To use your PS4 console with ease, you’ll have to pair it with DualShock controllers. Although they’re simple to set up and pair with your console, your DualShock controllers will flash various colors on their indicator light. Depending on the color, it will give you an idea of the state of the controller.
In this guide, we’ll go over the reasons for the PS4 controller Yellow Light of Death, where the DualShock controller will suddenly flash a yellow light. Some users have reportedly faced this problem during their gaming sessions. We’ll also discuss effective ways on fixing this controller issue.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Why is My PS4 Controller Blinking Yellow?
- Damaged USB Connector – If you’re using your DualShock controller with a USB connector, a yellow light will appear once the USB cable is damaged or not properly connected. Changing your damaged USB connector with a new one will solve this problem. This is also a fix for when your PS4 controller disconnects from your PC.
- Damaged Charging Cable – If your PS4 controller shows a yellow light while charging, the controller’s charging cable may have been damaged due to wear and tear. Try replacing it immediately and see if it solves the PS4 Controller Yellow Light issue.
- Faulty Internal Hardware – Your DualShock controller can sustain hardware problems over time. Whether it’s due to wear and tear or physical damage, the Yellow Light of Death can appear on your old or outdated controller.
Fixes for PS4 Controller Yellow Light Problem
Before going straight to the fixes, try to check if your controller is exclusively connected to your console. Yellow light can occur once it is connected to another Bluetooth device nearby. If you’re using a wired connection, it’s wise to check your controller’s cable connection and see if it’s connected properly.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to replace damaged or torn cables since they can cause the PS4 Controller Yellow Light issue. This includes both charging cables and USB connectors.
Once your controller is connected to your console and there’s no cable damage, yet a yellow light still flashes, try these fixes below. Remember to go over these fixes individually to see which one works for you.
Fix #1: Restart your PS4
Rebooting your PS4 can sometimes help solve the most common problems on your console. This resets all connections, including Bluetooth connections from your PS4 controller.
To restart your PS4 console, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the PS button on your console.
- From the screen, choose Power > Restart to reboot your PS4.
- After the reboot, connect your controller and see if a yellow light still shows.
Fix #2: Connect your PS4 Controller While the Console is Off
When your PS4 controller has problems connecting to your PS4 while it’s turned on, you can try connecting it before it boots up. This trick has a high chance of working, especially if your DualShock controller does not experience any hardware damage or cable issues.
To do this fix, follow the steps below:
- Turn your PS4 console off by pressing the Power button and unplug your console from the socket.
- Next, connect your PS4 controller to the console and press both the PS and Share buttons on the controller.
- Hold onto the buttons until the indicator light on your controller starts blinking.
- Turn on your console and press the PS button on your controller repeatedly and see if the light turns blue.
Fix #3: Reset your PS4 Controller
In case you didn’t know, your PS4 controller has a reset button for problems similar to the Yellow Light issue. This resets your controller to its factory state and forgets all existing connections.
To reset your PS4 controller, follow the steps below:
- With your PS4 controller turned off, flip it to its backside and find the reset button. You can find it near a screw on the top-right corner.
- Use a small pin or needle to push the button inside a small hole and hold it for five seconds.
- Next, turn the console on and connect your DualShock controller. See if the yellow light is gone.
Fix #4: Initialize your PS4
If you tried all fixes on this list, the last thing to try is to initialize your PS4 console. This is equivalent to a factory reset, where your console’s data, games, and apps are deleted permanently—including corrupted data, which may cause the Yellow Light issue on your controller.
Important: Since initializing your PS4 requires all app and user data to be deleted, it’s best to back up all crucial files now to avoid data loss.
To initialize your PS4, follow these steps:
- With your PS4 console turned off, press and hold the Power button for ten seconds until you hear a second beep. This will prompt your console to start in Safe Mode.
- From the options, select Initialize.
- Once the process is finished, try connecting your controller to the console and see if the yellow light still shows.
Is it fixed? Test it out by making the PS4 controller vibrate continuously.
Final Thoughts
Controllers on your PS4 console play an important role in various tasks. From gaming to navigating on your screen, DualShock controllers are crucial for an optimal gaming experience. However, it’s still possible to face problems with your controller, for instance, the PS4 Controller Yellow Light of Death.
Therefore, this guide will hopefully show you how you can fix your controller when it flashes a yellow light. When all fixes didn’t work for you, it’s best to have it replaced (for outdated DualShock controllers) or contact Sony’s Electronics Product Support for further help.