PS3 controller sync issue

By red.
in PlayStation

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

red.

Posted
Posted

So i've started having issues with my controllers where they don't sync with the PS3 until i connect them using a USB cable. They're ok after i unplug the cable but whenever i next turn on my PS3 again i still get the same problem.

 

It doesn't seem like a bluetooth issue because if i get one controller working using the above method then the other two sync straight away without even having to connect them by USB.

 

I tried the pin reset buttons on the back of the controllers and even going into safe mode and restoring the file system (it did say it was corrupt and would be rebuilt) but now i'm out of ideas as to what to do. Can anyone help?

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1198785-ps3-controller-sync-issue/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

D. S. Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 20:57, red. said:

So i've started having issues with my controllers where they don't sync with the PS3 until i connect them using a USB cable. They're ok after i unplug the cable but whenever i next turn on my PS3 again i still get the same problem.

 

It doesn't seem like a bluetooth issue because if i get one controller working using the above method then the other two sync straight away without even having to connect them by USB.

 

I tried the pin reset buttons on the back of the controllers and even going into safe mode and restoring the file system (it did say it was corrupt and would be rebuilt) but now i'm out of ideas as to what to do. Can anyone help?

 

Are they defaulting to the same number when you try to sync them without the USB cable?

Grand Master

red.

Posted
  • Author
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 21:14, D. S. said:

Are they defaulting to the same number when you try to sync them without the USB cable?

 

Whenever i press the PS button while the PS3 is on standby, it will turn the console on like normal bit the controller lights will just keep flashing and not sync from then on.

Grand Master

D. S. Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 21:31, red. said:

Whenever i press the PS button while the PS3 is on standby, it will turn the console on like normal bit the controller lights will just keep flashing and not sync from then on.

 

Are they all assigned different numbers in Accessory settings? What happens if you press the PS button again while the lights keep flashing? No effect?

Grand Master

Aergan

Posted
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 20:57, red. said:

So i've started having issues with my controllers where they don't sync with the PS3 until i connect them using a USB cable. They're ok after i unplug the cable but whenever i next turn on my PS3 again i still get the same problem.

 

It doesn't seem like a bluetooth issue because if i get one controller working using the above method then the other two sync straight away without even having to connect them by USB.

 

I tried the pin reset buttons on the back of the controllers and even going into safe mode and restoring the file system (it did say it was corrupt and would be rebuilt) but now i'm out of ideas as to what to do. Can anyone help?

 

I bought 3x supposedly broken PS3 controllers off of eBay recently and 2/3 of them (older model DS3) had similar issues to this with my PS3 (CECHC04).

Here's what fixed it for me:

  • Turn on PS3 via power button
  • Plug in PS3 controllers via USB simultaneously (I had 4x DS3 on 4 separate USB cables for mine)
  • Turn them on, one by one
  • Let them charge for a moment each
  • Power down each controller in turn via holding the PS button, select turn off controller
  • Shut down PS3
  • Test each controller
Grand Master

red.

Posted
  • Author
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 21:34, D. S. said:

Are they all assigned different numbers in Accessory settings? What happens if you press the PS button again while the lights keep flashing? No effect?

I haven't checked the settings with all controllers plugged in. If I press the PS button while USB is plugged in then it successfully syncs but if not plugged in then it continues to flash all 4 lights.

  On 30/01/2014 at 21:49, Aergan said:

<p>

I bought 3x supposedly broken PS3 controllers off of eBay recently and 2/3 of them (older model DS3) had similar issues to this with my PS3 (CECHC04).

Here's what fixed it for me:

  • Turn on PS3 via power button
  • Plug in PS3 controllers via USB simultaneously (I had 4x DS3 on 4 separate USB cables for mine)
  • Turn them on, one by one
  • Let them charge for a moment each
  • Power down each controller in turn via holding the PS button, select turn off controller
  • Shut down PS3
  • Test each controller

Thanks. I'll try this tomorrow. I got fed up and gave up for tonight.

Grand Master

red.

Posted
  • Author
Posted
  On 30/01/2014 at 21:49, Aergan said:

 

I bought 3x supposedly broken PS3 controllers off of eBay recently and 2/3 of them (older model DS3) had similar issues to this with my PS3 (CECHC04).

Here's what fixed it for me:

  • Turn on PS3 via power button
  • Plug in PS3 controllers via USB simultaneously (I had 4x DS3 on 4 separate USB cables for mine)
  • Turn them on, one by one
  • Let them charge for a moment each
  • Power down each controller in turn via holding the PS button, select turn off controller
  • Shut down PS3
  • Test each controller

 

 

Just a quick question, how were you able to plug all the controllers in at the same time? As far as i can see the super slim only has 2 USB ports.

Grand Master

The Evil Overlord

Posted
Posted

Try deregistering them, then one by one, plug them back into the ps3 via usb one at a time

 

assign a position for it (ie controller 1)

then use the ps button on the controller to turn off the ps3.......... after everything turns off, try turning on the ps3 via the ps button on the controller

 

once that's done, assign your subsequent controllers, and once all controllers are registered to the console, turn off again from the ps button from any controller this is important as mine used to do that too

the only fix I found that worked for me was to do this, it'll re assign controllers, nothing you can do about that, but it should then turn off and then back on from any of the controllers 


  On 31/01/2014 at 08:52, red. said:

Just a quick question, how were you able to plug all the controllers in at the same time? As far as i can see the super slim only has 2 USB ports.

on any ps3 that isn't gen 1 60 gig, you can't, (unless using a usb hub) the only way is to leave them on, and lets the console decide how it's going to handle them (I believe)

 

Hope this helps :)

Grand Master

red.

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Tried everything posted and nothing worked :( Strangely if i go into safe mode the controllers sync fine, when it boots normally it doesn't.

 

Also, when i go to repair the filesystem, it keeps saying it's corrupt and needs fixing. I've done it twice and it doesn't seem to be changing.

Grand Master

The Evil Overlord

Posted
Posted
  On 31/01/2014 at 20:48, red. said:

Tried everything posted and nothing worked :( Strangely if i go into safe mode the controllers sync fine, when it boots normally it doesn't.

 

Also, when i go to repair the filesystem, it keeps saying it's corrupt and needs fixing. I've done it twice and it doesn't seem to be changing.

Sounds like the controllers might not be your issue, do you have a suitable flash drive to download the latest firmware from the sony website to reformat the console?

and back stuff up etc...?

Grand Master

D. S. Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
  On 03/02/2014 at 11:03, red. said:

Strangely, without me doing anything, the controllers are syncing again. Not sure what's changed but just as suddenly as it stopped working it's now working again. :s

 

Gremlinelectricql8.jpg

Grand Master

The Evil Overlord

Posted
Posted
  On 01/02/2014 at 09:56, red. said:

I do, I was hoping avoid backup and formatting as I have a lot of stuff on the hard drive and the Super slim doesn't seem to be able to pick up my USB powered external hard drive.

(I feel your pain bro, and when my slim does, it for no reason restarts the hard drive's spoolup process for no reason)

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Apple Intelligence can now analyze your iPhone's screen, offers live translation

      By Aditya Tiwari · Posted

      Apple Intelligence can now analyze your iPhone's screen, offers live translation by Aditya Tiwari Alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and new AirPods features, Apple announced some stuff for Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025. A highlight of the latest announcements is that developers can now access Apple's on-device foundation models, which power Apple Intelligence, to enhance their apps. Apple's Foundation Models framework enables developers to create AI-powered features and experiences that can also operate offline. "The framework has native support for Swift, so app developers can easily access the Apple Intelligence model with as few as three lines of code," Apple said, adding that the access is offered free of charge. Apple has introduced several new features for the general public. For starters, the new Live Translation feature works across Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls, using "Apple-built models that run entirely on device" to translate messages from one language to another. In other words, the feature can translate written text in Messages into the recipient's preferred language and display translated live captions while still hearing the speaker’s voice in FaceTime. Meanwhile, the translated text is spoken aloud on regular phone calls throughout the conversation. Visual Intelligence can now access a user's iPhone screen to answer questions and take action on the content being viewed on the screen across apps. Users can ask ChatGPT for details on specific objects and what they're looking at on their screen to learn more. They can also search Google, Etsy, and other supported apps to find similar images and products. Visual Intelligence can also identify events displayed on the screen and suggest adding them to the user's calendar. The updated Genmoji feature lets users mix emojis and combine them with text descriptions to generate something new. They can change expressions and adjust personal attributes, such as hairstyle, to match the latest look when making Genmojis inspired by their friends and family members. Image Playground has been updated to support new styles generated by ChatGPT, such as oil paintings or vector art. When users have a specific idea in mind, they can use the "Any Style" option. Apple Intelligence also powers the Shortcuts app, using on-device processing or Private Cloud Compute to generate responses that feed into the rest of the shortcut while maintaining privacy. For instance, Apple explained that "a student can build a shortcut that uses the Apple Intelligence model to compare an audio transcription of a class lecture to the notes they took, and add any key points they may have missed." Apple is integrating its AI features into more apps with subsequent OS updates. The Wallet app can now summarize order tracking details from emails sent by merchants and delivery carriers. It lets users check their full order details, progress notifications, and other details. In Messages, Apple Intelligence can suggest where a poll might come in handy, and users can create backgrounds to fit their chats using Image Playground. The new Apple Intelligence features are available for testing on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro through the Apple Developer Program. By the end of the year, Apple's AI suite will support more languages, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (traditional), and Vietnamese. You can read about Apple Intelligence in the official announcement post on Apple Newsroom.
    • Microsoft shares "immediate remediation" script if you deleted this Windows system folder

      By lonegull · Posted

      Great article, thank you!
    • Apple announces iOS 26 with Windows Vista-like 'Liquid Glass' redesign

      By excalpius · Posted

      Absolutely. Glass widgets, tabs, docks, Rainmeter, MicaForEveryone (gorgeous full glass explorer windows), etc. some of us never left the glass ecosphere. I actually hope this encourages MS to put those Acrylic/Mica/Glass hooks back into the OS as an option. It doesn't have to be the default, but some of us would love the choice.
    • Microsoft shares "immediate remediation" script if you deleted this Windows system folder

      By lonegull · Posted

      I had deleted the folder after installing the update and then re-created the inetpub folder. Ran the script today even though the folder exists, it does some minor changes to the permissions and to the order of some.
    • Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania for AI infrastructure, creating 1,250 jobs

      By Skwerl · Posted

      Creating 1,250 jobs...in order to destroy two orders of magnitude more.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Rookie
      CHUNWEI went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Enthusiast
      the420kid went up a rank
      Enthusiast
    • Conversation Starter
      NeoToad777 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Week One Done
      VicByrd earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      NeoToad777 earned a badge
      Reacting Well

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      471
    2. 2
      +FloatingFatMan
      268
    3. 3
      ATLien_0
      256
    4. 4
      Edouard
      200
    5. 5
      snowy owl
      181
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!