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How to update your PS5 controller

Jon Bitner
By

PlayStation 5 is without a doubt one of the most popular gaming consoles ever released, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without a few issues. Sony has already released multiple patches aimed at fixing stability and performance for the platform — and even its fancy new DualSense controller needs to be updated at regular intervals. The process is relatively painless — minus a bit of downtime while it installs — but Sony has gone to great lengths to ensure updating your PS5 controller is as simple as can be.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • PlayStation 5

  • DualSense controller

  • USB cable

  • PC (optional)

  • DualSense PC Software (optional)

PS5 prompt alerting user to a DualSense update.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Updating your PS5 controller automatically

There are two ways to update your PS5 controller — automatically or manually. Both of them are surprisingly easy and convenient and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The easiest way to update your PS5 controller is to let it happen automatically. Here's how it works.

Step 1: If an update is ready for the DualSense controller, your PS5 console will send you an alert. When you see this prompt, connect your DualSense to your PS5 using its USB-C cable.

Step 2: Once connected, simply click Update now and wait for the update to finish. While it’s updating, make sure you don’t turn off your console or disconnect your controller.

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Step 3: If you’d rather not bother with the update, you can select Notify after 24 hours to be reminded the following day. There’s no real harm in doing this, so if you have a group of friends waiting in a lobby for you, feel free to postpone your update.

How to update your PS5 controller manually

While the easiest way to handle PS5 controller updates is through the automatic prompt, you can always try to update your DualSense manually. Here's what you need to do.

Step 1: Head to your Home screen.

Step 2: From there, navigate to Settings, then find the Accessories tab.

Step 3: Scroll through the Accessories tab until you’ve found the Controllers menu, and select Wireless Controller Device Software.

Step 4: Once that's selected, it’s as simple as plugging in your controller with a USB-C cable and waiting for the update to complete.

How to update your DualSense controller on PC

A recent firmware update has given owners the option to update their DualSense controller through their PC. This is just as simple as it is on PS5, although the steps are quite a bit different. Here's how it works.

Step 1: Download the Firmware Updater software for the DualSense Wireless Controller from the official PlayStation website.

Step 2: Run and install the program using the on-screen prompts.

Step 3: Once installed, launch the program.

Step 4: Connect your DualSense controller to your PC using a USB cable.

Step 5: Continue following the on-screen prompts to initiate the update. While updating, don't turn off your PC or unplug your controller.

Step 6: If the update is successful, you'll get a final prompt letting you know it's safe to disconnect your controller.

PS5 Dual Sense controller on a dark background.
Sony

Why should I update my DualSense controller?

Beyond removing those annoying update prompts, there are plenty of reasons why you should update your DualSense controller as soon as possible. Sony has sent out numerous patches in the PS5’s short lifespan, many of which have sought to improve the DualSense’s overall stability and performance. In other words, anyone who has run into connection issues could benefit from updating their controller.

DualSense updates often work in conjunction with PS5 console updates. One update earlier this year fixed a battery indicator bug that caused a constant low battery icon to appear on the screen — even if you had just charged your device. So far, we haven’t seen any majority functionality additions through DualSense updates, although it’s certainly a possibility for the future.

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Topics
Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
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