Learn how to interpret light on PS4

With DualShock vibration technology and a range of other advanced features, the PlayStation 4 controller is one of the most technologically advanced in the gaming industry.

You will no doubt notice that the controller flashes several colors while playing or seemingly at random. So what do these colors represent?

In the interpretation lights on the PS4 controller, several colors indicate the player’s status or position in games.

Other colors may flash when there is a problem with the console or controller, such as a bad connection or a charging issue. Problems are often indicated by flashing lights.

The lighting option is useful when playing online multiplayer games like Red Dead Redemption 2, grand theft auto or Fortnite.

Once you get used to the different flashing lights on your PS4 controller, you will be able to tell when they are flashing normally and when they might indicate a problem.

Let’s look at the different colors in more detail and discuss how to interpret them.

Why does your PS4 controller have so many colors?

Depending on the game you are playing, or if the system reports an error, the PS4 may flash in different colors. You can learn a lot about what’s going on with the console or in the games themselves by looking at the LEDs on the PS4 controller.

Some indicators appear with a screen error and can help you determine what is wrong with frequent PS4 issues. Other indicators are game specific and don’t even indicate an error.

You will most commonly see blue, red, and white lights on the PS4 controller. Typically, these lights flash when the controller is charging, or simply display system information.

Other indicators, such as yellow, orange, pink, and green, may indicate participants in multiplayer games or levels in games.

Unlike earlier models, the PS4 controller’s huge variety of colors can enhance your gaming experience by making it easier to spot PS4 issues.

What do the flashing lights on your controller mean?

Flashing lights are often pretty normal, but they can also be used to help identify PS4 issues. It’s usually nothing to worry about if your controller flashes different colors while playing.

Here’s what the blinking lights on your PS4 controller usually mean:

Hardware problems

A flashing red, orange, or white light may indicate a problem with the PS4 controller or hardware.

A flashing red light may indicate a problem with the PS4 system, while flashing orange and white lights indicate a hardware issue with the controller.

Another sign of a console overheating is a blinking light on the controller. In this case, turn off the console and let it cool down a bit. To improve airflow, try moving the console to a new position.

In general, if you have joystick drift, the controller is probably starting to wear out and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Charging problems

There is a chance that the controller is not charging properly if you put it on charge and watch the lights blink. Dead batteries, a faulty USB cable, or a damaged charging port can cause charging problems.

By observing how long it takes to charge, you can determine the health of your PS4 controller. You must buy new parts if the cord or batteries are broken.

Connectivity Issues

Another common cause of flashing white light is a problem with the controller or PS4 connection. Sometimes a malfunction or defect can cause the PS4 controller to shut down suddenly. Restarting the console usually fixes this little issue.

Game indicators

Flashing lights don’t always indicate a problem with your PS4 or controller. Multiplayer video games also use colored lights to identify different participants. Player 1 uses blue, Player 2 uses red, and so on.

Depending on the different features of the game, several colored lights may also flash. For example, a red light may flash when you are in poor health, and a green light may flash when your health is good.

Orange or green lights could also flash when shooting with a certain playable character.

What do the interpretation lights mean on PS4?

On your PS4 controller, blinking lights are often a message. This may be a system notification informing you that the PS4 controller or system is not working properly.

It can also be an in-game message describing various in-game characters or events.

Here’s what each blinking light on your controller means:

PS4 controller blue light

Blue light is the most common and it will flash blue on your controller most of the time when you are playing, especially in single player games. Player 1 is often indicated by a blue light.

Although it differs from game to game, it can also be used when you are in neutral mode.

Another indication that the PS4 is trying to connect to the controller is a flashing blue light. Pairing a controller using Bluetooth is usually straightforward. However, if the PS4 is having connection issues, the controller will sometimes flash blue.

Try restarting your console if the blue blinking light doesn’t go away after a while. Also check the battery level of the controller; low battery may affect communication.

PS4 controller red light

Red is often used to indicate danger, and the red flashing light on the PS4 serves the same purpose.

Some video games may occasionally flash a red light as a warning or when you are taking damage. It can also just say that you are player 2 or player 3.

If your controller is glowing red when you are not playing a game, the problem might be with the controller software or the battery.

A red light indicates either a battery problem or the controller is not charging properly. In Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, it also glows red when you are being chased by the police or when you are low on health.

Try connecting your PS4 controller if the red light on it continues to flash. If it continues to flash, check the USB cable. A broken USB cable often causes the red light to flash. Last but not least, consider replacing the controller batteries.

PS4 controller green light

The green flashing light often only occurs during gameplay and is not related to software issues. During games, the player’s health is often displayed as a flashing green light.

A green flashing light can mean that the character is completely healthy, while a red flashing light can signal that their health is in danger.

If your controller is not properly connected to the charging port, a green light on some controllers will indicate this. Check if your PS4 controller’s charging port is working properly.

Try a different cable if you’re charging the controller with a normal one and see if the light stops flashing.

PS4 controller white light

During some games, a flashing white light may appear to indicate the player’s health or other game elements. However, a white flashing light often indicates that your PS4 controller is unplugged.

Check your Bluetooth connection if your controller stops connecting to your PS4 and you notice a flashing white light. Wait for the controller to reconnect after pressing the PS button for 15 seconds.

PS4 controller orange light

A blinking orange light usually indicates a problem with the controller. In multiplayer games, it can be used for 3 or 4 players. However, it often shows when the controller has hardware or software problems.

Try restarting your PlayStation and reconnecting your controller if you notice a blinking orange light and other issues with your PS4 controller.

You may need to replace the controller batteries or charging cable if the controller has charging problems.

PS4 Pulseing Orange goes to sleep. This state lasts briefly when the PS4 goes into rest mode.

Press the power button on the functions screen, select “Enter Rest Mode”to start the mode, or press and hold the power button until you hear a beep. PS4 is in rest mode and glows orange.

In this low power mode, your PS4 can remotely download, receive updates, and charge controllers connected via USB.

PS4 controller pink light

Usually, a pink light on the PS4 controller’s light bar indicates that you are the fourth player.

Depending on your current level, the color of your controller may differ in some games such as Thumper. The pink level is one of them!

Other flashing lights

While these are the primary colors of your PS4 controller, some games may have other flashing lights.

Flashes of sky blue, pink, purple, light and light green are also possible on the PS4 controller. These indicators flash frequently during certain games along with game functions.

The role you play in some games, such as Far Cry 4, is indicated by yellow and blue lights. Support players are shown in yellow and medical staff in light blue.

How to fix a PS4 console?

Some PS4 controller lights may also indicate a controller problem. This may indicate wireless connection issues, battery issues, or other unusual failures.

If the controller light turns white, blinks blue, blinks red, or turns off while playing, follow these steps:

1. Reset console
2. Hard reset controller
3. Use the “Forget device”option
4. Use the controller in wired mode
5. Console USB port monitoring
6. Replace USB cable
7. Firmly insert the USB cable
8. Replace your PS4 battery
9. Try disconnecting the charging cable
10. Restart your PlayStation 4 console.
11. Replace PS4 controller cable cable
12. Restart your PS4 in safe mode.
13. Remove controller from Bluetooth devices
14. Press the PS button continuously

Let’s look at each solution one by one:

Solution 1 – Reset your console

The problem with your controller is often related to the machine itself. However, restarting the console may make it easier to identify the problem.

What you should do is:

• Just press the PS button to enter the menu if your controller is sufficiently charged.
• Select “Power”then select “Restart PS4″to restart your PS4.
• Hold down the power button on your console if your controller is completely unresponsive. Until you hear two beeps, continue.
• You can restart it after it has been turned off.

Check if your controller is connecting by turning it on. If so, your console was the source of the problem. If not, then you should pay attention to the controller.

Solution 2: Hard reset the controller

You can try hard resetting the controller if the first option doesn’t work. Your controller will then return to its default settings.

What you should do is:

• Turn off your console.
• Find the Hard Reset button. The small hole is on the back of the controller, on the right side.
• Press the button with the tip of a paperclip or something else.
• Now you can reconnect the controller.

To repair the controller, you will need a USB cable connecting the controller to the console.

Solution 3 – Use the Forget Device option

You can manage devices connected to your PS4 using the Forget Device option in the settings menu.

To start the pairing procedure, you can use it to forget about the controller.

You can resolve wireless connection issues such as automatic disconnection during the pairing procedure.

Solution 4: Use the controller in wired mode

If none of these options work, you can see if your controller is connected. Simply use a paired USB connection to connect your controller to your console.

You may need to consider getting a new controller if it doesn’t work.

Solution 5 – Monitor the console USB port

They will eventually be damaged if you use the PlayStation, computer and other electronics without proper maintenance or care.

A broken or damaged USB port is the main reason why a red light is on on the PS4 controller. The USB port stops working when there is no charge and there is a red light on the bar controller.

Therefore, it is recommended that you try to clean and charge the battery before connecting the USB connection. Try inserting the card into a different USB port if the problem persists.

If the issue persists after you tried the solutions above, or if you are unable to resolve the issue, continue with the subsequent steps listed below.

Solution 6 – Replace the USB cable

Purchasing a new USB cable to charge the game console’s battery is preferable if the existing one is broken or damaged.

You’re not sure if you’re using a DS4 controller wire or another cable, but you want to be sure. Use the cable to charge your Android device after checking it. If your battery is charging correctly, the USB cable is faulty or broken, but the red light is off.

Solution 7: Insert the USB cable firmly

If none of the above options were able to fix your PlayStation 4 controller’s red death indicator, then you should check your card to make sure it’s securely connected.

The controller may drain or shut down if the battery and port are not tightly connected.

You must connect or insert the power cable securely in order to properly charge the battery and fix this issue.

Solution 8 – Replace PS4 battery

How long have you been playing on PlayStation 4? The battery may have expired. The battery discharges and stops charging when the cable is connected after a long period of use.

Therefore, we advise you to purchase a new battery and replace it with an already used cell for the first remedy. This should fix the issues with the PlayStation controller.

Solution 9 – Try unplugging the charging cable

Many people sometimes notice a red light on their PS4 controller while charging. You should unplug the PS4 controller charging wire in that region to check if the problem persists.

Disconnect the charging wire if the red light on the controller is on. If the problem persists after unplugging the charging cord, the problem is not with the charging cable.

Solution 10 – Restart your PlayStation 4 console

Restarting the PlayStation 4 console has been advised as this has helped a lot of people fix the controller backlight issue that won’t go away.

To restart your PlayStation 4, follow these steps:

• First, briefly press and hold the Power button.
• At this time, unplug the cable from the PS4 console.
• Plug the power cable back into the console after a while.
• The PS4 console will now turn on when you press the power button.

Your problem is believed to be fixed, but if it persists, move on to the next suggested solution.

Solution 11 – Replace PS4 controller ribbon flex cable

In addition to the previously mentioned fix, the red light on the PlayStation 4 controller may not turn off if you are using a faulty or broken daisy chain. It could be a hardware issue.

The PS4 controller will not charge if the ribbon cable is broken as you will not be able to charge the PS4 console battery. The low battery of your PS4 game console will also prevent you from playing.

You can use the methods listed below to resolve this issue:

• First remove the ribbon flex cable and PS4 back cover. Try charging the battery after cleaning the cable with alcohol and reinstalling.
• After cleaning your PS4, you still won’t be able to charge it, so it’s recommended to purchase a new PS4 ribbon cable.

Solution 12 – Restart PS4 in Safe Mode

If none of the other options worked for you, the PS4 console should be restarted in safe mode to resolve the PS4 controller light flashing issue.

You can fix any firmware issues with your PS4 controller and console by restarting them in safe mode.

To do this, follow the instructions below:

• Turn off your PS4 if it is currently on.
• Press the power button again to hear a beep.
• Then connect the USB cable from the PS4 controller to the game system.
• Press the PS (PlayStation) button to turn on your PS4 and start it in safe mode.

Make sure your PlayStation controller’s red light issue is permanently fixed when your DS4 (DualShock) controller is on.

Solution 13 – Remove the controller from Bluetooth devices

You must take the controller out of the console if it doesn’t work. At the same time, turn off any Bluetooth devices paired with your controller (such as an iPad).

Then you need to download the PS4 Remote Play app from the Android Play store. You can control the console by installing it on your device, including disconnecting the controller from various Bluetooth devices.

This solution is used to troubleshoot the yellow light on the PS4 controller.

Solution 14 – Keep pressing the PS button

Many PlayStation 4 users have repeatedly solved this problem by pressing the PS button after connecting the charging cord.

Let’s try our luck by solving this problem by following these instructions.

• First, turn off your PlayStation 4 completely.
• Plug the USB charging cable from the Dual Shock 4 controller into the console.
• Turn on the video game system.
• Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep after the “Press the PS button to use the controller”screen appears.
• Let your console shut down right now.
• After that, turn your PS4 device back on.
• When the “Press the PS button to use the controller”screen appears, disconnect the Dual Shock 4 controller’s USB cable.
• Start pressing the PS button continuously as soon as you reconnect the USB cable to the port.

What are some other features of the PS4 controller?

The wireless controller for PS4 is called the Dualshock 4, and it has several upgrades from previous generations.

For a more immersive experience, it boasts an excellent motion sensor, a light bar with vibrant colors and built-in speakers.

The battery life of the controller is also pretty good, up to five hours on a full charge. However, these controllers are not indestructible, and after about seven years of use, you may have problems.

When to buy a new PS4 controller?

If your PS4 controller is over seven years old, you may find that it turns off frequently or the battery doesn’t last as long. Then maybe it’s time to get a new one.

A high-quality PS4 controller can be purchased for around $60 from retailers like Amazon.com. The new PS4 controllers are not too expensive. In addition, there are used options.

Conclusion

The indicators on the PS4 controller are designed to enhance and immerse you in the game. Depending on the number of participants and the game you are playing, different colors of light have different meanings.

You can try the following if your PS4 controller is faulty:

1. To restart the internal mechanism of the controller, reset it.
2. Restart your console to determine if the issue is specifically with the PS4 system or with the controller.
3. To reconnect the controller to the console, use the Forget Device option.
4. Use the device in wired mode if none of these work.

Perhaps it’s time to consider getting a new controller; even the wired mode does not work.

FAQ

What color of light indicates PS4 is off?

White pulsating color is useless. PS4 turns off. The light will flash white for a short time and then turn off completely after you turn off your PS4 completely.

How to turn off PS4?

On the functions screen, select “Power”and then select “Power off PS4”. From the quick menu, choose Power > Power Off PS4. When the system beeps twice, press and hold the power button for at least 7 seconds.

PS4 turns off automatically?

Sometimes, immediately after turning on the system or after using it for a while, the PlayStation 4 turns off. Depending on when this happens, it could be a minor issue that needs a quick fix, or an indication that your console needs service.