Turning off your PS4 controller while enjoying a movie is surprisingly simple and prevents battery drain. You can achieve this in several ways, from using the Quick Menu to disabling the controller entirely in the PS4’s settings. This article delves into the methods, nuances, and FAQs surrounding PS4 controller management during movie playback.
Understanding Controller Management During Playback
Many find the persistent glow of the DualShock 4 controller distracting while immersed in a film. Moreover, leaving it active unnecessarily drains the battery, potentially interrupting your viewing experience later. Fortunately, Sony provides multiple solutions for managing your controller, allowing you to dim the lights and conserve power.
Why Turn Off Your PS4 Controller?
Beyond the obvious reasons of distraction and battery conservation, turning off your controller:
- Prevents Accidental Input: No more pausing or skipping scenes because someone unknowingly brushed against the touchpad.
- Extends Controller Lifespan: Reducing unnecessary usage can contribute to the longevity of your DualShock 4.
- Minimizes Power Consumption: Even in standby, a connected controller draws a small amount of power.
Methods for Deactivating Your PS4 Controller
Several methods allow you to deactivate your PS4 controller while watching a movie. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
Method 1: Using the Quick Menu
This is the most convenient and frequently used method.
- Press and Hold the PS Button: This is the circular button in the center of your DualShock 4.
- Access the Quick Menu: After a few seconds, the Quick Menu will appear on your screen.
- Select “Sound/Devices”: Navigate to this option within the Quick Menu.
- Choose “Turn Off Device”: This option is usually located near the bottom of the Sound/Devices menu.
- Select “DualShock 4”: Confirm that you want to turn off your specific controller.
Your controller will now power down. To reactivate it, simply press the PS button again.
Method 2: Adjusting Power Saving Settings
This method allows you to set a specific inactivity period before the controller automatically turns off.
- Navigate to Settings: From the PS4’s home screen, select the “Settings” icon.
- Select “Power Saving Settings”: Scroll down and select this option within the Settings menu.
- Choose “Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off”: You’ll find this option under the Power Saving Settings.
- Select a Time Interval: Choose from options like 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or “Do Not Turn Off.” If you choose an interval, the controller will automatically power down after that period of inactivity. Selecting “Do Not Turn Off” will keep the controller active indefinitely.
Method 3: Turning Off Controller in Devices Settings
This is a more direct approach.
- Navigate to Settings: From the PS4’s home screen, select the “Settings” icon.
- Select “Devices”: Scroll down and select this option within the Settings menu.
- Select “Controllers”: Choose “Controllers” within the Devices menu.
- Select “Communication Method”: Here, if you are connected by Bluetooth, you can switch to using USB cable. Disconnecting the USB cable will turn the controller off if it’s not actively paired by Bluetooth. If you are already using a USB cable, disconnecting it will do the same.
- Alternatively, remove the controller from the paired devices: If you want to completely disconnect the controller, you can ‘forget’ the device, making it necessary to re-pair it later. This is generally not recommended for simple movie watching.
Troubleshooting Controller Issues
Sometimes, the controller might not respond as expected. Here are some common troubleshooting steps.
Controller Won’t Turn Off
- Check the Battery Level: A very low battery might prevent the controller from responding correctly. Try charging it for a short period and then attempting to turn it off.
- Hard Reset the Controller: Locate the small reset button on the back of the controller (near the L2 button). Use a small, unfolded paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the button for a few seconds. This will reset the controller to its factory settings.
- Restart the PS4: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Check for System Updates: Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Controller Turns Back On
- Accidental Button Presses: Ensure nothing is pressing against the controller’s buttons, particularly the PS button.
- Motion Detection: If the controller is placed on a surface that is vibrating, the motion detection feature might inadvertently turn it back on. Place the controller on a stable, stationary surface.
- Other Connected Devices: Interference from other Bluetooth devices might be triggering the controller. Try turning off nearby Bluetooth devices to see if this resolves the issue.
- USB Connection: If the controller is plugged into the PS4, it may be turning back on as it charges. Unplug the cable if you want to keep it off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing your PS4 controller during movie playback.
FAQ 1: Can I use a media remote instead of the controller?
Yes! The PS4 supports various media remotes, which are designed specifically for controlling movie and TV playback. This can be a much more convenient option than using the DualShock 4.
FAQ 2: Will turning off the controller interrupt my movie?
No. Turning off the controller will not interrupt movie playback, provided you’ve already started the movie using the controller. Playback will continue uninterrupted.
FAQ 3: Can I use the PS4 app on my phone to control movies instead?
Yes, the PlayStation App (available on iOS and Android) can be used to control media playback on your PS4. You’ll need to ensure your phone and PS4 are on the same Wi-Fi network and that you’ve signed into the same PlayStation Network account.
FAQ 4: Does this work for streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu?
Yes, the methods described in this article work for most streaming apps on the PS4, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
FAQ 5: Can I use a different controller while one is turned off?
Yes. You can have multiple controllers paired with your PS4. Turning off one controller does not affect the others.
FAQ 6: What if my controller keeps turning on after I turn it off?
See the “Controller Turns Back On” section in the Troubleshooting area for solutions to this issue.
FAQ 7: Does disabling Bluetooth on the PS4 turn off the controller?
Disabling Bluetooth on the PS4 will disconnect the controller if it’s connected wirelessly. However, this will also disable other Bluetooth devices connected to the PS4. It’s usually better to use the Quick Menu or power-saving settings.
FAQ 8: Can I turn off the light bar on the controller without turning it off entirely?
Yes! Navigate to Settings -> Devices -> Controllers -> Brightness of DUALSHOCK 4 Light Bar. You can dim it to “Dim” or turn it off completely. This saves battery life and reduces distractions without fully deactivating the controller.
FAQ 9: How do I pair my controller again if I completely unpaired it?
To re-pair a controller, connect it to the PS4 with a USB cable and press the PS button. The PS4 will automatically recognize and pair the controller.
FAQ 10: Is there a way to turn off the controller via voice command?
No. The PS4 does not currently support voice commands for turning off the controller.
FAQ 11: Does using the power-saving settings affect game play?
No, the power-saving settings only activate after a period of inactivity. While you’re actively playing a game, the controller will remain on.
FAQ 12: Will the controller automatically turn back on when the movie ends?
No, the controller will not automatically turn back on when the movie ends. You’ll need to press the PS button to reactivate it.
By understanding these methods and troubleshooting tips, you can easily manage your PS4 controller during movie playback, ensuring a more immersive and uninterrupted viewing experience.