How to check dualsense battery on pc?

How to check dualsense battery on pc?

Introduction

Alright, gamers, we all know the thrill of diving into an immersive gaming experience with the PS5’s DualSense controller. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers? Total game-changers. But nothing kills the vibe quite like an untimely “low battery” warning. In this guide, we’ll show you how to keep track of your controller’s battery life on both PS5 and PC, extend your playtime, and troubleshoot common issues. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the DualSense Controller

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what makes the DualSense controller a revolution in gaming. Its battery life usually spans up to 12 hours, depending on how much you’re using features like haptic feedback. Knowing how to monitor this is crucial because you don’t want your controller dying right in the middle of a boss fight.

Battery Life Expectations

Of course, battery life isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Intense gaming sessions packed with vibration and audio outputs can drain your battery faster. To avoid any surprises, regularly checking your battery levels should become second nature.

Checking Battery Levels on PS5

Keeping an eye on your battery while using your PS5 is straightforward and quick.

Using the Control Center

The PlayStation button is your best friend here. Press it to pop up the Control Center at the bottom of the screen.

Accessing Accessories Settings

From the Control Center, scroll until you find the “Accessories” option. Click it, and voilà! Your controller’s battery percentage will be displayed prominently.

Checking Battery Levels on PC

For those who enjoy gaming on both platforms, checking your DualSense’s battery on PC is just as easy, thanks to a couple of handy tools.

Method 1: Using DS4Windows

• Download and Install DS4Windows

First things first, grab DS4Windows from its official site. Install it by following the on-screen prompts.

• Connect Your Controller

You can connect your controller using a USB cable or Bluetooth. Once connected, time to move on.

• Launch DS4Windows

Open DS4Windows and navigate to the Controllers tab. Here, you’ll see your DualSense controller, and under the battery column, its current charge level will be displayed.

Method 2: Using Steam

Steam’s built-in support for the DualSense controller makes life easier.

• Connect Your Controller

Like with DS4Windows, use a USB cable or Bluetooth to connect your controller to your PC.

• Open Steam

Launch Steam and head to the main screen.

• Access Big Picture Mode

Click on the Big Picture Mode icon in the top-right corner to switch to the full-screen interface.

• View Battery Indicator

In Big Picture Mode, you’ll spot a battery icon in the upper right-hand corner indicating your controller’s charge. If it’s not there, you might need to check the Controller Settings by hitting the gear icon.

Extending DualSense Battery Life

Alright, now that you know how to check your battery level, let’s talk about extending it so you don’t have to check it as often.

Adjusting Controller Settings

Haptic Feedback & Adaptive Triggers

These awesome features are fantastic but power-hungry. To save battery, you can lower their intensity or turn them off for games that don’t need them.

• Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and adjust to your liking.

Control Brightness

The light bar can be a real battery-drain. Dim it to save some juice.

• Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Brightness of Controller Indicators and set it to a lower level.

Sound & Microphone

The speaker and microphone are handy but can also eat up your battery quickly.

• Settings > Sound > Controller Speaker: Lower volume or turn it off.
• Settings > Sound > Microphone: Adjust settings to conserve battery.

Proper Charging Practices

• Use Appropriate Chargers

Using the correct cables and chargers is vital. Incompatible charging gear can degrade your battery over time.

• Regular Charging Schedule

Don’t let your battery hit rock bottom. Charge it periodically to keep it healthy.

• Charging Dock

Consider an official PS5 controller charging dock. It keeps your controllers charged and ready whenever you are.

Troubleshooting Battery Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, battery issues crop up. Here’s how to tackle them.

• Controller Not Charging

First, check that your USB cable isn’t damaged and try different USB ports. Look out for any debris in the charging port too.

• Battery Drains Quickly

A quick fix can often be resetting your controller. Use a paper clip to press the small reset button on the back. If this doesn’t help, you may need to contact PlayStation Support.

Controller Not Detected on PC

Ensure your controller’s firmware is up to date. Reinstall DS4Windows or update Steam if necessary. Enhanced Tips for Extending Battery Life**

While we have covered some basics on extending your DualSense battery life, here’s some more advanced advice to ensure your controller stays charged for as long as possible.

Use Wired Connection During Intensive Gaming Sessions

When playing intense gaming sessions, consider using a wired connection. This ensures that your controller’s battery is not stressed and simultaneously charges while you play.

• Simply plug in your DualSense controller to your PS5 or PC using a USB-C cable. This not only keeps your battery topped up but also reduces input lag, giving you a slight advantage in fast-paced games.

Turn Off Unnecessary Features for Specific Games

Some games might not require the full use of the controller’s advanced features. Turn off these features for such games to conserve battery.

• Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and adjust settings like vibration intensity, adaptive triggers, and the light bar. Customize these settings based on your gaming needs.

Leverage Power-Saving Settings

Your PS5 has built-in power-saving modes that can help stretch your controller’s battery life even further.

• Navigate to Settings > System > Power Saving and adjust how long your PS5 should wait before turning off controllers automatically when they are not in use.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Battery Issues

If basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve your issues, consider these advanced solutions.

Recalibrating the Controller

Sometimes the battery indicators and battery performance might seem off due to calibration issues.

• Fully discharge your controller until it turns off.
• Fully charge your controller without interruption.

This process can recalibrate the battery indicator to show a more accurate battery level.

Firmware Update

Ensure your controller’s firmware is up-to-date. Firmware updates can often fix battery performance issues and improve overall functionality.

Updating on PS5:

• Connect your controller to the PS5.
• Navigate to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > Update Controller Software.

Updating on PC:

• For DS4Windows users, open the application and check for firmware updates.
• For Steam users, go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings, connect your DualSense, and check for updates.

Battery Replacement

If your controller’s battery life continues to degrade over time, consider replacing the battery. Note that this should be a last resort, and it’s recommended to get it done by a professional or through Sony’s support channels to avoid any damage or voiding of warranty.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your PS5 DualSense controller charged and ready is about more than just knowing how to check the battery level; it’s about incorporating good habits and being prepared. With these strategies, you can ensure your controller is always ready to go, and you’ll never be caught mid-game with a dead battery. Happy gaming and may your battery always be at 100%!

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