What the PS4 controller tester checks
- Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle and the d-pad.
- L1 and R1, and L2 and R2 as analog triggers from 0.00 to 1.00.
- Both sticks with live position, trail, off-center value and L3 / R3 clicks.
- Share, Options and the PS button.
- Touchpad click (button 17).
- Rumble motors in browsers that support vibration.
Both DualShock 4 versions work: the original CUH-ZCT1 and the later CUH-ZCT2, which has a light bar strip on the touchpad.
How to connect a DualShock 4 to a computer
Micro-USB cable
Plug the controller in with a data cable. The light bar turns on and the system installs it. A wired DualShock 4 test is the best starting point, because it rules out battery and Bluetooth problems.
Bluetooth
- Turn the controller off. Hold Share and the PS button until the light bar flashes in short double blinks.
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your computer and add a device.
- Select Wireless Controller.
If pairing fails, reset the controller with a paperclip in the small hole on the back near the L2 trigger, hold for five seconds and try again.
DualShock 4 button map in the browser
| Index | Button | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Cross | |
| 1 | Circle | |
| 2 | Square | |
| 3 | Triangle | |
| 4 | L1 | |
| 5 | R1 | |
| 6 | L2 | L2, analog 0.00 – 1.00 |
| 7 | R2 | R2, analog 0.00 – 1.00 |
| 8 | Create / Share | Share on DualShock 4 |
| 9 | Options | |
| 10 | L3 | |
| 11 | R3 | |
| 12 | D-pad up | |
| 13 | D-pad down | |
| 14 | D-pad left | |
| 15 | D-pad right | |
| 16 | PS | PS button |
| 17 | Touchpad click | Click only |
The left stick is axes 0 and 1, the right stick axes 2 and 3.
Common PS4 controller problems
Stick drift
After years of use DualShock 4 sticks often drift. Let go and read Off center; above 0.08 is noticeable. Run the stick drift test for a timed result, and the joystick deadzone test to find a deadzone that hides it.
L2 or R2 spring broken
The trigger springs on the DualShock 4 can break, leaving a trigger that does not return. Watch the bar: if it stays above 0.00 after you let go, the trigger is not returning.
Unresponsive buttons
The DualShock 4 uses rubber membrane contacts. Dirt or wear makes a button need extra force. Press each button gently ten times; missed counts show which ones are going.
Port and battery faults
Wiggle the cable gently while the tester is open. If the controller disappears and reappears, the micro-USB port is worn. Over Bluetooth, sudden disconnects at low charge point to an ageing battery.
What a browser cannot test on a DualShock 4
The motion sensors, the speaker, the headset jack, the light bar colour and touchpad finger tracking are outside the Gamepad API. Buttons, sticks, triggers, touchpad click and rumble are all covered.
Other controllers
For the DualSense, use the PS5 controller tester. Any other controller works in the main gamepad tester.