GearCheckHow to test a PS4 controller
- Connect with a micro-USB data cable, or pair by Bluetooth by holding Share + PS until the light bar double-flashes.
- Press a button so the browser detects the controller.
- Press every button: ✕ ○ □ △, L1/R1, the D-pad, Share, Options, PS and the touchpad click.
- Squeeze L2 and R2 slowly and watch the bars rise smoothly.
- Rotate both sticks, click L3/R3, then run the drift check.
Known DualShock 4 faults
Analog stick drift
Years of use wear the sensors under each stick. Signs are a character that creeps forward or a camera that slowly turns. If the drift check reports more than 0.12, clean around the stick base with compressed air and isopropyl alcohol. Severe drift means the stick module needs replacing — a common, inexpensive repair.
Loose or unresponsive L2/R2
The trigger springs on the DualShock 4 can break, leaving a trigger loose or not returning to 0%. If the bar rests above 0% with your finger off, games may see constant input.
Charging port and battery
If the controller only works while plugged in, the battery is worn out. If it disconnects when the cable moves, the micro-USB port is loose — common on older controllers.
Rubber membranes
D-pad and face buttons sit on rubber membranes. Buttons that need extra pressure, or the D-pad registering diagonals, point to dirty or worn membranes.
DualShock 4 vs DualSense
The PS4 controller has a Share button where the PS5 has Create, regular rumble motors instead of haptics, and no adaptive triggers. Both use the same button positions, so games treat them almost identically. Have a PS5 pad? Use the PS5 controller test. Other controllers work in the gamepad tester.
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect a PS4 controller to a PC?
Use a micro-USB data cable (some cables only charge), or pair by Bluetooth: hold Share and the PS button together until the light bar flashes in double pulses, then add “Wireless Controller” in your computer’s Bluetooth settings.
Why does my DualShock 4 not show up?
Press a button after connecting — browsers hide controllers until one is pressed. If it still doesn’t appear, try a different cable (charge-only cables are common), reset the controller with the small reset hole on the back, and make sure Steam isn’t capturing it exclusively.
Can I check DualShock 4 stick drift online?
Yes. Press Check stick drift and keep your hands off for three seconds. The DualShock 4 is prone to drift as it ages; a resting value under 0.12 is normal, while higher values mean you should clean the stick or raise the in-game deadzone.
Does vibration work?
In Chrome and Edge, usually yes, especially over USB. Press Test vibration and both motors should rumble. Firefox and Safari don’t support controller vibration yet.
What about the touchpad, light bar and motion sensors?
Browsers report the touchpad click as a button but not touch position, light bar color or motion sensors, so those can’t be tested on a website.