Trying to turn off your PS4 controller but unsure of the correct method? Discover different ways to power down your controller, whether using the PS button, console menu, or automatic sleep mode.
Turning Off a PS4 Controller Using the PS Button
The PS button is the quickest way to turn off your PS4 controller. Here’s how to do it: press and hold the PS button for about 10 seconds. During this time, the controller’s light will remain on, but don’t worry—that’s normal. After 10 seconds, the light will shut off completely, indicating that the controller is now powered down.
This method is fast and doesn’t require navigating through the console menus. It’s perfect for when you want to turn off your controller effortlessly after finishing a gaming session.
Turning Off the Controller via the Console Menu
You can also turn off your PS4 controller directly from the console’s menu. This is especially useful if you have multiple controllers connected and want to disconnect a specific one. Follow these steps:
- Press the PS button on your controller to open the main menu.
- Go to Settings and look for the Devices option.
- In the Devices menu, select Bluethooth Devices. Here, you will see a list of all connected devices.
- Find your controller in the list and select it.
- Finally, choose the option to disconnect it.
That’s it! Your controller is now turned off. While this method takes slightly longer than using the PS button, it can be useful when managing multiple controllers.
Enabling Auto Sleep Mode for the PS4 Controller
The PS4 controller features an automatic sleep mode that makes things easier. By default, it turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity. This means that if you forget to switch it off after playing a game or watching a movie, it will shut down on its own. It’s a handy feature that helps conserve battery life and reduces the need for frequent charging.
This function is enabled automatically, so you don’t need to configure anything. Whether you get distracted or leave the room without turning off your controller, it will take care of itself. If you want to adjust this timeout or check the settings, you can do so under the power-saving options in your console settings. However, for most users, the default 10-minute setting works just fine.
While auto sleep mode is a great way to conserve battery life, it’s not the only trick to extending your controller’s lifespan. Let’s explore additional tips to maximize battery performance and enhance your gaming sessions.
Tips to Extend Your PS4 Controller's Battery Life
Your PS4 controller has several features that, while useful, consume a significant amount of battery power. The good news is that there are simple ways to extend its battery life. By disabling certain options like vibration and adjusting the LED bar brightness, you can get more playtime out of each charge.
Disabling Vibration
While controller vibration enhances immersion in games, it also drains the battery faster. If you want to conserve power, turning it off is a good option.
To disable vibration:
- Go to Settings on your PS4.
- Navigate to Devices, then select Controllers.
- Look for the option labeled Enable Vibration.
- Uncheck it to disable vibrations.
This small adjustment can make a noticeable difference if you want to extend your playtime between charges. And if you ever change your mind, you can easily re-enable vibration by following the same steps.
Reducing the Light Bar Brightness
The light bar on the PS4 controller, while stylish and functional in some games, can consume a fair amount of battery. If you want to extend your controller’s battery life, reducing its brightness is a simple and effective solution.
To lower the light bar brightness:
- Press and hold the PS button to open the quick menu.
- Go to Adjust Devices.
- Select Brightness of DUALSHOCK 4 Light Bar.
- You will see three brightness levels: Bright, Medium, and Dim. Select Dim to save the most battery.
This quick setting change takes only a few seconds but can significantly extend your controller’s battery life. And don’t worry—you can always increase the brightness again if needed.
