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The PS5 DualSense controller is a marvel of gaming engineering, combining new features like haptic feedback and a built-in microphone with traditional elements such as turning the console on remotely. But for all its innovative features, there are just as many ways to turn the controller off. Here’s how to turn off the PS5 controller to save battery life while taking a break.
Read more: 12 PS5 games that make use of Sony’s DualSense features
QUICK ANSWER
To turn off the PS5 controller, select Accessories from the Control Center, then select Turn Off under Wireless Controller.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to turn off the PS5 controller in the settings menu
The quickest way to turn off the PS5 controller is via the Control Center. Press the PlayStation (PS) button at the center of your controller between the two analog sticks to bring it up.
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Next, scroll over to the Accessories menu and press X on your controller to select it. It’s the icon with a gamepad and a battery meter.
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You will see a list of every accessory currently connected to the PS5. The DualSense will appear as Wireless Controller. Press X again to select it, then choose Turn Off to put it to sleep.
How to turn off the PS5 controller without the console
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There may be times when you need to turn off your controller when you don’t have a PS5 console, such as when gaming on a PC. In those cases, simply press and hold the PS button on the controller for at least 10—15 seconds. After that, you should see the lights beside the touchpad go out.
Set the PS5 controller to turn off when not in use
A great way to save yourself from constantly charging your controller is to set it to shut down automatically when it hasn’t been used for a while. To do so, navigate to the Settings menu via the gear icon in the top right corner.
Next, scroll down to select System.
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From there, scroll down to select Power Saving.
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Here, you can choose how long before your controller returns off. Select Set Time Until Controller Turns Off and then select 10 mins, 30 mins, or 60 mins, depending on how long it takes you to grab a snack.
How to turn off the microphone on a PS5 controller
You can mute your mic if you don’t want others to hear you while playing online multiplayer games. The quickest way to do so is by pressing the Mute button on the DualSense controller. The button is right beneath the PS button and will turn orange to indicate that the mic is off. You’ll also briefly see a mute icon appear in the top right corner of your screen as extra confirmation.
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Alternatively, you can tap the PS button to access the Control Center, then press X on the Mic icon along the bottom of the screen. There, you can toggle the Mute option.
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To unmute the PS5 controller microphone, tap the Mute button again, so the light goes out, or select the Mic icon from the Control Center and hit the Mute prompt again.
Read more: PS5 buyers guide: All you need to know about Sony’s PlayStation 5
FAQs
Why does my PS5 controller keep turning off?
In most cases, your DualSense controller keeps turning off because of your Power Saving settings. Navigate to Settings–> Power Saving and select Set Time Until Controller Turns Off to adjust the time the amount of time before your controller automatically turns off when not in use, or select Don’t Turn Off to always keep it on.
How long is the PS5 controller’s battery life?
Depending on how demanding a game is on the DualSense features, the battery life lasts three to eight hours.