PS4 is one of the popular gaming consoles. It comes with a D-Pad for controlling. Some gamers are complaining that their Directional Pad is not working or some of its buttons are not responding.
Facing this issue ruins your gaming mood. Hence, you need to fix the problem as soon as possible. This guide will tell you some quick hacks to troubleshoot your device and it will start working again.
Step 1: Wake Up Your Controller
It is a bit funny but believe me it works in most cases. Wake up your controller by slapping it. Hit the non-functioning buttons but do not be too harsh. Tap the D-pad gently a few times and it will be fine. However, if this hack does not work, try the other solutions.
Step 2: Reset Your PS4
A reset is a very useful way to resolve a number of issues with your PS4. It involves recalibrating your device. Here are the steps:
- Connect your controller to the console using a good-quality USB cable.
- Now, turn ON the device.
- On your PS4, go to “Settings” and then choose “Devices”.
- Next, select “Controllers” and navigate to the calibration or configuration menu.
- Recalibrate your D-pad by following the on-screen instructions.
- Restart the D-pad after calibration is completed. Hopefully, it will resolve the issue.
Step 3: Resolve the Software Issues
The problem can be related to the software. For example, some people reported that the PS4 controller works fine on one of the accounts while malfunctions on the other.
The D-pad stops responding when they login to a certain account. Likewise, remapping resolves the issue for a short time. This refers to glitches in the software. Hence, you should update the firmware of your PS4.
Step 4: Update the Firmware
If the issue is caused by software bugs, it can be fixed by updating the firmware as follows:
- Using a USB cable, connect your PS4 controller to the console.
- Now, connect to the power and turn it ON.
- From the menu, choose “Settings” on your console and then select the “Devices” tab.
- Navigate to the “Controllers” and find the “Update Firmware/Controller” option.
- Click the Update button and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Wait for the update to install and keep the two devices connected.
- After the update is complete, reconnect the console and the controller.
Step 5: Clean Your Controller
Something may be trapped between the contacts. That’s why the buttons are not working properly. So, you need to clean the controller and its contacts. Use a cotton bud and dip it into isopropyl alcohol or some other electronic cleaning agent.
Now, move the bud around the buttons so that any debris can be removed. Likewise, clean the internal components when you disassemble your controller. The contact points should be very clean to avoid such issues.
Step 6: Fix the Bad Buttons
One or more buttons on your D-pad may be bad. They can become loose due to continuous use and do not respond properly. You can fix them by opening the device. However, follow these guidelines only if you are confident in dealing with the hardware:
- Open your PS4 controller using a screwdriver to access the internal hardware of the D-pad.
- Check the bottom of the buttons. The rubber under the D-pad may have become too thin to support it. Hence, it needs replacement.
- Rotate the round part and the plastic membrane.
- Moreover, check the rounded part or the plastic board beneath it. These parts can deform due to continuous usage.
- The small buttons or attached accessories can be replaced. You can buy these parts from Amazon.
- While buying the replacement parts, be sure to match the model and choose high-quality parts.
- If you are not confident, consult a professional technician to repair or replace the parts.
Step 7: Contact the Manufacturer
In case no solution works, you must contact the manufacturer. The company can diagnose the issue and fix it. Sometimes, the defect is built-in.
Therefore, the company is liable to repair or replace the device free of cost provided that it is under warranty period.
Also read: Fixing the PS4 X Button is Not Responding
Final Words
The above-mentioned solutions are very effective if your D-pad buttons on PS4 are not working. The issue can arise from software as well as hardware. Hence, you have to check both and apply all the tricks correctly to get the best results.
