How To Fix Steam Not Detecting PS4 Controller On PC

You can connect a PS4 controller to your computer using a USB cable or go wireless. However, some people are encountering a problem where Steam does not detect the PS4 controller when they try to play a game.

The PS4 controller not working on Steam problem can occur due to different reasons. If you’re using Bluetooth, it could be because of a low controller battery or outdated controller drivers. If you’re using a USB cable, the issue might be dirt in the USB ports or a faulty USB cable.

To help you, we’ve put together guides on how to fix ‘Steam not detecting PS4 controller’.

Reasons Why Steam Doesn’t Recognize PS4 Controller

The reasons may vary as to why the Steam client is not detecting your PS4 controller. However, the most common causes are:

Steam client glitch: Due to improper controller setup a glitch may occur.
PS4 controller malfunction: Be it a controller connected via USB cable or Bluetooth (Wired or wireless) a fault may arise in such devices.
Outdated computer drivers: The outdated drivers required for USB ports or Bluetooth dongles if they get corrupted can cause problems.
Windows Bugs: Sometimes the operating system gets corrupted so make sure that it is a fully updated OS.
Bluetooth signal interference: If you connect a PS4 controller to your PC via Bluetooth and Steam is not detecting it then it is because some other devices using Bluetooth are interfering. Make sure that no other Bluetooth device is working around the PS4 controller.

How To Fix Steam Not Detecting PS4 Controller On PC

Apply one of the below-mentioned fixes until you find the one that does the trick.

1. Clean Your PC’s USB Ports

If you’re connecting your PS4 controller to your computer using a USB cable and facing the issue of “Steam not Detecting PS4 controller,” it’s a good idea to check your USB ports. This includes both your computer’s USB port and the port on your controller. If you find dirt or debris in either of these ports, use a can of dry air to remove it.

Once you’ve cleaned both USB ports and made sure they are clear, also inspect your USB cable for any signs of damage or faults. After eliminating these potential causes, check if Steam now recognizes your PS4 controller.

2. Reconnect PS4 Controller Via Bluetooth

If you’re using a PS4 controller with Bluetooth and encounter the issue of “Steam not detecting PS4 controller,” try the following steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key and X at the same time, then select “Settings” from the menu.

Step 2: Click on “Devices” in the Settings window.

Step 3: Go to the “Bluetooth & other devices” tab.

Step 4: On the right side, disable Bluetooth and then re-enable it.

Now, check if Steam recognizes your PS4 controller.

3. Low PS4 Controller Charging

A low battery on your PS4 controller can also cause the problem of “PS4 Controller Not Working on Steam.”

To address this, disconnect your PS4 controller from your computer and plug it into a USB power source.

Let it charge for a sufficient amount of time and then check if Steam now recognizes it.

4. Restart Steam Client

Restarting Steam can resolve the issue in most cases. If your computer can connect with the PS4 controller, Steam should also be able to detect it, indicating a minor problem.

Here’s what you should do:

Close the Steam client completely, including from the system tray.
Restart Steam.

5. Reset PS4 DualShock Controller

If Steam doesn’t recognize your PS4 controller, but it’s shown when connected via USB, you can try resetting the controller. Follow these steps:

Locate the small reset button on the back of the DualShock 4 near the L2 button.
Use a small, unfolded paper clip or a similar object to push the button inside the hole.
Hold the button down for approximately 3-5 seconds, and then release it.
Reconnect the DualShock 4 to your PC via a USB connection.

6. Check for Bluetooth Signal Interference

Sometimes, other devices using Bluetooth can interfere with your wireless setup, causing Steam not to recognize the PS4 controller.

To fix this issue, follow these steps:

Make sure to turn off all other devices within the range of your PC or DualShock 4 controller.
In Steam, go to Big Picture Mode (BPM), then navigate to Controllers and uncheck every box.
Fully exit BPM and the Steam Client, and then relaunch Steam.
Repeat the process, but this time check only the PS4 controller box.
If the issue persists, also try checking the Generic box.
Exit BPM and relaunch the Steam Client once more.

Additionally: check the DS4 Controller in Windows 10. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type “joy.cpl,” and click OK. Ensure that Axis, Triggers, and Buttons are all working correctly. This step can help identify any underlying issues with the controller’s functionality.

7. Update the Controller’s Drivers

The PS4 controller relies on three essential drivers when connected to a Windows computer: Bluetooth HID Device, HID-compliant game controller, and Bluetooth Wireless Controller. If Steam isn’t recognizing your PS4 controller, updating these drivers might help.

Follow these steps:

Launch Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, locate “Bluetooth” and double-click it.
Find “Bluetooth Wireless Controller” under the Bluetooth section, right-click it, and select “Update driver.”
In the new window, choose the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the controller’s driver.
After updating the controller’s driver, locate “Bluetooth HID Device” and “HID-compliant game controller” in the “Human Interface Devices” section, and update them one by one.

Updating these drivers can resolve the issue of Steam not recognizing your PS4 controller.

8. Update Windows Operating System

Sometimes due to compatibility issues, steam won’t recognize the PS4 controller. You can easily fix this problem by ensuring your Windows OS is fully up-to-date.

From your keyboard Windows + I > Update & Security > Check For Updates.
If there’s any pending update it will install it on your PC.
Once installed Restart your PC.

9. Update Steam Client

If you are playing games on an outdated Steam client version then you may face Steam not recognizing the PS4 controller on a PC.

If you have blocked updates and running Steam in offline mode then go into online mode and update the application. Here’s how:

Open Steam and sign in.
Select Steam at the upper left.
Select Go Online.
Select Restart and go online.
Once in online mode check for any updates and install it.

10. Disable Steam configuration in Big Picture

If you are playing games on Steam using big-picture mode then disabling it may fix the problem.

From the system tray, Right-Click the Steam icon and select Big Picture.
Select Library and from the left side click on Installed. Select the Target Game.
From the new window, select Manage Game Options from the left side. Under the Steam Input section, select Controller Options.
In the pop-up window, set Steam Input Per-Game Setting to Forced Off.

Now run the game and check if the PS4 controller is detected in Steam.