How to reset PS5 game controller

Have you ever had problems wirelessly connecting your DualSense controller (handle) to your PlayStation 5 system? Have you previously paired the controller with a PC or similar device and now cannot use it with the console?

Through the simple act of resetting your PS5 controller, you can fix nearly all pairing-related problems, as well as many other common problems. This article will show you how to factory reset your DualSense controller with just a few simple steps.

( Note: When you factory reset your DualSense controller, the entire game library, in-game data, or any other files on the PlayStation 5 system will not be affected.)

Why do you need to reset the DualSense controller?

As mentioned, if you're having trouble pairing your Sony DualSense controller with your PlayStation 5, you can try resetting it by following the instructions. In case you want to pair your controller with another PlayStation 5 system, resetting will ensure that the old pairing data is completely erased.

In addition, you can also delete information about other paired devices, such as Macs, PCs, or smartphones that may interfere with the normal operation of DualSense. This simple "hard reset" option will make it easy to start over if you're not sure why your controller can't make wireless pairing.

Hard Reset PlayStation 4 Controller

To factory reset your DualSense controller, you'll need a paperclip, toothpick, sim stick or similar item. The operation is very simple: You just need to poke a small hole in the bottom of the handle to return it to its default setting.

First, turn off the PlayStation 5 system completely and disconnect the DualSense controller.

On the back of the handle, near the L2 shoulder button, you'll see a small hole. This is the hard reset hole of the controller.

Use the tip of the toothpick or stick that you prepared above and gently poke this hole (in the illustration below). You will have to hold the tip of the stick in the hole for about 5 seconds.

Your DualSense controller is now restored to its original settings, and ready to pair with your PS5 system again.

To do the pairing, plug the controller into the USB port on the console, then turn on the system.

When the PS5 system turns on, press the PS button on the controller and wait for the pairing to be established.

Once the connection between the controller and the console system is successfully established, you can use the controller as usual.

This guide applies to both the standard DualSense controller that ships with the PlayStation 5, and also Sony's new $200 version of DualSense Edge.

David Pac

Update 18 February 2023