No buttons pressed
Have a different controller? Use the main gamepad tester.
- Pair a DualShock 4 by holding PS + Share for 3 to 5 seconds until the light bar flashes quickly.
- It shows up on computers as "Wireless Controller". That's normal.
- It has two classic rumble motors: strong left, light right.
- Drift, weak L2/R2 springs and worn micro-USB ports are the most common faults.
How to connect a PS4 controller to a PC
With a micro-USB cable
Plug a micro-USB cable into the front of the controller, under the light bar, and into your PC. The light bar turns on. Press any button on this page.
If nothing happens, try a different cable. Lots of old micro-USB cables only carry power.
With Bluetooth
- Hold the PS button and the Share button together.
- Keep holding until the light bar flashes quickly, about 3 to 5 seconds.
- On your PC, open Bluetooth settings and add a device.
- Choose Wireless Controller.
After pairing with a PC, connect it to your PS4 with a USB cable once to use it there again.
What you can test on a DualShock 4
| Part | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle | Each lights once per press |
| D-pad | Each direction lights alone |
| L1 and R1 | Clean click, no double presses |
| L2 and R2 | Smooth bar from 0% to 100% and back to 0% |
| Both sticks | Smooth circles, return to center |
| L3 and R3 | Light when you press the sticks down |
| Share and Options | Light when pressed |
| Touchpad click | Usually shows as an extra button |
| PS button | Sometimes caught by the computer first |
| Vibration | Left motor strong, right motor light (Chrome or Edge) |
The light bar colour, speaker and headphone jack can't be tested through a normal browser connection. For the motion sensors, touchpad position and battery, use the advanced mode above (Chrome or Edge) or our gyro test.
Common PS4 controller problems
Stick drift
The DualShock 4 is old enough that many are now worn. If the dot moves when you let go, run the stick drift test to see how bad it is.
Rubber on the sticks is torn or worn
This doesn't affect the test numbers, but it makes aiming harder. Replacement thumbstick caps are cheap and easy to fit.
L2 or R2 feels loose or won't reach 100%
The DualShock 4's trigger springs can weaken or pop off. Pull each trigger slowly. If the bar stops short, or the trigger doesn't spring back, the spring may have slipped out of place.
Won't charge or connect over USB
The micro-USB port is a common weak point. If the light bar doesn't glow with a known good cable, the port may be loose. Try holding the cable at a slight angle. If that helps, the port needs a repair.
Keeps disconnecting on Bluetooth
Try a reset. Find the small hole on the back near the L2 button. Press inside it with a paperclip for 5 seconds. Then pair again.
How to calibrate a PS4 controller
Sony doesn't include a stick calibration tool for the DualShock 4. You can reset it, update it on a PS4, and raise the deadzone in your games. For the full step-by-step, read how to calibrate a PS4 controller and our controller calibration guide.
Testing a PS3 controller (DualShock 3)
You can test a PS3 controller here too, with a few extra steps:
- Use a mini-USB cable. That's the older, smaller plug, not micro-USB.
- Windows may need an extra driver. Many DualShock 3 controllers aren't recognized out of the box. Community drivers make them work. Once installed, the controller shows up here like any other.
- On a Mac or Linux, a PS3 controller often works over USB without extra steps.
The DualShock 3 has pressure-sensitive face buttons. Browsers report them as normal on/off buttons, so you'll see 0 or 1, not the pressure.
The PS2 DualShock 2 needs a USB adapter. Cheap adapters vary a lot, so some buttons may show up in odd places.
PS4 controller tester FAQ
Can I test a PS4 controller without a PS4?
Yes. Connect it to any computer or Android phone and use this page.
How do I know if my PS4 controller is broken?
Test every button, both sticks and both triggers. If one never lights up, won't reach 100%, or moves by itself, that part is faulty. If all of them work, the controller is fine.
Why is my PS4 controller called "Wireless Controller"?
That's the name it reports to computers. It's normal.
Can I test a PS4 controller on my phone?
Yes. Pair it with your Android phone or iPhone over Bluetooth (PS + Share), open this page, and press a button.
Can I test PS4 controller vibration?
Yes, in Chrome or Edge. Use the vibration buttons in the tool, or our vibration test.
Does a fake PS4 controller work here?
Usually, yes. Many copies work with this tester, but some report odd names or button orders. Strange results don't always mean it's broken.