How to Reset a PS5 Controller (and When You Should)

Sometimes a hard reset is needed to fix long-standing issues with your DualSense controller. Here's how you can do that.

The DualSense controller, like any other piece of hardware, is prone to having issues. But luckily, Sony made it so that you can easily reset it for troubleshooting purposes. When you do this, your PlayStation 5 controller will return to its factory default settings, which is a well-known tech trick for fixing temporary firmware problems.

We’re going to explain how and when you should reset your PS5 controller.

To reset the DualSense, you’ll need to press its reset button (this is known as a hard reset). You can reach it by pushing a paper clip, toothpick, or any pointy and thin object into the hole at the back of the controller for five seconds. If the DualSense is on, it will turn off once it has reset.

Now go ahead and switch the DualSense back on again by pressing the PS button. If you find that your controller is unable to sync with the PS5, plug it into the console with a USB-C cable and that should sync it again.

There are several scenarios where resetting your PS5 controller makes perfect sense. We'll tell you two of the biggest ones.

The first one is if you’re experiencing pairing issues with Bluetooth pairing. This can happen when trying to connect the DualSense to your console or connect the PS5 controller to a PC or mobile device. A reset can fix the glitch that's causing the problem with wireless connectivity.

For minor issues, such as input lag, you can simply turn the controller off and then back on again without needing to press the reset button. This is known as a soft reset.

The second one is when you’re trying to fix PS5 controller drift. This is when your DualSense's analog sticks register movement when you’re not pushing them. If it is due to a calibration issue, a reset will clear that right up.

Resetting a PS5 controller is easy. All you have to do is press the reset button at the back to return it to its default settings. You can do it whenever you experience issues, but you should definitely do it when your controller has pairing issues or is drifting.

Chifundo is a writer for MakeUseOf. He initially studied banking but discovered a passion for writing and became a freelance writer on Upwork in 2017. He has written articles, blogs, essays and web content for dozens of clients. Chifundo loves that writing allows him to learn and explore different topics and turn them into engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps people. In his spare time, he designs and codes websites and makes video games.