It must be annoying to discover that your PS4 controller flashing white light, and you can’t do much about that. But don’t be upset! There’re workarounds to fix the PlayStation 4 controller blinking white issue.

Try these fixes

You don’t need to try them all; just work your way down until your problem is solved.

  1. Check the hardware to troubleshoot the issue
  2. Reset your PS4 controller
  3. Update your controller driver on your PC
  4. Start PS4 from safe mode
  5. Try this quick trick to fix PS4 flashing white

Why is my PS4 controller flashing white?

The PS4 controller flashing white issue is generally caused by two reasons. One is because of the low battery, and that means that you need to charge your PS4 controller to make it back on track. The other reason is that your controller is trying to connect to your PlayStation 4, but failed due to unknown factor(s). But don’t worry, you can try the methods below to solve the flashing white light on your PS4 controller.

Method 1: Check hardware to troubleshoot the issue

Sometimes this problem happens due to the hardware issues, such as your PS4 cable loses, or there is something wrong with the PS4 controller. If there is something wrong with the cables or the controller, your PS4 would simply fail to charge or connect, and that’s why the problem occurs with the hardware faulty issues. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Use another USB cable

If you have checked your USB cable is plugged correctly and it doesn’t lose when connecting, you can try another USB cable to see.

1) First of all, you may need another PS4 USB cable that works properly, and you can grab one with suitable price and good reviews, like this USB cable on Amazon.

2) Plug the cable into your PS4 and the controller correctly.

3) Turn on your PS4 and controller to see if it works.

If it works normally, it seems to be your cable’s issue. If it doesn’t, it can be a problem of your controller or your PS4 software. Stick around with the following methods.

Step 2: Try another controller

If you have checked the USB cable and find no problem with the cable, you can try another PS4 controller (if possible) to see if it’s due to the controller hardware problem.

1) Use another PS4 controller to turn on your PS4.

2) Shut down your PS4 completely.

3) Unplug your PS4 cable from your PS4, and wait for 3 minutes.

4) Re-plug your PS4 cable to your PS4 correctly.

5) Plug another connector to your PS4 controller that occurs the problem.

6) Turn on your PS4 now and see if it works properly,

Method 2: Reset PS4 controller 

Many PS4 problems can be solved by resetting PS4 controller, such as PS4 blinking white light, PS4 Bluetooth issue, PS4 not syncing or connecting. Follow these instructions:

1) Turn off your PlayStation 4.

2) Locate the reset button, and it’s on the back of your controller near the L2 shoulder button.

3) Use a small and unfolded paper-clip or something like that to push the button and hold it down for a few seconds, and then release it.

4) After resetting the controller, re-pair the controller with the PS4 by connecting the USB cable correctly, and turn the PS4 on.

5) Press the PS button to log in to the PS4.

Your controller should connect to your PC4 console and start to work.

Method 3: Update your controller driver on your PC 

If your device driver on your computer is missing or outdated, that will cause problems when using your PS4 controller. You can try to update your PS4’s driver on your PC to fix it.

First of all, you will need to uninstall the device and driver on your computer, and then reinstall the device and driver to have a complete update.

Note: The screenshots below are captured on a Windows 11 system, but the fixes apply to Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Step 1: Uninstall the PS4 device and driver on your Windows

1) On your keyboard, press Windows logo key + R at the same time to invoke the Run box.

2) Type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter on your keyboard. 

3) Right click your device, and click Uninstall device.

4) Check the box next to Delete the driver software for this device, and click Uninstall (If you are using Windows 7 & 8, click OK).

5) Unplug the device from your computer, and restart your computer.

Step 2: Reinstall the PS4 device and driver on your Windows

1) After restarting your PC, re-plug your PS4 into your PC, then your computer will detect it and install the device for you.

2) You will need to install a proper driver for your device. There are two options to install the device driver in your computer.

Tips: Since you are using it to play PS4 games, it’s recommended to install a dedicated driver to improve your experience.

Option 1 – Manually: You can go to the manufacturer’s website and find the proper driver for your device, and install it in your computer. This may require time and computer skills.

Option 2 – Automatically (recommended): If you don’t have time or skills, you can try Driver Easy to download and install the correct drivers for you.

Driver Easy will detect the drivers condition in your computer, and install the correct drivers for your PC. More importantly, with Driver Easy, you don’t need to struggle figuring out the Operating System, and you don’t need to worry about making mistakes while processing. That will tremendously save your time and patience.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or Pro version of Driver Easy. It only takes 2 simple clicks with the Pro version (and you will get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee).

1) Download and install Driver Easy.

2) Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Then Driver Easy will scan your computer and detect any problem drivers

3) Click the Update button next to the driver name to download and install the correct driver (you can do that with the FREE version).

Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the problem drivers (you can do that with Pro version, and you will be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).

4) Restart your PC and try to connect your PS4 again to see if it works.

Method 4: Start PS4 from safe mode

Many PS4 users find it very useful to solve the problem by start the PS4 from Safe Mode. Safe Mode allows you to start the system with only the most basic functions. The Safe Mode menu options may help you correct issues and allow your PlayStation 4 to start normally.

Note: All data and settings will be lost by performing this step. Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 as if it just came out of the box. Remember to save your data before using this option.

Start Safe Mode to rebuild database

This solution can help you scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.

1) Press the Power button on the front panel to turn off your PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.

2) After turning off your PS4, press and hold the Power button, then release it after you hear two beeps: one when you press at first, and the other in seven seconds later.

3) Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable, then press the PS button on the controller.

4) You will enter the Safe Mode and see 8 options. Select 5. Rebuild Database. Then wait for it to complete.

Information
1. Restart System: Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS4 normally.
2. Change Resolution: Changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PS4 is restarted.
3. Update System Software: Allows the PS4 to update the system software by the Internet, USB Drive, or Disc.
4. Restore Default Settings: Reset the PS4 to the default factory settings.
5. Rebuild Database: Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
6. Initialise PS4: Erases all user settings and data, and restore console to default settings.
7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) : Wipes the entire content of the hard drive, including the system software.
8. Set HDCCP Mode: If your PS4 Pro is connected to a 4K TV that doesn’t support HDCP 2.2 (please refer to your TV manual) it may not be able to display image when playing 4K games or 4K video streaming. In order to see image you need to choose this setting and select [2. HDCP 1.40 Only] on the next screen

5) Try to use your PS4 again to see if it works.

Start Safe Mode to update system software

This solution allows the PlayStation 4 to update the system software via Internet, USB Drive, or Disc, so that the problem in your system can be fixed.

1) Press the Power button on the front panel to turn off your PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.

2) After turning off your PS4, press and hold the Power button, then release it after you hear two beeps: one when you press at first, and the other in seven seconds later.

3) Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable, then press the PS button on the controller.

4) You will enter the Safe Mode and see 8 options. Select 3. Update System Software. Then wait for it to complete.

5) Try to use your PS4 again to see if it works.

Method 5: Try this quick trick to fix PS4 flashing white

If your problem still persists, you may try this trick which works for many users who have the same problem. This will reset all connections of the controller and searches for a new one. 

1) Press and hold the PS button and Share button at the same time.

2) Wait for a few seconds until your PS4 is turned on.

3) Try to use your PS4 to see if it works now.

These are the easy methods to solve PS4 controller flashing white. Which method helps? If your problem still persists, feel free to comment below and we will see what more we can do to help.

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