Sony’s Playstation 5 is still selling out rapidly when it is actually in stock. In the interim, the PS4 is aging, even if the console and accessories are still being made and sold. But as the PS4 controller ages, it just doesn’t last as long as it used to. Or maybe it’s stopped working altogether.
There’s a lot you can do to make the console itself work better in the meantime. But a brand new controller isn’t an affordable fix. Especially when you’re trying to save that money for the next-generation console, accessories, and games.
Well, that’s just the problem this guide looks to help you solve. Specifically, by showing you how you can easily replace the battery in your PS4 DualShock 4 controller.
Some pre-start notes about replacing your PS4 DualShock Battery
Now, before getting started, there are a couple of points worth noting. First, there are two separate controller generations, so although learning how to replace your PS4 DualShock 4 battery will be the same across the board, the battery you buy to replace it won’t. The second generation of controllers shipped with the PS4 Pro and Slim models. But you’ll need a different battery than that for the first-gen if you’re buying for the second-gen controller.
The pricing is about the same on both batteries, as of this writing. And much less expensive than a new controller at just under $14.
Otherwise, it’s worth noting that although both controllers are effectively the same when it comes to this repair, you should undertake the repair at your own risk, as with many how-to’s. Taking a controller apart will almost certainly void your warranty if you still have one. And there are small pieces in the controllers, even for such a simple repair, that can be lost. Rendering the controller non-functional — or at the very least less functional.
Conversely, you’ll need to be careful about handling connectors, cables, and other internal components. It’s best to find a clean space while working, so it’s easier to keep an eye out for pieces that might come loose. And so that it’s easier to not get too distracted or accidentally bump something while you’re working.
Here’s how you can replace the component
Taking apart the PS4 DualShock controller is relatively straightforward and learning how to replace the battery in one is among the easiest repairs. So, provided you have the appropriate tools, the process doesn’t take too long. Before starting, you’ll need a plastic pry tool such as the one pictured in our sample images, a small screwdriver — we used a number 2 Phillips from an electronics repair kit — and a pair of electronics tweezers. Straight tweezers will work better than curved ones for this repair.
- To start with, you’ll need to use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove each of the four screws at the back of your PS4 DualShock controller. Place those aside carefully in a safe place where they won’t get lost. You might use the cap to a soda or water bottle, for example
- Next, using a plastic pry tool and starting at the controller handle, squeeze the end of the tool in between the frame of the controller
- Work the pry tool across the bottom of the controller first, pressing in the plastic connectors to release them from the front of the controller
- Next, you’ll slide the pry tool around the top of the controller, being careful not to push the tool in too far. There’s a ribbon cable holding the front and back pieces together and it’s easily damaged
- Once the front and back of the controller are separated, fold the back half of the controller down to reveal the ribbon cable powering the LED light panel
- Using your fingers and holding as close to the connector as possible, carefully pull the ribbon cable free from its connector. You’ll need to pay attention to which side of the controller the printing on the cable faces. That way can put it back in place correctly later on
- On the opposite side of the controller’s board, you’ll see two wires running to another connector. That ends in a box-style connector. Use the straight pair of tweezers to lift the cable carefully from its connector. The battery is now ready to be removed
- The battery will be held in with a small amount of adhesive tape. That is easily overcome with some pressure while lifting the battery out
- Put the new battery in place, aligning with the cable connectors on each side
- Reconnect the battery’s power cable into its connector. You should also put back any other pieces that may have come loose before the next step. Trigger springs are commonly knocked loose during this repair, for example
- Carefully reconnect the ribbon cable back into its place — paying attention, as noted above, to its orientation
- Carefully realign the front and back of the controller, clicking them back together. They will still be slightly loose but will come together more firmly in the next step
- Reattach the four screws in the back panel
