PS4 Controller Yellow Light (Causes & Fixes)

Do you have a yellow light on your PS4 controller or a PS4 controller with a flashing yellow light?

Although some people describe this light as orange, and others may call it amber, the main thing that’s bugging you is that you can’t game! 

The official version is that a PS4 controller flashing yellow is entering rest mode or charging, and a solid yellow light means it’s settled solidly in rest mode. 

Holding down the PS button on a controller that’s already paired should get your controller out of rest mode. And, theoretically, that means you’re back in business. 

Well, that’s the official version. In practice, you’ll see many gamers complaining that they can’t get their controller to work and that the orange light persists no matter what they do.

So, apart from the “official” fix that doesn’t always work, what can you do? 

We got the answers directly from gamers, and some of them are getting the thumbs up, so they have to be worth a try. 

Most Common Fixes For Yellow Light on PS4 Controller That Work

Most PS4 yellow light issues are related to low, flat, or charging batteries. If you turn on the controller, the yellow light blinks, and the whole thing shuts down – that’s likely to be a sign of a completely flat battery. 

In most instances, plugging in your controller and giving it time to charge will resolve the issue. If it doesn’t, your charging cable may be suspect or it may not be making proper contact.

A less welcome reason for your controller failing to charge could be a defunct battery pack that won’t charge whatever you do. 

Lastly, we can’t overlook the possibility of a “freeze” or “glitch.” If you’re pretty sure your battery should be charged, try power cycling your PS4 (unplug everything and let it rest), then power up and reset your controller. 

Need a bit more detail? Let’s look at each of the possible fixes and include some variations we picked up on threads and forums along the way. 

1. PS4 Yellow Light: Do You Have Enough Charge?

Some gamers report that they can’t get their PS4 controller out of rest mode when it doesn’t have enough charge. So, the first tip (after trying the PS button) is to get your controller charged up.

However, there’s a chance that your battery pack has given up the ghost – bear in mind, this is a pretty old game controller by now. 

Try a few more fixes. If they fail, see if you can borrow a working controller and test it out. If it works fine, you either need to replace the controller or the battery pack. 

2. Try A Different Charging Cable, Don’t Try Charge in Sleep Mode, or Flip it Over When Charging

A ton of gamers are linking the yellow light on a PS4 controller to insufficient charge. One angle you shouldn’t overlook, especially if you think your controller should be charged, is the possibility that your charging cable might be faulty. 

OK, so that’s kind of obvious, but it bears mentioning. Try another cable and give it some time. You could be in luck. 

However, there are some variations on the theme. A frequent gamer reports that his controller only charges when it’s upside down.

We can only assume that in his case, that’s the position in which his cable makes proper contact. 

The same gamer says that his controller has stopped charging in sleep mode – something that it ought to do. Instead, the PS4 has to be on for his controller to charge.

Sounds iffy? Well, it’s old tech. Who can blame it for getting a bit temperamental?

3. This PS4 Restart Trick Gets the Thumbs Up on Reddit

Love it or hate it, Reddit is often the source of some pretty good info for gamers. You can always judge the value of the advice by the number of people reporting AHA moments in response. 

This tip is a restart, but one that follows a very specific recipe. Of course, you can try a standard restart too. It’s one of those less dramatic fixes that so often works. 

But in case you need your restart to have all the bells and whistles (plus Redditors’ approval) here’s the act you have to follow. 

• With your PS4 on, hold down the power button until it beeps twice. This should shut down your PS4. 
• Give it a few minutes to be sure it really is properly shut down. 
• Now, press and hold the power button again. As before, wait for the second beep. This should put you in Safe Mode. 
• Use a USB to connect your controller
• Select the option to restart your PS4. Keep that controller connected.
• Once your PS4 is on again, use the PS button to get back to normal.

Arcane though this ritual may sound, there are good reasons why it might work. The downtime while it’s off can help your PS4 to overcome any software glitches.

The USB connection means your controller has a better link to the console. Will it work? It certainly seems worth trying. 

4. PS4 Blinking White Turns to Orange: Reset the Controller, Power Cycle, or Try Both

It could be that your controller is frozen up for some reason and can’t return to normal. In that case, a reset could work the charm. 

Some users say that it didn’t work the first time, but after doing it several times, their controllers started working as normal.

If it worked for them, maybe it works for you!

• Disconnect your controller and any mobile devices that are linked
• Check out the underside of your controller and find the recessed reset button
• Press it with a sharp object and hold until you hear a “click”
• Connect using the USB cable
• Turn on your PS4

A variation on the theme of the controller reset – and yes, it has its share of supporters, so let’s check it out.

• Unplug your PS4 and give it a few minutes
• Power it up and plug in your controller
• Reset your controller as described above. 

This variation is a combo of the trusty power cycle and the controller reset – sounds like a good way to overcome some kind of glitch or software snarl-up.

There are definitely reasons why this may work. It may even work without the controller reset. 

5. PS4 Yellow Light While Actively Gaming

One last thing to consider is that there’s nothing wrong with your PS4 controller.

Some games use the lights on your controller to indicate which character or player number you’re playing in a game or to indicate in-game status.

In this case, your PS4 controller will be working just fine, and you don’t need to do anything to fix it. Happy days!

PS4: A Gaming Classic That’s Still Popular Today

If your PS4 is giving you trouble, you’ll be more than a bit frustrated. But take some time to remember that this baby was launched in 2013!

Unlike many other tech introductions that are here today and obsolete tomorrow, its sales actually peaked some years after its release. 

Today, even PS5 adherents will tell you that the PS4 offers great games and has enough supporters for new games to work on cross-gen launches. 

With so many supporters, you’ll find that the PS4 is well-known in most repair shops and components aren’t as scarce as you might expect.

We’re rooting for you, and we hope our compilation of fixes for that pesky yellow light on your PS4 controller worked out for you.

If not, repairs and replacements are pretty easy to get. See you in-game!