Basic Checks
If you connect a USB flash drive to your console, check it for physical damage. If you observe any damage or crack, connect it to another port of your PS5 or computer and see if it works.
Some USB devices have a physical power button, and your console won’t detect them unless turned on.
As with almost all electronic devices, sometimes, a simple restart is all you need to fix the USB port on your PS5.
Most of the time, USB errors are caused by minor errors or glitches that could be fixed by restarting your PlayStation.
If simple restart doesn’t work, power cycle your PS 5. Here’s how to do that:
- Turn your console off, and unplug it from power source.
- When unplugged, press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to clear its cache.
- After 1 minute, plug it back in and turn if On.
Restarting your PS5 didn’t work? Check & clean the USB port, and update your console firmware.
If your PlayStation 5 detects other USB devices but it isn’t detecting or charging the DualSense controller, reset the controller.
Clean USB Ports
Since the USB ports of PS5 are open, it is easy for the dust to get inside. So, look for debris in the USB port of your PS5.
If you see anything in the USB port, clean it gently with a microfiber cloth or compressed air.
Remember to turn Off your PlayStation 5 before cleaning its USB port.
Update PS5
If there is any new software update available for PS5, installing it might fix the USB problems.
- To update your PS5, open Settings. The settings icon is on the top right of the screen.
- Go to System -> System Software.
- Select on System Software Update and Settings option.
- In the next window, select Update System Software. If any update is available for your console, you will see Update Available message there.
I recommend toggling the switch to On for the Download Updates Files Automatically and Install Update Files Automatically options, so next time, whenever any new update is available, it will be automatically downloaded and installed.
Reset Controller
If your PlayStation 5 detects other USB devices but it isn’t connecting or charging the controller, you need to reset the controller.
Here’s how to reset your PS5 DualSense controller:
- Turn off your PlayStation 5.
- Insert a small paperclip to a small hole on the backside of the controller (next to SONY logo) and hold the button for at least 5 seconds.
- Turn On your PS5.
- Connect the controller to your console and press the PS button on the controller.
If none of the above works, contact PlayStation Support. If your PlayStation is under warranty, they will repair or replace it.
Got any question about this guide? Feel free to ask me!
