Controller Test
PS4 Controller Green Light: What Does it Mean?
PS4 Controller Green Light: What Does it Mean?
Recently while I was at work, a colleague told me about her recent purchase of a PS4 and how fascinated she was by the light bar on the controller.
Having owned a PS4 for almost 6 years, I could resonate with her enthusiasm for her new console.
She asked me what the green light on the controller meant, and I said it indicated which player she was in a multiplayer game or to convey different instances (health/damage) in single-player games.
However, I soon realized that apart from just games, the Dualshock 4 controller uses various colors system-wide as well.
After a bit of digging around and playing around with the console myself, I was able to figure out a comprehensive list of the various colors used by the system and games.
The green light on the PS4 controller indicates you are player 3, but in some games, it is used to denote your character’s health. A flashing green light on the controller can also indicate it isn’t docked properly on a charging station.
I’ll also explain in-depth about the green light in certain games or situations and the other colors on the controller.
It is easy to test your controllers for malfunctions or failures by using this online Controller Test. It is too easy to test your controller.
Having owned a PS4 for almost 6 years, I could resonate with her enthusiasm for her new console.
She asked me what the green light on the controller meant, and I said it indicated which player she was in a multiplayer game or to convey different instances (health/damage) in single-player games.
However, I soon realized that apart from just games, the Dualshock 4 controller uses various colors system-wide as well.
After a bit of digging around and playing around with the console myself, I was able to figure out a comprehensive list of the various colors used by the system and games.
The green light on the PS4 controller indicates you are player 3, but in some games, it is used to denote your character’s health. A flashing green light on the controller can also indicate it isn’t docked properly on a charging station.
I’ll also explain in-depth about the green light in certain games or situations and the other colors on the controller.
It is easy to test your controllers for malfunctions or failures by using this online Controller Test. It is too easy to test your controller.
Why is your PS4 Controller Light Green?
Your PS4 LED will light up green if you are playing a local multiplayer game to indicate that you are the 3rd player.
However, some games use the light bar as a form of visual feedback for players. This is prominent in games like GTA 5, where the light bar switches between red and blue to indicate a police chase.
However, some games use the light bar as a form of visual feedback for players. This is prominent in games like GTA 5, where the light bar switches between red and blue to indicate a police chase.
How is the PS4 Controller Green Light Used in Games?
As I mentioned above, various games use the light bar to indicate different instances happening within the game.
Some games use it to indicate health, while some games like Far Cry 4 utilize the light bar to let players know which class of character they have selected during online multiplayer.
Here’s how the light bar works on the games listed below.
Some games use it to indicate health, while some games like Far Cry 4 utilize the light bar to let players know which class of character they have selected during online multiplayer.
Here’s how the light bar works on the games listed below.
The Last of Us
The Last Of Us
One of the best games from the tail end of the PS3 era received a much-needed reboot for the PS4, and with it came one of the best use cases for the light bar.
In ‘The Last of Us’, players have the visual aid of the light bar to know what their health status is.
This includes a green light when your health is at full and then slowly changes to blue and then to orange as your health depletes.
When your character dies, the light turns red and changes to yellow when you respawn, indicating you only have half your health remaining.
In ‘The Last of Us’, players have the visual aid of the light bar to know what their health status is.
This includes a green light when your health is at full and then slowly changes to blue and then to orange as your health depletes.
When your character dies, the light turns red and changes to yellow when you respawn, indicating you only have half your health remaining.
KillZone
‘Killzone’ is another game that uses the light bar much like ‘The Last of Us’ to indicate the player’s health.
As players take more damage, the light bar will change from green to red, letting them know that they should take cover.
As players take more damage, the light bar will change from green to red, letting them know that they should take cover.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand Theft Auto 5
A game that has spanned two console generations and is soon to be released for the next generation of consoles (PS5 and XBOX One S/X) has one of the best utilization of the light bar yet.
As mentioned earlier, the game uses a flashing blue and red light pattern to indicate that police are chasing a player.
However, the light bar also denotes which character you are controlling in the single-player mode. Blue for Michael, Green for Franklin, and Orange for everyone’s favorite Trevor.
The light bar is also used in online game modes for various events such as races or deathmatch events and to indicate different players on a heist mission.
As mentioned earlier, the game uses a flashing blue and red light pattern to indicate that police are chasing a player.
However, the light bar also denotes which character you are controlling in the single-player mode. Blue for Michael, Green for Franklin, and Orange for everyone’s favorite Trevor.
The light bar is also used in online game modes for various events such as races or deathmatch events and to indicate different players on a heist mission.
Infamous
Infamous
Another fantastic title for the PS4, infamous uses the light bar slightly differently from the previous games.
Instead of indicating health or which character is used, the indicator is more straightforward to indicate your character’s Karma (What actions the character takes within the game).
Good deeds will keep your light bar blue while performing evil deeds slowly fades the color to red.
Instead of indicating health or which character is used, the indicator is more straightforward to indicate your character’s Karma (What actions the character takes within the game).
Good deeds will keep your light bar blue while performing evil deeds slowly fades the color to red.
Fortnite
Fortnite
The battle royal phenomenon took gamers the world over by storm, and they, too, have effectively made use of the light bar on the Dualshock 4.
Fortnite assigns players colors once they are in a team, and with the introduction of split-screen multiplayer on Fortnite, the light helps to identify which controller belongs to whom quickly.
Fortnite assigns players colors once they are in a team, and with the introduction of split-screen multiplayer on Fortnite, the light helps to identify which controller belongs to whom quickly.
How to Dim PS4 Controller Green Light
Having the light bar on all the time does reduce the overall time you can use your PS4 controller in between charges.
You can dim the PS4 controller’s light bar to increase the playtime between charges.
To do this:
From the home menu, move up and scroll right to settings.
Navigate to devices towards the bottom of the screen.
From here, select ‘controllers’, and the last option will be ‘Brightness of Dualshock 4 Light Bar’.
Select it and choose the setting you would like to apply.
You can also do this from quick settings by holding down the PS button on the controller and selecting ‘Adjust Devices’. From here, you can change the brightness of your light bar.
You can dim the PS4 controller’s light bar to increase the playtime between charges.
To do this:
From the home menu, move up and scroll right to settings.
Navigate to devices towards the bottom of the screen.
From here, select ‘controllers’, and the last option will be ‘Brightness of Dualshock 4 Light Bar’.
Select it and choose the setting you would like to apply.
You can also do this from quick settings by holding down the PS button on the controller and selecting ‘Adjust Devices’. From here, you can change the brightness of your light bar.
How to Change PS4 Controller Light
When you turn on your PS4, your controller will light up blue by default. If you are the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th player, then your light bar will be red, green, or pink, respectively.
Sadly there is no way to change your PS4 controller at will while using it on a PS4.
If the game you are playing uses a different color from the default blue, then it will change; otherwise, it will remain blue for player 1.
Sadly there is no way to change your PS4 controller at will while using it on a PS4.
If the game you are playing uses a different color from the default blue, then it will change; otherwise, it will remain blue for player 1.
How to Turn Off PS4 Controller Light
How to Turn Off PS4 Controller Light
Similar to changing the color on the Dualshock 4, switching off the light is impossible unless the game you are playing does not utilize the light bar.
This could be because the light bar on the controllers acts similarly to the Playstation Move controllers that were released on the PS3.
It’s what the Playstation camera uses to measure the depth and distance of the player from the camera.
Other PS4 Controller Light Colors
The most common colors are as mentioned below:
Blue – Default color for the light bar and indicates player one.
Red – Indicates player 2, and some games use it to denote damage or low health.
Green – Indicates player 3, and some games use it to denote full health.
Pink – Indicates player 4, and some games use it to denote other instances.
Other colors that can appear in games include teal, purple, orange, yellow, and white.
The Dualshock 4 controller supports any color on the RGB spectrum; however, not all of them are available for use on the PS4.
Since the usage of the light bar is up to the developer of the games, there is no system-wide method to change the light color whenever you want.
However, in some online or multiplayer games, players can choose the color from a select palette of colors.
This could be because the light bar on the controllers acts similarly to the Playstation Move controllers that were released on the PS3.
It’s what the Playstation camera uses to measure the depth and distance of the player from the camera.
Other PS4 Controller Light Colors
The most common colors are as mentioned below:
Blue – Default color for the light bar and indicates player one.
Red – Indicates player 2, and some games use it to denote damage or low health.
Green – Indicates player 3, and some games use it to denote full health.
Pink – Indicates player 4, and some games use it to denote other instances.
Other colors that can appear in games include teal, purple, orange, yellow, and white.
The Dualshock 4 controller supports any color on the RGB spectrum; however, not all of them are available for use on the PS4.
Since the usage of the light bar is up to the developer of the games, there is no system-wide method to change the light color whenever you want.
However, in some online or multiplayer games, players can choose the color from a select palette of colors.
Other PS4 Controller Light Colors in Games
Apart from the games mentioned above, some games also utilize interesting use cases for certain instances.
For example, in ‘Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, when players interact with a flaming torch, the controller will switch between red, orange, and yellow similar to a flame.
In another game, ‘Tearaway Unfolded’, the light bar sometimes turns white, acting as an in-game flashlight utilizing the Playstation camera and motion controls.
This feature also lets the player melt ice and manipulate paper, giving a more interactive experience.
For example, in ‘Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, when players interact with a flaming torch, the controller will switch between red, orange, and yellow similar to a flame.
In another game, ‘Tearaway Unfolded’, the light bar sometimes turns white, acting as an in-game flashlight utilizing the Playstation camera and motion controls.
This feature also lets the player melt ice and manipulate paper, giving a more interactive experience.
Is your PS4 Controller Flashing? Troubleshooting Tips
If your PS4 controller is flashing, then it could be one of two issues. Either the battery has almost run out, or your controller has been de-synced from your PS4.
If you’re facing issues with either of these issues, there are a few fixes to help resolve them.
If you’re facing issues with either of these issues, there are a few fixes to help resolve them.
Reset your PS4
If your controller isn’t charging with the cable that came with your PS4, try using a different micro-USB cable.
Due to extensive usage, micro-USB cables can get frayed and damaged, and they also aren’t the sturdiest connector pins.
From here, select initialize PS4 and select how you would like to proceed;
Quick – Deletes data from system storage and restarts the device.
Full – Completely deletes all data and reverts the system to its original state.
Once the device is reset, you can connect your controller via the initialization setup.
Due to extensive usage, micro-USB cables can get frayed and damaged, and they also aren’t the sturdiest connector pins.
From here, select initialize PS4 and select how you would like to proceed;
Quick – Deletes data from system storage and restarts the device.
Full – Completely deletes all data and reverts the system to its original state.
Once the device is reset, you can connect your controller via the initialization setup.
Reset your PS4 Controller
If you’ve reset your PS4, but the controller still isn’t connecting, consider resetting the controller.
Use a safety pin or a sim ejector tool to hold down the reset button underneath the controller for about 10 – 15 seconds.
Once this is done, the controller will be reset to its factory settings and can now be paired with your PS4.
Use a safety pin or a sim ejector tool to hold down the reset button underneath the controller for about 10 – 15 seconds.
Once this is done, the controller will be reset to its factory settings and can now be paired with your PS4.
Start your PS4 in Safe Mode
Starting your PS4 in safe mode can help overcome a lot of complications that could arise from software bugs or corrupted data files.
To access safe mode on your PS4:
Turn off the PS4 by holding down the power button for 7 seconds or until the device beeps twice.
Wait 30 seconds for the system to completely shut down.
Now, turn on the PS4 using the power button, but keep holding it down for 5 seconds till the second beep before releasing.
Now, when the prompt appears, connect your controller using a micro-USB cable.
You will now be able to browse the different safe mode options as explained below:
To access safe mode on your PS4:
Turn off the PS4 by holding down the power button for 7 seconds or until the device beeps twice.
Wait 30 seconds for the system to completely shut down.
Now, turn on the PS4 using the power button, but keep holding it down for 5 seconds till the second beep before releasing.
Now, when the prompt appears, connect your controller using a micro-USB cable.
You will now be able to browse the different safe mode options as explained below:
- Restart the PS4 – Exit safe mode and restart the system.
- Change Resolution – Used to run the display at 480p if it doesn’t display in 1080p.
- Update System Software – Use this if your system can’t update to the latest firmware normally.
- Restore Default Settings – Restore settings to the factory defaults (Keep your PSN account details on hand).
- Rebuild Database – Completely rebuilds the entire system database. Helps with corrupted files, system freezing, and other software-related issues.
- Initialize PS4 – Restore default settings and initialize the PS4 system to its original state.
- Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) – Restore default settings and initialize the PS4 with a new firmware installation from a USB drive.
Replace your PS4 Controller
If none of the above methods work, then it might be an issue with the hardware on the controller itself.
If it is under warranty, then a quick claim can net you a brand-new controller.
However, even if it isn’t under warranty, PS4 controllers regularly sell for discounts at various retailers, so picking up a new one shouldn’t be too hard.
Additionally, there are quite a few good third-party controllers as well that have excellent features and good customer support.
If it is under warranty, then a quick claim can net you a brand-new controller.
However, even if it isn’t under warranty, PS4 controllers regularly sell for discounts at various retailers, so picking up a new one shouldn’t be too hard.
Additionally, there are quite a few good third-party controllers as well that have excellent features and good customer support.
FAQs
Why is my controller light green when charging?
If you use a charging dock for your PS4 controllers, a flashing green light usually indicates that the controller isn’t properly seated on the charger.
Why is my controller on but not working on PS4?
If you recently used your controller with another PS4 device, it won’t connect to your PlayStation unless you pair it again.
How do I resync my PS4 controller?
Simply hold down the PS and ‘Share’ button for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode and connect it via a micro-USB cable.
How do I fix an unresponsive PS4 controller?
Locate the small reset button next to the L2 trigger on the back of the controller and use a safety pin or sim ejection tool to reset the controller to factory settings.
If you use a charging dock for your PS4 controllers, a flashing green light usually indicates that the controller isn’t properly seated on the charger.
Why is my controller on but not working on PS4?
If you recently used your controller with another PS4 device, it won’t connect to your PlayStation unless you pair it again.
How do I resync my PS4 controller?
Simply hold down the PS and ‘Share’ button for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode and connect it via a micro-USB cable.
How do I fix an unresponsive PS4 controller?
Locate the small reset button next to the L2 trigger on the back of the controller and use a safety pin or sim ejection tool to reset the controller to factory settings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the light bar on the Dualshock 4 is a fantastic addition to the already amazing Dualshock 3 controller.
Additionally, the PS4 controller can technically use any color on the RGB spectrum, which players can utilize by connecting the controller to a PC and using steam to select whichever color they want.
Players can also purchase sticker packs from online retailers to add design elements to their light bar for even more customizability.
Along with a wide variety of stock colors for the PS4 controller (albeit not as extensive as Xbox’s Design Labs), the PS4 is an amazing controller even for PC gamers, providing good gaming experiences and a lot of customizability.
Additionally, the PS4 controller can technically use any color on the RGB spectrum, which players can utilize by connecting the controller to a PC and using steam to select whichever color they want.
Players can also purchase sticker packs from online retailers to add design elements to their light bar for even more customizability.
Along with a wide variety of stock colors for the PS4 controller (albeit not as extensive as Xbox’s Design Labs), the PS4 is an amazing controller even for PC gamers, providing good gaming experiences and a lot of customizability.
