If you are a PlayStation 5 gamer, then you are probably already aware that the DualSense controller is a highly important part of your overall gaming experience. From its adaptive triggers to its advanced haptic feedback and the built-in microphone, all these components help enhance gameplay.
But to make the most of your gaming experience, there’s one factor that is often overlooked: the charging time of the PS5 controller. After all, the last thing you want is your controller dying on you while in the middle of your gaming.
By understanding how long it takes to charge the PS5 controller, you can make the most of your gaming experience and prevent interruptions.
Now there are several ways you can charge your PS5 controller owing to its lithium-ion battery setup. The common way is via connecting the console directly using a USB-C cable. However, you also have the option of the official Sony charging station, power adapters, and even third-party docks. Note that you will need to consider compatibility and that each method may have a different charging speed.
In this post, we take a look at the PS5 controller charging time as we also compare the different charging methods. Plus, some cool tips on how to ensure your DualSense battery is performing at its optimum.
Understanding PS5 Controller Battery and Charging Basics
The PS5 DualSense controller has an inbuilt lithium-ion battery which allows you to have a wireless gaming experience. But like everything else with a battery, there is a need for charging. And there are a couple of factors that one needs to consider to achieve optimal performance.
Factors That Influence Charging Time
1. Battery Size
The DualSense controller features a 1560 mAh battery capacity which in itself will allow you to enjoy your gaming for hours. On the flip side, this also means that a larger battery capacity will take longer on the time it takes to charge a PS5 controller.
2. Charging Source Power Output
Of course, the power source will also determine how fast you can charge your PS5 DualSense controller. A standard USB-C will offer 5V at 1.5 A, which translates to 7.5W, which will provide steady charging. A weak USB port will deliver a slower charge.
3. Quality of Charging Cables
Not all USB-C cables are created the same, and some are indeed better quality than others. The poor-quality ones will not provide sufficient charge, which will only prolong charging time. The good thing to do is to use the charging cable provided by Sony or go for a top-quality cable.
Average Charging Time for a PS5 Controller
Charging time for a PS5 controller is, on average, around 3 hours to fully charge. This is using the official DualSense Sony charging station or the standard USB-C connection. Of course, this is when you are not using the controller and it will take longer if you are gaming while charging. On a full charge, the PS5 DualSense controller typically lasts 8–12 hours, depending on usage, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features.
Different Methods of Charging a PS5 Controller
There are multiple ways through which you can charge your PS5 controller and the one you choose will influence the efficiency and speed at which you charge the controller. Many players will prefer the traditional USB-C method while others will go for a charging dock or a portable power station.
1. USB-C Cable vs Charging Dock
The common way to charge your PS5 controller is by connecting it to a USB-C cable connected to a power source. This method is quick and efficient and allows gamers to continue playing while they charge. That said, the quality of the cable is of paramount importance and some gamers may even be concerned about a third-party USB-C cable damaging their controller.
Cheap cables wear out faster and will not provide sufficient charge for your PS5 controller.
An alternative is to charge the PS5 controller using the DualSense charging dock. The dock is built with convenience in mind allowing gamers to charge two controllers simultaneously. There are a couple of advantages to using the Sony DualSense charging dock:
- There's no cable clutter allowing for an organized and neat charging setup
- The charging speed is consistent
- Since there is no need to plug and unplug there is no wear to the PS5 controller charging port
2. Charging via PS5 Console
You can also charge the PS5 controller using the console itself. By using the USB-C cable and connecting it to the console’s ports, you can charge the PS5 controller when the console is in rest mode and even while it is on.
Note that this is a reliable way of charging the PS5 controller but the console needs to either be in rest mode or powered on.
3. Portable Power Options
If you are a gamer looking for more flexibility, you may want to consider portable power options. These can help you charge your PS5 controller if you are not close to an inlet or during times you experience an outage.
While you can charge your PS5 controller with a power bank, you will get even more versatility with a portable power station such as the BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station. You can even set up an outdoor gaming station.
You can achieve uninterrupted gameplay with a good portable power station especially when you are doing a trip or whenever you find yourself away from a traditional power source. The BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station for instance has an 1152Wh capacity and with solar compatibility, you can be sure you’ll have enough charge to enjoy your gaming no matter your location.
How to Check the Controller’s Charging Status?
Regardless of which charging method you choose, you must know how to track the charging progress of your PS5 controller. Here’s how you can do that:
- On-screen battery indicator: whenever the PS5 controller is connected to a power source, go ahead and press the PS button and there will be a battery icon that will appear on the screen. When the icon is pulsing, this tells you that the controller is charging.
- Light Bar Indicator: The PS5 controller has a light bar that turns orange whenever the controller is connected to a power source. When the controller is fully charged, the orange light will turn off.
- Charging Dock LEDs: If you are connecting the PS5 controller to the charging dock, you’ll notice that there will be indicator lights that show when the controller is charging, and they’ll turn off when it's fully charged.
Maximizing Battery Life of a PS5 Controller
To maximize your gaming experience, it’s important to ensure that your Dualsense controller’s battery life is at its optimum. Granted one full charge can provide hours of uninterrupted gameplay. However, frequent charging with improper methods can lower battery life over time. Here are some best practices that gamers can use to extend the longevity of their PS5 controller battery.
1. Avoid Overcharging
Modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to cut off charging once they get to 100% charge. However, not unplugging and leaving it overnight could cause the battery to overheat which will degrade the battery and reduce battery life.
Thus:
- Make sure to unplug once the battery reaches 100%
- Remove the controller when using a charging dock when the indicator light turns off
- Enable PS5 console rest mode charging. To charge your controller in rest mode, ensure USB power settings are enabled in the PS5 system settings (Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports). This will allow the console to cut power off once the controller reaches 100% charging
2. Avoid Playing While Charging
It is possible to play while charging your PS5 controller. However, this is not recommended if you are looking to preserve battery health and life.
Simultaneous play and charging can cause the battery to overheat, which will degrade its life.
- Charge before you start gaming to help avoid interruptions
- Use a top-quality charging cable if you must play while charging.
Travel-Friendly Power: Charging on the Go
If you are a gamer and often find yourself traveling and, on the go, you will find portable power stations to be an invaluable part of your gaming kit.
While you may benefit from a power bank, it is the power station that will provide you with the best versatility and flexibility.
Conclusion
To get optimal performance out of your DualSense PS5 controller, it's crucial to ensure proper charging methods. To help maximize your battery life, ensure that you use only top-quality charging cables, avoid overcharging, and always make sure to unplug the controller once it is fully charged. Also, consider reducing the power consumption by adjusting on brightness and avoid playing while charging to prevent overheating and degrading your battery. And for more flexibility and convenience, consider getting a portable power station. By following these best practices, you can help keep your PS5 controller in its best condition and ensure an uninterrupted and seamless gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to charge a PS5 controller?
The fastest way to charge the PS5 controller is via the Official Sony DualSense Charging Station. However, you can also achieve fast charging with a top-quality USB-C cable connected to a 1.5A/5V power source. With both methods, you can reach 100% charge in 3 hours.
Can I charge my PS5 controller with a phone charger?
Yes, you can charge your PS5 controller using your phone charger, but there’s a catch. It needs to be a 5V/1.5A charger to provide safe and reliable charging. Using a smartphone fast charger could generate heat and damage the controller battery.
How do I tell if a PS5 controller is charging?
There are 3 main ways you can tell if your PS5 controller is charging.
- On-screen indicator: by pressing the PS button, you’ll see a battery icon on the screen. If it is pulsing, then this means that the controller is charging.
- Light bar: if it is still charging, the controller will show its lightbar pulsing orange. This bar will turn off during a full charge.
- Charging Dock LEDs: if you are using the Official Sony DualSense Charging Dock, then you’ll notice the indicator light is on, signifying that the controller is still charging.
Can I charge my PS5 controller directly?
You can directly charge your PS5 controller by connecting a USB-C cable to the PS5 console, PC, wall adapter, or even a portable power bank. However, the best choice is a 1.5A/5V power source.
