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How to update your PS5 controller to keep it working properly

Person holding a PS5 DualSense controller.
There are two ways to update a PS5 controller, but they both go through the same prompt. YELIM LEE/AFP via Getty Images
  • To update your PS5 controller, accept the update prompt that appears when you turn on the console.
  • If you decline the prompt, you'll have to wait a day before you can update your PS5 controllers.
  • You can also manually move the PS5's clock up one day to immediately see the update prompt again.
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Modern game controllers are complicated pieces of hardware. And just like the consoles they're attached to, they sometimes need to be updated.

Unfortunately, the PlayStation doesn't give you much control over when you update your controllers. When an update is available, you only have a small window of time to accept it.

Here's how to update your PS5's DualSense controllers.

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How to update your PS5 controller

If an update is available for your DualSense controllers, a prompt will appear when you turn on your PS5 or wake it from Rest Mode. It'll be titled Wireless Controller Device Software, and it'll explain that you need to update your controller. 

The PS5 screen asking you to update your controllers.
You'll need to connect your controller directly to the PS5 with a charging cable to update it. Ron Lyons Jr./Insider

Once it appears:

1. Connect your controller to the PS5 using its USB-C charging cable.

2. Select Update Now. Your controller will start updating — don't turn off your PS5 or unplug the controller.

A screen saying that the PS5 controller is updating.
It'll take a few moments for your controller to update. Ron Lyons Jr./Insider

Alternatively, select Notify After 24 Hours. This will mute the prompt for a day, and once that day has passed, it'll show up again when you turn on your PS5.

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Updating your controller manually

If you chose to ignore the update (or pressed the wrong button), you have two options: wait until the next day or change your settings to make your PlayStation believe it's the next day. 

1. With your controller still connected to the PS5, open the PS5's Settings menu by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner of the PS5's homepage.

A PS5 home screen, with the Settings icon in the corner highlighted.
Open your PS5's settings. William Antonelli/Insider

2. Select Network, and then Settings.

3. Disable your internet connection by toggling off Connect to the Internet. This will let you set the time and date manually.

A PS5 settings screen showing that the internet connection has been disabled.
You'll need to disconnect from the internet to change your PS5's time. William Antonelli/Insider

4. Back out to the main Settings page and scroll down to System.

5. Select Date and Time followed by Set Manually. Then change the date to 24 hours ahead of your current time.

The PS5's Date and Time screen, with the current date and time highlighted.
You'll need to manually change the date and time through this menu. William Antonelli/Insider

6. Restart your console. The Wireless Controller Device Software prompt should appear again.

Once you've updated your controllers, feel free to reconnect to the internet and correct the date.

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