PS4 controller defective - what to do?

If your PS4 controller is defective, this can have several causes - you can fix a few yourself. We'll show you the options.

PS4 controller defective: repair at home or at Sony

• If only individual buttons are defective, the repair may possibly be carried out yourself. Opening the PS4 controller is comparatively easy and possible with a conventional Phillips screwdriver.
• If the controller is still under warranty, you should contact Sony customer service. If you have not caused the defect by force, you can get a new controller.
• If the battery is defective so that the controller only runs on the cable, you can replace the battery yourself. In the following practical tip you will find instructions on how to replace the battery on the PS4 controller. Opening the controller is also described there.
• In addition to the battery, you can also replace individual buttons. If the problem lies in the electronics, little is possible here. Spare parts can be found on Amazon as well as on Ebay.

PS4 controller defective: common causes

• Insert a ballpoint pen into the small hole on the back of the controller and hold it down for a few seconds. The controller will now reset and may come back to life.
• Some users report loose cable connections in the controller. Unscrew the device and check whether all cables are correctly connected.
• It may also be due to the console. Turn off the PlayStation 4 completely, disconnect all cables and then turn it on again.

Broken PS4 controller: Sell device

• A professional repair for PS4 controllers is hardly offered. Spare parts are usually only available for the battery and some buttons. Due to the new price of 60 euros, the price for a professional repair would often not be worth it.
• Fortunately, there are enough hobbyists who take on such problems. On websites like Ebay or Ebay classifieds you can also sell defective controllers for 20 to 30 euros. The more precisely you can describe the error, the better. A new used controller is available from 30 to 40 euros.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to extend the battery life of the PS4 controller.