How to Reset a PS5 Controller When It Misbehaves

PS5 HardwareBy Callum Reid · Nov 13, 2026Fact-checked by Harriet Vance

Every DualSense has a reset button hidden in a pinhole next to the Sony logo on the back. Sony’s troubleshooting steps recommend holding the button for at least five seconds with a paperclip when you have pairing, connection or button problems. Below are Sony’s exact steps for the DualSense and the DualSense Edge, how to re-pair on a PS5, PC, Mac or phone, and what to try when a reset doesn’t help.

How to reset a PS5 controller (quick answer)

To hard reset a PS5 controller, turn off the console, unplug the controller, press the button inside the small hole on the back for at least 5 seconds, then reconnect it with a USB cable and press the PS button. Sony’s US support page lists the steps in this order, and the whole thing takes under two minutes.

What you need:

• A thin, rigid pin: an unbent paperclip or a SIM-eject tool.
• A data-capable USB-C cable, such as the one that came with the console or controller.
• Your PS5, or a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC if you only want to update firmware.

These steps are the same on the launch PlayStation 5, the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Pro, because the reset lives in the controller rather than the console.

Soft reset vs hard reset: which one you need

Start with a soft reset: turn the controller off, restart the console and reconnect. Use the pinhole hard reset only if the problem comes back. If the controller simply won’t connect to one device, re-pairing is often all you need.

Soft reset (try this first)

A soft reset is just a clean restart of the controller and console. Press the PS button to open the Control Center, select Accessories, choose your controller and select Turn Off. If the screen won’t respond, hold the PS button for about 10 seconds until the light bar goes dark. Then restart the PS5 from the Control Center’s power menu and press the PS button to wake the controller.

This clears most bugs that only last one session, and it costs you nothing. Expected result: the light bar blinks, then turns solid in your player color, and one player-indicator light comes on.

Hard reset with the pinhole button

The hard reset restarts the controller’s internal firmware state. Use it when a soft reset hasn’t fixed the problem, when the controller won’t pair at all, or when the same fault keeps coming back. Sony’s DualSense troubleshooting page puts it first on the list of fixes.

What a reset deletes and what it keeps

Sony’s controller support pages say the reset “won’t reconfigure the controller or affect pairing and profile settings.” Third-party guides disagree. Asurion and How-To Geek both describe the reset as clearing the old pairing data, and How-To Geek recommends it before moving a controller to a different PS5.

Here is what is clear. Sony’s own steps end with plugging the controller in by USB and pressing the PS button, which re-registers it no matter what the reset did to the pairing. So reconnect by cable every time and both versions of the story end in the same place. Asurion also confirms that a controller reset doesn’t touch saved game data on the console. Your saves, trophies and installed games are safe.

Step-by-step: hard reset a DualSense on PS5

Doing a hard reset properly comes down to three details: the console must be fully off, you must hold the button long enough, and you must reconnect with a cable that carries data.

1. Turn off the PS5. Open the Control Center, select Power, then Turn Off PS5. Wait until the console’s light goes out. Rest Mode is not enough, because the console stays partly awake.
2. Unplug the controller. Take the USB-C cable out of the controller.
3. Find the pinhole. Flip the controller over. The hole sits just beside the small Sony logo near the top edge.
4. Hold the button for at least 5 seconds. Push the pin in until you feel a soft click, then count to five or a bit longer. The light bar may stay off the whole time. That’s normal.
5. Reconnect by USB. Plug the controller into the PS5 with a data-capable USB-C cable.
6. Power on and press the PS button. The light bar should pulse, then turn solid, and a player light should come on. You can unplug the cable and play wirelessly.

Where is the reset button on a PS5 controller?

The reset button sits inside a small round hole on the back of the DualSense, right next to the Sony logo, between the two triggers. It’s recessed so you can’t press it by accident, which is why you need a pin. On the DualSense Edge it’s also on the back of the controller.

Reconnecting after the reset

Use the cable that came with your console or controller, or any USB-C cable you know carries data. Plenty of cheap cables only charge, and with one of those the controller lights up but never pairs. Any working USB port on the PS5 is fine. If the front port does nothing, try a rear one, because a loose or worn port can look like a controller fault.

If pressing the PS button does nothing after the reset, leave the controller plugged in to the console for 15 to 30 minutes. A completely flat battery has to recover some charge before the controller responds. If it still shows no light after that, go to the troubleshooting section below.

How to reset a DualSense Edge

The DualSense Edge resets the same way as the standard DualSense: turn off the PS5, unplug the cable, press the button on the back with a pin, then reconnect by USB and press the PS button. Sony’s Edge troubleshooting page also says to update both the console system software and the Edge’s device software before or after a reset.

Edge profiles after a reset

Sony says the reset doesn’t affect profile settings, so your custom profiles, back-button assignments and Fn shortcuts should still be there. To check them, go to Settings > Accessories > DualSense Edge Wireless Controller > Custom Profiles. If a profile looks wrong, edit it there. There’s no need to reset again.

Fixing Edge drift with the stick module

On the Edge, a drifting stick is a parts problem with a quick fix. The DualSense Edge Stick Module is a replaceable unit listed at $19.99 at Target, and a Best Buy Q&A answer says it carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Swapping it takes a few minutes using the release latch and lever described in the Edge’s manual. You don’t need any tools or soldering.

Reset first if the drift appeared suddenly after an update or after pairing with a PC. If the drift builds up slowly, or a reset only helps for a day, swap the module.

Reset and re-pair a PS5 controller on PC, Mac or phone

You can’t press a reset “on” a PC. The pinhole reset is done on the controller itself, then you re-pair it. On a computer or phone, pairing is done in Bluetooth pairing mode: with the controller off, hold the Create button and then the PS button until the light bar blinks.

Resetting your PS5 controller on PC

1. Unplug any USB cable from the controller. Sony’s Bluetooth page says to do this first, because a cable can stop the controller from entering pairing mode.
2. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find “Wireless Controller”, and choose Remove device. On Windows 10, the same entry is under Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
3. Press the pinhole button for at least 5 seconds.
4. With the player indicator off, hold Create, then hold the PS button until the light bar blinks.
5. In Windows, select Add device > Bluetooth and choose “Wireless Controller.”

Expected result: the light bar blinks, then the player indicator lights up. For a wired setup and the Steam settings that go with it, see the full process to connect a PS5 controller to a PC.

Updating DualSense firmware without a PS5

Sony’s Firmware Updater for DualSense wireless controller has been available since April 2022 and is still the official route on PC. According to TechRadar’s coverage of its release, it runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11, needs about 10 MB of storage, updates over a USB cable only and handles one controller at a time. Install it, plug in the controller, and follow the prompts. Don’t unplug the cable until it confirms the update is finished.

Mac and mobile limitations

On macOS, remove the old pairing under System Settings > Bluetooth (select the info icon next to the controller, then Forget This Device), then pair again with Create + PS. Sony’s Bluetooth page says haptic feedback, the built-in mic and the speaker don’t work when the DualSense is connected to a Mac or a mobile device. That applies to PS Remote Play on a phone too. There’s no Mac version of the firmware updater, so Mac owners need a PS5 or a Windows PC to update.

Multi-device pairing slots after a reset

Since the PS5 system update that began rolling out on September 17, 2025, a DualSense or DualSense Edge can remember up to four devices, and each one gets its own slot. To switch, hold the PS button together with that slot’s action button for about 3 seconds. The number of player-indicator lights tells you which slot is active.

This is how you get the controller back to your PS5 after pairing it to a PC. Hold PS plus the PS5’s slot button, and the controller reconnects to the console without any reset.

If one device stops connecting after a reset, rebuild only that slot. Switch to the slot with PS plus its action button, put the controller into pairing mode with Create + PS, and pair the device again. On the PS5, plugging in by USB and pressing the PS button re-registers the console. Leave the other slots alone if they still work.

Does resetting fix PS5 stick drift?

Only when the drift is caused by software. Asurion’s drift guide says a reset can clear software or connection-related drift, but if a part inside the stick is worn or damaged, no reset will fix it. If you reset your controller and the stick still drifts, it’s almost certainly a hardware fault.

How to tell if your drift is software or hardware

Run this 60-second test:

1. Hard reset the controller and update its firmware.
2. Put it flat on a table, hands off.
3. Open a game with a free camera, or on PC open “Set up USB game controllers” in Windows or the controller test in Steam Input.
4. Watch for 60 seconds.

If nothing moves, the reset fixed it, so it was software. If the camera or crosshair creeps the same way every time, the stick is physically worn. The same drift on a PS5 and on a PC confirms it, because the two run completely different software.

Can you recalibrate a PS5 controller?

The PS5 has no stick calibration menu, so “recalibrating” isn’t something you can do on the console. What helps instead:

• In-game deadzone settings. Many shooters and sports games let you raise the stick deadzone. A small increase hides minor drift at the cost of a little precision.
• Steam Input on PC. It lets you set deadzones per game and shows live stick input.
• The Windows game-controller test. It’s a quick check to show whether the stick returns to center.

On the “did fix #3 actually work for anyone or is it placebo” question that comes up in forums: a higher deadzone really does hide drift, but the worn part is still worn. Expect the drift to grow until the deadzone has to be so high the game feels sluggish.

Cleaning without making it worse

Is compressed air safe, or will it make drift worse? Short, gentle bursts around the base of the stick, with the can held upright, are a common first step. Tilting the can can spray liquid propellant into the controller, so keep it upright. Don’t push the stick hard into its gate, and never drip liquid into it. If cleaning hasn’t helped after one careful attempt, stop and go to repair options rather than opening the shell.

Reset didn’t work? Troubleshooting by symptom

If the hard reset didn’t fix the problem, match the symptom below. Work from the cheapest fix to the most expensive: soft reset, then a different cable or port, then a firmware update, then the hard reset, then cleaning, then a part or repair.

PS5 controller not connecting

If your controller only works plugged in and won’t connect wirelessly after a reset, check the console first. SlashGear reported that the September 2026 update (26.06-14.00.00) added a “Turn Off Bluetooth” option in some regions, meant for esports venues with many controllers nearby. With it on, wireless controllers can’t connect, the PS5 can’t enter Rest Mode and HDMI Device Link doesn’t work. Turn it back off and pair again by USB.

If the controller was last used with a PC or phone, it may simply be on a different multi-device slot. Hold PS with the PS5’s slot button for about 3 seconds.

PS5 controller buttons not working

If some buttons don’t respond but the sticks work, do a soft reset, then test the buttons in a second game. A button that fails everywhere after a hard reset is a hardware fault, usually worn contacts or debris under the button. Sony’s troubleshooting page sends you to PlayStation Repairs from this point.

Hard reset not working

If the hard reset isn’t working and the light bar won’t even turn on, the battery is probably too flat. Charge the controller on the fully powered-on console for at least 30 minutes, using a different cable if possible. Then press the pinhole button again for a full 5 seconds or more with the console off. A reset with no visible result, followed by a working USB + PS button reconnect, counts as a success. If the light bar never appears on any cable or port, the controller needs a repair.

Update your PS5 and controller firmware

Sony’s troubleshooting pages say to keep both the console and the controller up to date. As of November 14, 2026, the latest PS5 system software is 26.07-14.22.00. PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square reported it rolling out around November 1 to 2, 2026, with patch notes listing only security fixes. It followed 26.06-14.10.00 from October 2, 2026, which Insider Gaming logged as a security and stability release.

• Console: Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software.
• Controller on PS5: Plug in the controller. The PS5 usually prompts you when a controller update is available. You can also check under Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Device Software.
• Controller on PC: Use Sony’s Firmware Updater for DualSense on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.

Keep the cable connected for the whole controller update. Pulling it partway through is one of the few ways to leave a controller unresponsive.

Repair, warranty and replacement options

When resets, updates and cleaning have all failed, the fault is in the hardware. PlayStation Repairs, run by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has an online diagnostic that checks your symptoms and warranty status and offers a repair or replacement. Physical drift, a broken adaptive-trigger motor and a battery that no longer holds charge are all problems no reset can fix.

Will opening your controller void the warranty? Opening the shell yourself can void it, and parts like ribbon cables tear easily. If the controller is still under warranty, use PlayStation Repairs before you pick up a screwdriver. On a DualSense Edge, the $19.99 stick module is designed to be swapped by you, so replacing it is the sanctioned DIY fix.

Before you get a repair, spend two minutes on the 60-second drift test or the symptom table. If the fault shows up on two devices after a fresh firmware update, you know it’s hardware, and you can go straight to PlayStation Repairs with a clear description of the problem.

FAQ

Does the PS5 controller have a reset button?

Yes. Every DualSense and DualSense Edge has a recessed reset button inside a small hole on the back. You press it with a pin.

Where is the reset button on a PS5 controller?

It’s in the small hole next to the Sony logo on the back of the controller, between the triggers.

How do I factory reset my PS5 controller?

The pinhole hard reset is as close to a factory reset as the DualSense gets. Turn off the PS5, unplug the cable, hold the button for at least 5 seconds, then reconnect by USB and press the PS button.

How long do you hold the reset button on a PS5 controller?

At least 5 seconds, per Sony. Holding it longer is harmless.

Does resetting a PS5 controller fix stick drift?

Only if the drift is caused by software. If the stick still drifts after a reset and a firmware update, the part is worn and needs a repair or, on the Edge, a new stick module.

How do you recalibrate a PS5 controller?

The PS5 has no calibration menu. Raise the deadzone in game settings, or use Steam Input on a PC to adjust and test the sticks.

Does resetting a PS5 controller delete pairing or settings?

Sony says no: pairing and profile settings are kept. Some third-party guides say pairing is cleared. Reconnecting by USB with the PS button covers both cases. Saved game data on the console is never affected.

How do I reset my PS5 controller without a PS5 or on PC?

Press the pinhole button for 5 seconds, remove the old “Wireless Controller” entry in Windows Bluetooth settings, then pair again with Create + PS. Use Sony’s Windows Firmware Updater to update it over USB.

How do I reset a PS5 controller’s Bluetooth?

Remove the controller from the device’s Bluetooth list, unplug any cable, then hold Create and the PS button until the light bar blinks, and pair again.

Why is my PS5 controller not connecting after a reset?

The usual causes are a charge-only cable, a flat battery, the controller sitting on a different multi-device slot, or the PS5’s “Turn Off Bluetooth” option being on. Check them in that order.