How to Fix PS5 DualSense Controller Input Lag

For most PS5 users, the DualSense controller input lag and latency problems appears after installing the firmware update.

If you are in the same scenario, the best way to fix it is to roll back your PS5 controller to the previous firmware. This can only be done by hard resetting the controller.

Don’t worry; it is not as complicated as it seems.

However, before hard reset, I recommend soft resetting the controller first. If this fixes the input lag issue, you are good to go!

I have developed an online gamepad test tool that let’s you test your controller stick drift, joystick movements, buttons, D-Pad, and its response times online in browser. Check that out!

Here’s how to soft reset your PS5 controller:

1. Open PS5 home screen and then press the PS button on the controller to open the Control Center.

2. Select Accessories.
3. Select your controller and then select the Turn Off option. See the screenshot below:

Alternatively, you can also turn the controller off by pressing & holding the PS button until the controller lights shuts off.

3. Wait for 1-2 minutes, and then reconnect the controller again.

If this doesn’t work, you can then try hard to reset your PS 5 (DualSense) controller:

Press the small reset button at the back of the controller using a paperclip. Keep the button pressed for 5 seconds.

Hard resetting the DualSense controller will restore it to its default settings, and any firmware updates installed will be erased.

If resetting the controller didn’t fix the input lag, power cycle your PS5, enable performance mode in PS5 settings, and update console and controller firmware.

Do you have an external hard drive connected to your PlayStation 5? Try disconnecting it to see if it fixes the controller lagging problem.

Power Cycle the PS5

To power cycle your PlayStation 5, press and hold its Power button for 15 to 20 seconds. After that, unplug it from the power source.

Now, hold the power button on the console again for 15 seconds. This will drain any remaining charge on the console and clear its cache.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes, plug your PS5 back in and turn it On.

Enable Performance Mode

Here’s how to enable performance mode on your PlayStation 5:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

3. Next, select Game Presets.

4. Click on the drop down menu next to Performance Mode or Resolution Mode and select Performance Mode. See the screenshot below:

Did it improve the controller latency? If not, the next thing to try is to update your PS5 firmware.

Update PS5 Firmware

If there is any new software update available for PS5, installing it might fix the USB problems.

To update your PS5, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System -> System Software.
3. Select the System Software Update and Settings option.

4. In the next window, select Update System Software.
5. If any update is available for your console, you will see Update Available message there.

Update DualSense Controller Firmware

How long since you last updated your DualSense controller firmware?

Just like the PS5 itself, the controller firmware must also be updated to fix bugs causing input lag and improve the performance.

Here’ how to update PS5 controller firmware:

Connect your DualSense controller to your PlayStation 5 console using a USB cable.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accessories -> Controller. Select the Wireless Controller Device Software option.

If any firmware update is available, you will see following screen:

3. Click on the Update button.

When the update is in progress, don’t turn off your PS5 or unplug the USB cable from the DualSense controller.

You can also update the DualSense controller firmware using your PC.

To do that, first, download the Official Firmware Updater for DualSense controller from here and install it on your PC.

Next, connect your PS5 controller to the PC using a USB cable and launch the firmware update utility.

If any update is available for your controller, you will see following screen:

Click on Update Now button.

Connect via USB and Disable Bluetooth

If none of the above works, connect the DualSense controller to the PS5 using a USB cable.

When you are done connecting the controller to the console using USB cable, open Settings.

1. Go to Accessories.

2. Select Controller (General) and then Communication Method. See the screenshot below:

3. Select the Use USB cable option.

Now, you need to disable the Bluetooth on PS5. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accessories -> General.
3. Select the Turn Off Bluetooth option. See the screenshot below:

---

I hope you found this guide useful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!