PlayStation 4 Slim: How to Fix Unresponsive Touchpad on the Controller

If you’re experiencing issues with the touchpad on your PS4 Slim controller, you’re not alone. Many gamers encounter problems with an unresponsive touchpad, but the good news is that there are solutions available. In this article, we will explore some troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue and get back to gaming without any frustrations.

According to experts at Asurion, some common causes for an unresponsive touchpad include a dead controller battery, pairing issues, a faulty or disconnected Micro-USB cable, power save settings, or malfunctioning buttons. The first step in troubleshooting is to identify the possible cause and then proceed with the appropriate solution.

One possible solution is to re-pair your controller with your PS4 Slim console. This can help establish a fresh connection and resolve any pairing issues that might be causing the touchpad problem. Additionally, updating the system software on your console can address compatibility issues and improve the overall performance of your controller.

Another important troubleshooting step is to check for any sticky buttons on your controller. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate around the buttons, affecting their functionality. By cleaning the touchpad and checking the buttons for stickiness or damage, you might be able to resolve the issue without having to replace any hardware.

It’s worth noting that ensuring your controller has a full charge is essential. A low battery can lead to various performance problems, including an unresponsive touchpad. Therefore, make it a habit to charge your controller regularly to avoid such issues.

In conclusion, troubleshooting an unresponsive touchpad on your PS4 Slim controller might seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can often fix the problem without much hassle. By re-pairing your controller, updating the system software, and ensuring proper maintenance, you can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions once again.

Possible Causes and Troubleshooting Steps for an Unresponsive Touchpad

Experiencing an unresponsive touchpad on your PS4 Slim controller can be frustrating. To get your controller back in working order, it’s important to understand the possible causes and follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps. According to experts at Asurion, here are some common causes for an unresponsive touchpad:

1. Dead Battery: A low or dead battery can cause the touchpad to become unresponsive. Ensure your controller is fully charged before troubleshooting.
2. Pairing Issues: Sometimes your controller may lose its pairing with the console, leading to touchpad issues. Re-pairing the controller can help resolve this problem.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity Problems: If there are issues with the Bluetooth connection between the console and the controller, the touchpad may not function properly. Checking the Bluetooth settings can help address this.
4. Disconnected or Faulty Micro-USB Cable: A faulty or disconnected Micro-USB cable can prevent the controller from charging or communicating with the console, resulting in touchpad problems.
5. Power Save Settings: The power save settings on your console can affect the functionality of the controller’s touchpad. Adjusting these settings may help resolve the issue.
6. Malfunctioning Buttons: If any of the buttons on your controller are sticky, loose, or malfunctioning, it can impact the performance of the touchpad as well.

To troubleshoot the unresponsive touchpad issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Re-pair Your Controller: Re-pairing your controller with the console can establish a strong connection and resolve touchpad problems.
2. Update the System Software: Keeping your console’s system software updated can address compatibility issues and improve controller performance.
3. Check for Sticky or Broken Buttons: Inspect all the buttons on your controller for any signs of stickiness or damage. Clean them if necessary or replace any broken buttons.
4. Clean the Touchpad: Use a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to gently clean the touchpad and remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting its responsiveness.
5. Ensure the Controller is Fully Charged: Make sure your controller has enough battery power to function properly. Connect it to your console or a USB charger to charge it fully.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the unresponsive touchpad issue, you may need to consider replacing the battery or seeking professional repair services.

Remember to always follow proper maintenance practices for your PS4 Slim controller to prevent future touchpad problems. Regularly charge your controller, keep it clean, and handle it with care to ensure optimal performance.

Tips for Re-pairing Your Controller and Updating System Software

If your DualShock 4 controller is on but not responding, you can try re-pairing it with your PS4 Slim console. To do this, you’ll need a second, working DualShock 4 controller. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your PlayStation dashboard.

2. Select “Devices,” then choose “Bluetooth Devices.”

3. From the list of devices, choose the inactive controller that is experiencing issues.

4. Select “Forget Device” to remove the controller from the list.

5. Turn off your PS4 and connect the malfunctioning controller to the console using a USB cable.

6. Turn the console back on and log in using the malfunctioning controller.

If the system recognizes the controller but it still doesn’t work, you may need to update the system software. To update the system software, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your PS4 Slim.

2. Choose “System Software Update.”

3. Select “Update Now” to start the update process.

Common Issues and Solutions

“My DualShock 4 controller is unresponsive. What do I do?”

Try re-pairing your controller and updating the system software. These steps can often resolve the issue.

Tips for Success

• Make sure you have a working controller available for the re-pairing process.

• Ensure that the USB cable you use to connect the malfunctioning controller to the console is fully functional.

• Follow the on-screen prompts during the re-pairing and system software update processes.

Cleaning and Checking Buttons on Your Controller

If you’re still experiencing issues with your PS4 Slim controller’s touchpad, it’s time to focus on cleaning and checking the buttons. Following these simple steps can help identify and resolve any button-related problems.

Step 1: Cleaning the Touchpad

Start by using a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to gently wipe down the touchpad. This will help remove any dirt or grime that may be interfering with its functionality. Be sure to clean the entire surface of the touchpad, paying careful attention to the edges and corners.

Expert Tip: To avoid damaging your controller, refrain from pouring liquids directly on it or using harsh cleaners. Stick to rubbing alcohol and a cloth for safe and effective cleaning.

Step 2: Checking the Buttons

Next, thoroughly inspect all the buttons on your PS4 Slim controller. Look for any buttons that are sticky, loose, or cracked. These issues can affect the overall performance of your controller.

If you notice a broken button, replacement is necessary to restore functionality. However, if a button just needs cleaning, use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around the button. Gently wipe away any dirt or debris that may be causing the button to stick.

Common Button Issues:

• Stickiness: Buttons that stick when pressed or have a delayed response.
• Looseness: Buttons that feel loose or wobbly when touched.
• Cracks: Buttons that are visibly cracked or damaged.

Expert Tip: Regularly cleaning your controller’s buttons and touchpad can help prevent future issues and ensure optimal performance.

Summary

By cleaning your PS4 Slim controller’s touchpad and checking the buttons for any issues, you can often resolve unresponsive touchpad problems. Remember to use gentle cleaning methods and inspect all buttons thoroughly. If you encounter any broken buttons, consider replacing them to restore full functionality.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting PS4 Slim controller touchpad issues can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem. By re-pairing your controller, updating the system software, cleaning the touchpad, and checking the buttons, you can often fix an unresponsive touchpad on your PS4 Slim controller.

However, if these troubleshooting steps don’t work, there may be underlying issues that require further attention. In such cases, you may need to consider replacing the battery or seeking professional repair. It’s always a good practice to follow proper maintenance routines for your controller, such as turning it off when not in use and regularly charging it, to help prevent future touchpad issues.

Remember, the PS4 Slim touchpad fix can vary depending on the specific problem. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or need more assistance, it’s always a good idea to contact the official PlayStation support or consult a professional technician.