PS4 Controller Won’t Connect In Safe Mode: How to Fix it?

PS4 controllers are built to work through wired or wireless connections. Unfortunately, some PS4 users have trouble connecting their PS4 controllers, especially when the PS4 is in safe mode.

So, Why won’t your PS4 controller connect to PS4 in safe mode? How to fix a PS4 controller that won’t connect in safe mode? How to solve this problem?

Don’t worry, I will guide you and help you fix your PS4’s connection issues in safe mode. But first, you must understand what happens to PS4 while in a safe mode.

PS4 Safe Mode Status:

The safe mode allows your PS4 to undergo a diagnostic mode boot option onset instead of a regular operating mode. Since this mode is mainly used to detect and fix problems, the system will intentionally restrict some functionalities to properly isolate the problem to determine the causes of why your PS4 is acting up.

While in this mode, you can only access your PS4’s basic functionality as it determines why your PS4’s system crashed or is having trouble with the new software update or the installation processes.

Generally, your PS4 controller must connect and work while in this mode. But what if it won’t? What will you do?

How to Fix a PS4 Controller that won’t connect to PS4 in Safe Mode?

To be straight, this issue usually occurs if the USB cable or USB port is faulty, loose, or broken.

Step 1. Isolate the problem.

The first thing you should do before you jump into its possible fixes is to determine whether or not your PS4 controller works with the console before the safe mode process.

If it is a working PS4 controller, you must check the USB cable and USB port and see if they are loose or faulty.

Step 2. Check the USB cable connected to your PS4 controller.

Double-check the USB cable that connects your PS4 controller to your PS4 console. Ensure that there is no loose connection.

Disconnect the USB cable from your controller and console for 15 seconds and reconnect it. Wait 15 to 30 seconds to see if your PS4 controller will work while the console is in safe mode.

Step 3. Check the USB Port.

Your PS4 console has 2 USB ports. Gently unplug the USB cord from your PS4 console, and try connecting the USB cord to the other USB port. Or, if you have PS4 accessories for an extra USB port, you can also try connecting the USB cord to the working external USB port.

Step 4. Change the USB cable.

In rare cases, you need to change the USB cable, even though the USB cable and your PS4 controller worked perfectly in normal mode (before the safe mode). Try changing the USB cable to isolate the problem correctly.

Usually, this part will fix the issue. But if it won’t, we may need to go the extra mile to get your PS4 controller working while your PS4 console is in safe mode.

Step 5. Get an extra data cable.

Remember that your PS4 controller needs a data cable to work. So, the USB cable you use must be a functional data cable. If not, get one and connect it to the PS4 console; it will do the trick!

Take note: You need a data cable, meaning a regular USB cable will not work. The USB cable must be able to transfer data to sync your controller and your console. So, it would help if you didn’t use a regular recharging USB cord.

Step 6. Use another PS4 controller.

If your PS4 controller doesn’t connect to your PS4 console while in safe mode after doing the above steps, the problem might not be the USB cable or the port, it might be your PS4 controller itself.

Try using another PS4 controller and see if it will work. Suppose your PS4 controller will still not connect to your PS4 console in safe mode; call customer service and see if it is a known issue. Always take your chances before having your PS4 controller replaced.

In worst-case scenarios, visit the nearest service center to have your PS4 controller, and PS4 console checked.

Alternative Take: Connecting Your PS4 Controller to Your PS4 Console Wirelessly

If you are experiencing PS4 controller connection issues while in safe mode, it is often the bad USB cables that are to be blamed. Thus once your devices work, you may connect your PS4 controller wirelessly to avoid technical issues like this.

Just follow the simple steps below to connect your PS4 controller to your PS4 console wirelessly quickly.

• Step 1. Turn on your PS4. Press your PS4’s power button and wait for it to load completely.
• Step 2. Go to Settings.
• Step 3. Select Devices
• Step 4. Select Bluetooth Devices
• Step 5. Press the Share and the PS button on your controller simultaneously.
• Step 6. Check if your PS4 console detects your controller wirelessly. You should see your PS4 controller on your screen as one of the active Bluetooth devices that your PS4 console can connect.
• Step 7. Select your PS4 controller. After you select your PS4 controller, you should be able to use the PS4 controller without any issues.

Conclusion

There could be several reasons why your PS4 controller won’t connect to your PS4 in safe mode. But, you can quickly fix this if you have correctly isolated the problem. We hope this article helps you fix your issue.