today I decided to connect my controller to my phone so I could use the PlayStation remote play app and now after that I’ve done that I’m unable to connect my controller back to my PlayStation and I have tried everything. The controller glows orange when it’s connected but when I hold down the ps button it just flashes white and won’t connect. If anyone knows what i should do your help would be appreciated.
my brother gave me his ps4 but he didnt shut it down he just unplugged it and it took me a while to find a new controller but my cousin gave me his used controller and ive reset both and tried them all its still blinking white ;(
Try holding down the power button . Worked for me
I can turn my ps4 on but when i turn it on normally there is a screen telling me how to connect my controoler with usb like you get when you buy it new. When i turn my ps4 on in safe mode i can move around and select different options. I have tried all. No matter what I do it will always go to that screen with the 2 instructions on how to connect my controller. I have tried nearly every wire in the world. I have tried all data transfer cable aswell. So the cable is not the issue. The ps4 charges my controller but doesnt pick up the sigal when on this screen. I can use the controller with a cable on safe mode somehow though? I have tried all the methods above aswell and all the ones on youtube. I went to CEX, a gameshop in the uk, and they couldnt fix the problem either. What should I do pleae help…
For anyone still having this issue, after trying all possible methods, I fixed it by installing Remote Play on my PC, connecting there to my PS4 – from there head to settings -> devices -> bluetooth – remove the PS4 Controller from Bluetooth connected devices and press Share + PS button for pairing – it shouldn’t take long to find the device, connect to it, pair it and voila.
I installed Remote Play on my iphone and followed the above procedure. I wasn’t able to remove any controllers but I pressed the PS button and the Share button and the PS4 finally recognized the controller but it kept saying it needed to be charged. I swapped the battery and now the controller is working again. So it seems I had 2 problems…the PS4 wasn’t recognizing the controller and the battery is dead/defective. Thanks for the tip!
help
All Methods dont work my ps4 is now stuck in safe mode with no controller to help it work i have nothing but 1 controller and reseting wont work ethier NOTHING WORKS AND IM IN QUARINTINE
IT DOESENT WORK
🙁
Nope nothing works. Never had this issue till i updated to 7.50 looks like i can no longer use this PS4 i don’t have the time or patience or funds to deal with this. Which means i will not have a PS4 for a long while if ever. Really sucks was hoping to play P5R for myself but no dice it looks like i will have to turn to youtube let’s plays.
everyone!
if none of the methods worked for you and you tried EVERYTHING, try connecting your controller with a SAMSUNG CHARGER that fits into your dual stock 4 controller. i used a samsung galaxy grand prime charger.
this worked for me even after trying everything i found online. i know maaaany other people had the same issue where neither of their controllers we’re connected and just wouldn’t connect.
i really hope this helps people, because it helped me! both of my controllers are now connected because i used a samsung charger 😀
Thank you it actually worked
Best thing to is take the plug of the PlayStation out the socket and then leave it ten seconds, then plug back it. Should work
Hello everyone, So I’m going to talk about of what happened to my controller, how I messed it up and how i fixed it…
So I tried using remote play on my laptop,while i was setting everything up i could control for a moment my PS4 with the controller until a moment later an error appeared on my laptop that i had lost connection to the PS4, kept trying to do the same thing until the i realised i had not control over my PS4 anymore with my PS4 controller, then i disconnected everything plugged it back in my TV and the controller could not connect anymore (white flashing/USB not working).
After a lot of “fixes” like resetting the PS4 or the controller by the small button on the back e.t.c the controller did not work (still white flashing)…
FIX: then i thought let’s try remote play again, i controlled my PS4 via the laptop keyboard, went to settings/Bluetooth and i deleted every dual shock paired (apparently using the keyboard button f3 worked as “options” in the window which you need, to press options to delete the dual shock devices).
After deleting all devices i pressed the “ps button” while connected to the PS4 Via USB, then it appeared on Bluetooth devices window and the moment i pressed to connect, the controller went blue light and the same error appeared again about “PS4 connection lost” ,
That’s when i signed out closed remote play app and went back to my TV to check if it works…
This solved my problem, controller works fine again, also fuck remote play