How to Fix PS4 Controller Yellow Light of Death?

Is your PS4 controller yellow light of death error starting to get on your nerves? Well, we have the solutions you need to get rid of it once and for all!

What does flashing yellow light mean on PS4? Your console can flash its yellow notification light whenever it’s charging.

However, the problem arises when it’s showing the yellow light, and you can’t use the controller. 

If you don’t fix it, you will have a hard time controlling your console.

To fix the PS4 controller’s yellow light error, you need to turn off your console. Connect the controller using the charging cable. Switch your PS4 on, and while it’s powering up, you want to repeatedly press the PS button on the controller. Wait for the indicator lights to turn blue, and your controller is fixed.

Let’s look at the reasons that cause the yellow light issue on your controller.

Why Is My PS4 Controller Lighting Up Yellow

The problem stems from several sources regarding your PS4 controller flashing its yellow notification lights.

We recommend checking the wire that connects the controller to the console. Your console and controller’s software can also cause this problem.

Here are the things that you should be looking out for if your controller stops working and lights up yellow:

1. Charging Issues

Since your PS4 controller supports wireless use, it comes with a battery. You will experience this issue when the battery dies, and charging fails.

2. Connection Problems

Too many signals can interfere with how your controller works. Bluetooth is notorious for causing connectivity issues with your PS4 controller giving you a hard time using it with your console.

3. Software Bug or Glitch

A temporary error in your console or controller’s software can cause the yellow light issue.

4. Faulty Console

Hardware issues can also cause this problem. It could come from your console or controller’s end, but it will prevent your controller from operating properly if certain components fail.

Now that you have a better understanding of the yellow light issue, we can proceed to the solutions on how to resolve this issue.

You’ll be back playing on your console in no time!

How to Fix PS4 Controller Yellow Light of Death

It’s frustrating getting the yellow light on your controller’s notification bar.

Before you do anything else, we recommend turning off your console by pressing and holding the power button until it shuts down.

Unplug it from the outlet and allow it to rest for a few hours. This will allow your console to discharge and eliminate any temporary bugs in the system.

If this step does not fix the problem, here are other solutions you can attempt:

Solution #1: Replace the USB Charging Cable of Your Controller

Since this issue can also be attributed to charging problems with your controller, you want to make sure that’s not the case.

Get a spare USB cable to connect your controller to your PS4 and try it out.

If it’s a charging issue, the yellow light notification should change to blue after a few minutes of plugging it in.

Here’s how to replace your USB charging cable:

1. Disconnect the USB cord between your controller and console.
2. Get a spare cable with a micro-USB connector.
3. Connect your controller to the console using the new cables.
4. Wait between 30 minutes to an hour to allow the controller to charge.

Note: If the yellow light pulsates, it’s not a charging issue, and you should proceed to the next steps.

Solution #2: Turn Off Bluetooth for Your Controller

The problem you will face with this step is using your PS4 without your controller.

The good news is that there are alternative methods to control your console and switch your controller’s Bluetooth off.

Here’s how to control your PS4 using a different device:

1. Plug in a keyboard and mouse via USB.
2. Download the official PlayStation app on your phone.

Disconnecting your PS4 controller’s Bluetooth:

1. Go to your PS4’s settings menu.
2. Select Devices.
3. Scroll down until you reach the Bluetooth option.
4. Choose it to change its settings.
5. Click on Turn Off.

Note: You’re going to be using your keyboard and mouse or your phone to do these steps since your controller is not responding.

Solution #3: Boot Your PS4 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is one of the ways to troubleshoot your PS4 effectively.

Doing this will start your console with the bare minimum, so any corrupted system files causing the issue will not be part of the boot process.

If your controller works after loading your console in safe mode, you know that there is something wrong with your device’s software.

Here’s how to load your PS4 in safe mode:

1. Press and hold the power button to turn your PS4 ON.
2. Hold the power button until you hear the 2nd beep.
3. Release the power button.
4. Plug your controller via USB and check if it works.

Alert: Restart your console to exit Safe Mode. Your PS4 will boot normally.

Tip: If your controller works when your console is in Safe Mode, you will need to reset it to factory settings to use it normally.

Solution #4: Repeatedly Push the PS Button

This is a solution that’s tested and proven by many PS4 owners. If you encounter the yellow light problem on your controller, this is one of the steps that you should not skip.

This resets the connection of your controller to the console and resolves any issues brought by a bad link.

Here’s how to perform this step successfully:

1. Press and hold the power button to turn it off.
2. Unplug the power cable and plug it back in.
3. Press the PS and Share buttons until the blue light starts blinking.
4. Turn your PS4 ON and quickly plug in the controller via the USB port.
5. As your console powers on, press the PS button repeatedly.

Note: Press the PS button repeatedly as quickly as you can until you see the notification light on your controller turns solid blue.

Solution #5: Reset Your PS4 Controller

Since your PS4 controller is a separate device, you can reset it independent of your console.

It’s a great way to resolve any issues that involve unresponsive controllers. It can also fix the yellow notification light error.

Here’s how to reset your PS4 controller:

1. Unplug your controller from the console and flip it over.
2. Locate the reset button near the L2 trigger.
3. Using a pin or paper clip, press and hold the reset button.
4. Wait for at least 7 seconds.
5. Press the PS button and wait for the light bar to turn blue.

Solution #6: Reset Your PS4

If resetting your controller does not resolve the issue, you can also try resetting your PS4.

If your controller remains unresponsive at this point, you’ll have to use other input methods such as a mouse and keyboard or your phone.

Here’s how to reset your PS4:

1. Go to your console’s Settings menu.
2. Select Initialization.
3. Choose Initialize PS4.
4. Click on Full.
5. Select Initialize to confirm.

Note: This will reinstall the PS4 software into your system, clearing your settings and custom files.

An alternative that you have is to replace your faulty controller with a new one. This is one of the options you need to consider if none of these troubleshooting steps work.

Having a spare controller also helps, as you can use that to navigate the different settings of your console.

You can also contact PlayStation customer support and ask for assistance. They can help you determine if there’s a hardware problem with your controller so they can repair or replace it.

Read Next: PS4 Light is White Instead of Blue? – (Fixed)

Bottom Line

Now that you know how to fix your PS4 controller yellow light of death error, you will not panic when you encounter it.

It sounds scary and intimidating, but it’s actually an easy problem to fix as long as you follow the steps outlined in this guide.