How to make your PlayStation 5 controller battery last longer
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller battery lasts around 8 to 10 hours under normal use, less if you're running full haptics, bright light bar, and high volume. If you're plugging it in every night, a few settings changes will stretch that out.
- Controller running out before the session ends?
- Plugged in and stuck next to the TV?
- Playing a competitive shooter where haptics don't matter?
If any of those sound familiar, the settings below will stretch your battery.
Tip: Vibration Intensity and Trigger Effect Intensity are the two biggest drains. In a competitive shooter where they don't affect your play, lowering or turning them off noticeably extends battery life.
Step 1: Set the controller to turn off automatically
The most common reason for a dead controller is leaving it on while you're not playing. By default, the PS5 keeps it on indefinitely.
- Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.
- Select Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off.
- Change to After 10 Minutes.
Step 2: Dim the light bar
The light bar is a constant drain. You can't turn it off, but you can dim it.
- Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General).
- Select Brightness of Controller Indicators.
- Change to Dim.
Step 3: Lower Vibration and Trigger Intensity
If you don't want to turn them off completely, lowering the intensity saves power without losing the feedback entirely.
- Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General).
- Select Vibration Intensity and set to Weak.
- Select Trigger Effect Intensity and set to Weak.
Step 4: Reduce the controller speaker volume
The controller speaker handles radio calls and in-game sound effects. It draws more power than expected.
- Press the PS button to open the Quick Menu.
- Select Sound (speaker icon).
- Lower the Controller Speaker volume to 50% or below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone charger to charge my PS5 controller?
Yes, any USB-C charger works. The DualSense only draws the power it needs, so a fast phone charger won't overvolt it. Just avoid cheap no-name cables. The PS5's own USB ports or a Sony charging station are the most reliable options.
Does the DualSense Edge have worse battery life?
Yes. The Edge has more internal components (paddles, replaceable sticks), so its battery is smaller than the standard DualSense. The settings on this page matter even more if you're on an Edge.
Should I let the battery reach 0% before charging?
No. Lithium-ion batteries don't need a full discharge cycle. Plugging it in at one bar is better for long-term battery health than letting it hit zero.
Related:
How to turn off a PS5 controller (with or without a console)
How to mute your PS5 controller microphone (3 ways)
References:
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/adjust-general-controller-settings/