PS5 Controller Not Connecting

The Basics

Restart your Console and Controller: Turn off your gaming console. Once your console is off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This can help reset any software issues affecting your controller. You will also want to do the same power cycle on your controller. You can do this by holding down the PS button for 10 seconds.
Check your Controller's Battery Level: Ensure your DualSense controller has sufficient battery charge. Connect it to a power source using a USB cable and check if the battery is charging. If your controller is not charging, you may want to check out the tips on our PS5 DualSense Controller Not Charging Troubleshooting Page.
Verify your Controller is Paired: If your controller was paired with a different console or PC, you might need to pair it with the console you are trying to use. Turn on your console, and connect the controller to the USB cable that was packaged with your controller. Once connected, press the PS button. Your controller should power on, and the light bars should indicate the controller is connected.

Causes

Minor Software Issue

With most instances of your controller experiencing any issue, it could be an issue with the software that allows you to use it. One of the easiest ways to resolve this issue is to reset your controller.

Turn off your console, and disconnect your controller from your USB cable.
Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller.
Push the button with a small, pointy object, such as an unfolded paper clip (or a similar object). The button is in a tiny hole next to the top right screw on the bottom outer shell.
Hold the button down for several seconds, and release.

In addition, updating your controller firmware can also resolve many different issues.

Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable.
Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers > Update System Software.
If there is an update available, then you should update. This will resolve temporary issues with your controller's software.

Controller Preference Issue

Suppose you find that updating your controller cannot affect the issue and no wireless interference affects your console's Bluetooth features. In that case, you should attempt to factory reset your controller.

Forget Device on PS5: Go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. Select your controller and choose Forget Device. Then, reconnect the controller.
Re-sync Controller: Connect the controller using a USB cable. Go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. Select the controller and choose "Disconnect." Then, press the PS button to reconnect.

Wireless Interference

If your PlayStation 5 console is next to your Wi-Fi router, it may be causing the problem.

Try turning off your Wi-Fi router and attempting to use your controller to test if this is the issue.
Remove any other sources of wireless or solid signals or interference near your PS5 console, such as cable boxes or other streaming devices like Apple TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire, etc.

Hardware Damage

If all else has failed, the issue might be with your controller's motherboard.

Disassemble your controller and visually inspect the motherboard for damage (Broken components, burns, liquid damage).
If needed, replace your controller's motherboard with an undamaged motherboard.

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