Skip to main content

How to update your PS5 controller

Geoff Keighley holding DualSense.
Digital Trends

PlayStation 5 is without a doubt one of the most popular gaming consoles ever released thanks to its strong library of the best PS5 games, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without a few issues. As much as we think the DualSense is one of the best PS5 controllers, it is a sore spot for many people. From joystick drift to having to turn off the speaker, it isn't always the most easy to use accessory. PlayStation is constantly releasing updates to improve it, so make sure you keep your controller as up to date as possible so you're ready for all the upcoming PS5 games.

Recommended Videos

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.

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.

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
How to turn on closed captions on PS5
The Playstation 5 system standing upright.

There are plenty of different reasons to want to turn on closed captions on your PlayStation 5. Whether you're hard of hearing, or you simply like to read what's happening on screen, closed captions are a wonderful accessibility addition to Sony's console. Here's a step-by-step process for turning them on.

Read more
How to change your avatar on PS5
PS5 and DualSense art.

Online platforms tend to offer us a wide variety of customizable features to show off our personality. If you have a PlayStation 5, one of these features is avatars, which serve as a profile picture for others to see when looking at your profile. Since there are so many available, and many more can be earned through various means, you can probably find a way to sport an avatar from one of your favorite games so that people get to know you a bit better even at a glance. Here's how to change your PS5 avatar.

Read more
Rise of the Ronin is soon coming to Steam alongside big improvements
Rise of the Ronin Open World exploration.

Rise of the Ronin, the samurai-action-RPG from Team Ninja, is coming to Steam on March 10 alongside several marked improvements to performance and graphical fidelity. Initially released in March 2024, Rise of the Ronin has been a console exclusive until now. It's migration to Steam includes support for 8K resolution, ultra- and super ultrawide monitors, 120 frames per second, ray tracing, and much more.

The game is available now for preorder, and doing so will unlock in-game perks. These are the same bonuses offered with a PlayStation 5 pre-order, so don't worry if you already own the title; you aren't missing out on new content.

Read more