Steam made the PS4 Dualshock 4 pad compatible with the platform in 2018. And there’s no denying that it’s magnificently customizable. Unlike any other controller, the Dualshock 4 is not simply useful for playing all of the available games. On the other hand, the touchpad can be used as a mouse, giving a glimpse of Windows. Everything was running so smoothly for both Steam and the PS4 controller that many users began to experience incompatibility issues. To be more specific, customers are having problems with Steam not detecting PS4 controllers.
So, if you’re among this group, don’t panic; it’s rather simple to solve the problem. We’ve covered a variety of causes for Steam not detecting the PS4 controller, as well as workarounds. So without wasting any time, we shall begin now.
Different Reasons Why Steam Not Detecting PS4 Controller?
There could be several reasons why Steam isn’t detecting your PS4 controller. However, in the vast majority of cases, simply restarting the Steam client. In other circumstances can resolve the problem, though, the cause may be serious and necessitate a technical solution. Nonetheless, the following are some of the possible causes of the problem.
1. Steam Client Problem – In the vast majority of situations, the steam client bug has been identified as the primary cause of PS4 controller incompatibility difficulties.
2. Glitched PS4 Controller — The PS4 is linked to the computer through Bluetooth or a USB cable. So, if the controller isn’t operating properly, or if it’s been glitched, you’ll run into a variety of problems.
3. Outdated drivers – Every application or driver that you have installed on your computer has to be updated regularly. If you have an outdated USB driver, you will get various errors.
4. Windows Malfunction – Windows is a complicated operating system. As a result, it’s unsurprising that it’s prone to problems and glitches. This bug can also include Steam not detecting the PS4 controller.
5. Glitched Bluetooth — The PS4 may connect to a PC using both Bluetooth and a USB wire. If you’re using a Bluetooth controller to connect, there may be a problem with the Bluetooth signal. And it’ll eventually lead to a variety of controller faults.
Now that you’ve figured out what’s causing the issue, it’s time to see what you can do about it.
Fix: Steam Not Recognizing PS4 Controller
The reasons are as plain to understand as the solutions. However, because the creators haven’t disclosed a specific workaround, you may have to try all of the ways listed below to resolve the issue. Therefore, we’ll have a look at them individually.
Fix 1: Confirm Your Controller Is Working
Double-check that your controller is operational before diving into the technical components of the problem. There may be a problem with the controller itself, and you’re wondering what’s wrong with Steam. As a result, be certain that your controller is completely charged. The USB cable has not been harmed. In addition, you can test the controller on any other device to see if it’s working or not.
After you’ve checked all of these and determined that the controller isn’t faulty, it’s time to look into technological solutions to the problem.
Fix 2: Reset PS4 Controller
If Steam does not recognize the PS4 controller even though it appears connected in the display when plugged in, there is a problem with the controller. You’ll have to go through the resetting process to repair this. So, here are the steps to resetting the Dualshock controller on the PS4.
1. To begin, locate the Dualshock controller’s reset button. It will be located beside the L2 button.
2. To reset the controller, press the button on the inside. You can use a little clip or paper to accomplish this.
3. Before releasing the button, keep it pressed for a few seconds.
That is all there is to it. Using a USB or Bluetooth connection, connect the controller to the PC. Check to see if the situation persists. Otherwise, you’re good to go. If the problem persists, proceed to the next method.
Fix 3: Check for Bluetooth Signal Barrier
As previously stated, Bluetooth signal interference can cause Steam to not recognize the PS4 controller. Make sure no other device is turned on when you are connected to the PS4 controller to fix this. So, here are a few options.
1. Start Steam on your computer.
2. Select “Steam” from the drop-down menu in the top left corner.
3. Navigate to Settings > Controller now.
4. Select “General Controller Settings” from the drop-down menu.
5. The Windows for the Controller will appear.
6. All of the choices should be unchecked.
7. Steam should be restarted.
8. Return to the “Controller Window” now.
9. Simply check the “PlayStation configuration support” box this time.
Restart the Steam client after you’ve finished. Check to see if you’re still having issues.
Fix 4: Turn Off Steam Configuration in Big Picture
Disabling the Steam setup in the big picture has been seen to address the Steam not recognizing PS4 controller issue in many circumstances. You may also try using this workaround to see if it makes a difference. So, these are the measures you should take.
1. Select “Big Picture” from the context menu of the Steam client in the system tray area.
2. Select Library.
3. Select “Installed” from the drop-down menu. And you can play whatever game you want.
4. On the left panel of the screen, select “Manage Game Options”.
5. Now select “Controller Option” from the “Steam input” menu.
6. A window called “Controller Application Option” will appear.
7. “Force off” the “Steam input program settings”.
Finally, press the Ok button. Open your game after relaunching Steam. Check to see if the PS4 controller is now operational.
Fix 5: Check for Latest Update
It’s likely that the developers are already aware of the issue and have addressed it in the most recent release. Even if this isn’t the case, an out-of-date Steam client might cause a variety of issues. As a result, make sure you have the most recent Steam client installed on your computer. The methods to download the most recent Steam client are outlined here.
1. On your computer, launch the Steam client.
2. Select “Steam” from the upper left corner of the screen.
3. Select Check for Steam Client Updates from the drop-down menu.
The Steam client will now search the internet for any available updates. If the update is found, it will be downloaded automatically. Open your game on Steam when it has been updated to see if the problem has been resolved. If it’s not the case, proceed to the final workaround to resolve the issue.
Fix 6: Download Latest Windows Update
Steam not recognizing PS4 controller can potentially be caused by an outdated Windows version. Microsoft continues to release updates to address small faults and glitches in the operating system. As a result, it’s always a good idea to maintain your system up to date. Nonetheless, here are the procedures for downloading the most recent Windows update.
1. By hitting the Windows + I shortcut key, you may get to the Windows Settings.
2. On the left panel of the screen, select the “Windows Update” option.
3. Select “Check for Update” from the drop-down menu.
Windows will start looking for any updates available. It will automatically download it if it is detected. Restart your computer, open Steam, and start playing your game. It will come to you as a surprise that you’re no longer having problems with controller compatibility.
Final Words
These were all of the solutions that worked to resolve the issue with Steam not recognizing PS4 controllers. As previously said, there is no precise remedy for the problem, so you may have to try all of the workarounds before settling on the one that works best for you. Furthermore, feel free to leave a comment to share any alternatives that will solve the issue.
