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PS5 Controller Input Lag (I Found a QUICK Fix!)

If you are experiencing the PS5 controller lag issue in 2024, trust me, you are not alone.

This has been noticed by various users while playing games like Elden Ring, Call of Duty Vanguard, COD MW2, Warzone, Fifa 22, Fifa 23, Fortnite, NBA, Mortal Kombat and many more.

PS5 controller input lag

For some users, this issue started just suddenly out of nowhere. For others, it started after an update, or after re-installing a game. Also, some users experienced it on both PS4 and PS5 games while others did with only one particular type on their PlayStation 5 console.

The good news is that I am going to show how to reduce input lag or latency on PS5 and make your gaming experience as smooth and enjoyable as it was, and maybe even more. 

Let’s dive right in!

Why Is My PS5 Controller Lagging?

You may notice PS5 controller delay for a couple of reasons. Some of these include:

There could be several reasons why your PS5 controller is lagging. Here are some possible causes:

  • Low battery: If the battery level of your PS5 controller is low, it can cause lagging or delay in response. 
  • Wireless interference: If there are other wireless devices operating nearby, it can cause interference and lead to latency issues. 
  • Bluetooth connectivity issues: Bluetooth connectivity issues can cause lagging in the PS5 controller. This can be fixed by resetting the DualSense controller. 
  • Outdated software: If the PS5 system software or the controller firmware is outdated, it can cause lagging. 
  • Hardware issues: There could be a hardware issue with the PS5 controller that’s causing the lagging. 
  • Network connectivity issues: If you’re playing a game online and experiencing lag, it could be due to network connectivity issues. 
  • Overheating: If the PS5 console or the controller is overheating, it can cause lagging. 
  • Game-specific issues: Some games like may have issues that cause lagging specifically with the PS5 controller. This is common with games like Elden Ring, Call of Duty Vanguard, COD MW2 and Warzone. However, there are ways to resolve this as well shown in the next section. 
  • Controller settings: The controller settings may be causing lagging. 
  • Physical obstruction: Physical obstructions such as walls or furniture can interfere with the Bluetooth signal between the PS5 console and the controller. 

With these in mind, let’s look at how to fix PS5 controller delay and latency. 

How to Fix PS5 Controller Input Lag / Input Delay

You can fix PS5 controller latency or input lay issue by power cycling your console, switching picture mode on TV to gaming mode, connecting via a USB cable followed by switching Bluetooth off, minimizing signal interference, updating controller software , rebuilding console database and switching to performance mode.

Below are 14 proven tips to help you fix PS5 controller input lag issue (explained step-by-step screenshots):

1. Restart or Power Cycle the Console

Starting from the easiest thing, some users said they were able to reduce PS5 controller lag by simply rebooting their console. Even better, you can take it a step ahead by power cycling it, the

Restarting your console (and any other electronic) will generally clear the system memory, close all open apps (you may still have lot of apps running in the background taking up memory space) and remove any stored session data, all of which can take up memory space and cause input lag.

To take it a step a step further, you can power cycle your console (which does a better job than simply restarting it).

Here’s how to power cycle your console:

  • First, press and hold the console’s power button until the white light stops flashing and the console powers off.
  • Remove the power cable from the wall outlet (very important, it’s not a power cycle if you don’t remove the power cable)
  • Wait for 30-60 seconds
  • Plug the power cable back into the wall outlet and turn it back on.

If that fixes the issue for you, great! Otherwise, let’s move to the next step. 


2. Switch Picture Mode to Game on TV

A lot of TV brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Vizio and more offer various picture modes like Game, Movie, Sports, Dynamic, Vivid and Standard.

Each of these picture modes have a default settings for various aspects of your TV screen settings like color temperature, backlight, motion interpolator, sharpness, gamma and others.

If your TV picture mode is not is the game mode, you need to switch it to game mode immediately. In this mode, the settings will be adjusted to give you the best gaming experience and you should no longer experience the PS5 input lag issue.

For example, on LG smart TVs, you simply have to go to Settings > Picture Settings and select the game mode. You can also find it under the quick settings menu on Samsung smart TVs.

turn on game mode on TV

The only downside is that the graphics may suffer a bit since the gaming mode basically improves performance (for gaming) over graphics.

Depending on the quality of the picture of the TV you are using, you may not even notice any significant difference in the picture.


3. Connect with a USB Cable

A lot of users who had the PS5 controller lag issue were able to fix it by using their DualSense controller via the USB cable (wired connection) rather than Bluetooth.

If you no longer have the cable that came with your controller or it’s faulty, you can get one online.

Normally, that’s just the way it’s supposed to be (anything hardwired should be faster than the wirelessly connected ones just like ethernet cables and Wi-Fi).

On the other hand, some users have argued that they noticed less latency with Bluetooth connection on their PS5 DualSense controller.

PS5 dual sense controller

However, since the cable connection on the PS5 controller has fixed the controller input lag for a lot of users, then you should definitely give it a try too. 

In addition, there are two additional things you can do when using the cable connection that I believe will make it fix the input lag issue on your PS5 console (in fact, I do think it may be the reason for the varying experiences among PS5 users).

Now, before I tell you what these two extra tips are, let me first show you how to switch your DualSense controller to USB cable connection on your PlayStation 5. 

  • Connect the larger USB-A to the USB port on the console, and the USB-C to the controller
  • Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers > Communication Methods, switch to ‘Use USB Cable’

use USB cable connection for PS5 controller

Now, that’s not all. This is where the first tip come in.

A. Make Sure You Turn Off Bluetooth

As long as you have connected your PS5 controller to your console via USB cable and switched the communication method under the settings page as shown above, you don’t have any reason to have your Bluetooth turned on.

If you are asking, “But, does it do any harm to the connection leaving it on?” The answer is, it could. 

What I mean is if there are other Bluetooth devices nearby causing any sort of interference with the connection, it could cause input lag.

A number of users have seen noticeable lag while using cable connection with Bluetooth on, and turning it off fixed the issue.

Now, here’s how to turn off Bluetooth on your PS5 console:

  • Go to Settings > Accessories

select accessories

  • Click on General > Turn Off Bluetooth

turn off Bluetooth after connecting with USB

  • Since you’ve connected via USB cable now, click on ‘Continue’
  • Now, your PlayStation 5 console will restart and the Bluetooth will be turned off. Once it is back on, the PS5 controller lag issue should be fixed. 

In addition to this, you can also reduce input lag even further by using a different type of cable.

B. Try a USB-C to USB-C Cable

In addition to the USB-A port on the console, it also has a USB-C port (you can find it on the front). Connecting your controller (which has a USB-C port) to the console’s USB-C port will significantly reduce any connection lag.

PS5 console USB-A and USB-C ports

The USB Type-C is far more versatile compared to Type-A ports, and has the potential to handle faster data transfer speeds (although this in turn depends on the USB protocol used). 

This, among other reasons is why the USB-C is becoming the standard port for many electronic devices.

USC Type-C to USB Type-C cable connection

Hence, go ahead and connect your your controller using a USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

In addition, you can also use a USB type-C to type-C cable to charge your controller from the wallet outlet with a compatible charger.


4. Find the Best Spot to Reduce Signal Interference

A lot of users have fixed the PS5 controller lag issue by simply moving their console to another spot. The reason is simple – reduced network and Bluetooth interference. 

If there are other Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network around or close to your console, then the signal from these other device may be interfering with the signal between your console and controller.

Therefore, if you have your console close to your TV, router or other devices that could interfere with the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signal, simply move it away into a more open space and that should fix the input lag issue immediately. 

There isn’t much to say about it this, so let me know if it works for you. Otherwise, let’s move on.


5. Change Video Output Resolution

If you have a monitor or TV that doesn’t support a particular output resolution and your console is trying to run at that resolution, you will definitely feel an input lag.

In that case, what you need to do is to select a resolution that is supported by your TV or monitor.

  • Go to Settings > Screen and Video

select screen and video option

  • Select Video Output > Resolution

select resolution

  • Now, switch it to any of the resolutions that is supported by your TV

select a supported output resolution

The lower the resolution, the better the chance of it fixing the input lag issue.

In addition, you can also consider changing the FPS in the in-game menu. The higher the FPS, the higher the chance of noticing input lag (or even the extent of the lag). Therefore, if you are playing a 120Hz game, reduce it to 60 FPS. 

If that fixes the PS5 controller lag issue for you, great! Otherwise, let’s move on.


6. Rebuild Database & Clear Cache in Safe Mode

Doing a database rebuild and clearing your PS5 console cache can instantly fix the PS5 controller input lag. In fact, a lot of users who had the same issue were able to fix it this way.

To do this, first you need to boot your console into safe mode. Here’s how to do that:

  • First, turn off the console by pressing the power button on the front panel (the power indicator will blink a few times before turning off)
  • Once the console is off, press and hold the power button again and release it only after you hear the second beep (about 7 seconds after the first beep)
  • Next, connect the controller with the USB cable (you must connect with the cable).

plug dual sense controller into PS5 console via usb port

Now, you will be shown the safe mode menu options. First, you need to rebuild the database. Then, you can clear the system cache. 

  • On the safe mode menu, select ‘Clear Cache and Rebuild Database’

clear cache and rebuild database on PS5

  • On the next page, you will see 2 options – ‘Clear System Software Cache’ and ‘Rebuild Database’. Click on Rebuild Database.

Allow it to complete the process. Once done, that will fix any database issue.

  • Now go back into safe mode and select ‘Clear System Software Cache’
  • Once done, restart your PS5 and not only will the PS5 controller lag issue be fixed, you will also notice that your PS5 is now faster and more responsive than before.

7. Update Your PS5 Controller Software

Your PS5 controller may show significant latency issues due to an outdated software. In that case, you simply need to check if there’s any software update available for your controller and download it (this is different from the console’s software itself).

Here’s how to check and update your PS5 controller software:

  • Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Device Software

click on wireless controller device software

  • If there is a new software version available, you will see a message on the screen showing that.
  • In that case, plug your controller to your console via the cable and click on Update

click on update button

  • Wait for the download to be completed (don’t unplug or turn off your console during the process).

updating PS5 controller device software

  • Once downloaded, there shouldn’t be any input lag coming from your controller anymore.

8. Update Your Console Software

Other than your controller, you also need to check if there’s any software update available for your controller. You can do this either under the normal settings or in safe boot.

To update your software, follow the procedures below:

  • Go to Settings > System

click on system settings

  • Select System Software > System Software Update and Settings

click on system software update

  • Click on ‘Update Using Internet’

update PS5 system software from internet

  • On the next page, click on ‘Update’ button

click on update for PS5 system software update

  • Wait for the update to be installed (don’t turn off your console during this)
  • Once done, your PlayStation 5 will restart itself and you are good to go. By the way, installing a software update does not delete any of your games or saved files.

In addition, you can also check for updates on your TV and install that too. Some users reported that simply updating their TV software update fixed the issue. 

While you may think, “how is your TV software update related to PS5 controller lag?” Just remember that the issue can be from your TV or monitor too, just as it can be from your console or the controller. I mean, if changing the picture mode on your TV to ‘gaming’ can fix the lag by improving the performance of your TV, who is to say a new software update on your TV cannot come with improvements that can fix the issue as well? If anything, some users were able to fix it simply by doing this. 


9. Switch to Performance Mode 

Enabling performance mode on your console is a proven method to fix the PS5 controller lag issue. Now, let me show you how to do that.

  • Go to ‘Settings’ from the home screen and select ‘Saved Data and Game/App Settings’

saved data and game/app settings

  • Go to ‘Game Presets’ > ‘Performance Mode or Resolution Mode’, and change it to ‘Performance Mode’

switch to performance mode

Once selected, the input lag should reduce on your PS5 controller.

One of the caveats is that you may notice a little drop in the graphics since the performance mode improves the gaming experience at the expense of picture/graphics.

Also, this improved performance means that games will be played at high FPS, which increases the chances of coil whine on your console.

However, if your monitor or TV has very good graphics, the drop in graphics may be negligible.


10. Disable A/V Sync & V-Sync

A lot of TVs like Samsung, LG, Bravia, Sony, Apple TV have a feature called the ‘A/V Sync’. Disabling the feature has fixed the PS5 controller lag for many users.

This is usually under the sound and/or display settings. So, depending on the brand and model of your TV, just go to the settings and see if you can find the feature.

The same thing applies to V-sync (vertical sync), which synchronizes the frame rate of a game with a gaming monitor’s refresh rate. It helps with screen tearing, and it does that by limiting the FPS when necessary which means performance is affected. 

In compatible Samsung TVs, it is called FreeSync. In some LG TVs, you will find G-Sync.

Turn these features off and the controller input lag issue should be fixed.


11. Disable HDR Tone Mapping

Some users have reported that disabling HDR mode under the output settings has helped them fix their DualSense controller input lag. This feature, when turned on, automatically converts non-HDR games to HDR, which may cause latency issues.

If you noticed that the lag occurs when you are playing PS4 games or games that don’t support HDR, this should especially fix it for you.

  • Go to Settings > Screen and Video

select screen and video option

  • Next, go to Video Output > HDR and select ‘Off’

turn HDR feature off

If that fixes the latency issue on your controller, great. Otherwise, move to the next step.


12. Switch VRR On

If you have a TV or monitor that is compatible with HDMI 2.1 VRR feature, then consider turning it on on your console.

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) dynamically synchronizes the refresh rate of the display to the console’s graphical output. As a result, the visual performance for PS5 games is enhanced, while also minimizing or eliminating frame pacing issues and screen tearing.

  • Go to Settings > Screen and Video

select screen and video option

  • Next, go to Video Output > VRR and select ‘Automatic’

VRR feature on PS5 console

However, if you notice that this affects the performance and causes input lag, simply turn it off.

According to PlayStation official blog, the PS5 version of several games will receive game patches enabling VRR support.

These include Astro’s Playroom, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Deathloop, Destiny 2, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, DIRT 5, Godfall Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Resident Evil Village, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and Tribes of Midgard.


13. Delete Corrupted Data on Console

You may also notice that your PS5 controller is laggy due to corrupted data/files on your console from the different games.

Hence, you should go ahead and clear out the corrupted data files from these games on your console.

  • To do this, go to your console settings (icon at the top right corner).

click PS5 settings icon

  • Next, scroll down and click on Storage

click storage settings

  • Click Console Storage, then select Saved Data

select saved data

  • On the next page, select PS4 Games or PS5 Games depending on which particular game is causing the issue.

select ps5 games or ps4 games

  • Finally, select any of the games and delete the files.

delete corrupt game data

NOTE: You can also use the select icon to delete only specific data in the game if you don’t want to clear out the whole saved data.

The video below will also guide you on doing that.


14. Get a TV/Monitor with Higher Performance Rating

Getting a TV with better performance ratings can greatly improve your gaming experience and totally eliminate input lag. In addition, you also get better graphics and you don’t have to compromise one for the other.

You want a TV or monitor with low refresh rate (as lower as 1ms) and supports high frequency (at least 60Hz, but 120Hz preferably) and supports HDMI 2.1 connection.

Some of the best gaming monitors you can get include Alienware AW3423DW (curved true OLED gaming monitor), Samsung Odyssey G9 and LG 27GN950-B (Ultra Gear gaming monitor with FreeSync).

If you have a tight budget, Dell S3222DGM and Gigabyte G27F are very good options.

Bottom Line

If you are facing the PS5 input lag issue, it can be caused due to a number of reasons ranging from the controller to the console or even your TV itself.

You can do the following to fix it and reduce latency quickly.

  • Restart or Power cycle your console
  • Switch picture mode on TV to ‘gaming’ mode
  • Connect your PS5 controller via USB cable, turn off Bluetooth and get a USB-C to USB-C cable for even better
  • performance
  • Move your controller to a spot with the least signal interference
  • Change video output resolution to one supported by TV
  • Rebuild database and clear cache in safe mode
  • Update your DualSense PS5 controller software
  • Update your console system software
  • Enable performance mode
  • Disable A/V sync, V-sync, FreeSync or G-Sync
  • Disable HDR Tone Mapping
  • Switch VRR Feature On
  • Delete corrupted data on console
  • Get a better TV or monitor with higher performance ratings

Let me know which of these worked for you in reducing or eliminating PS5 controller input lag in the comment section below. You can also drop your feedback and suggestions too. Also, kindly share the content with others. 

6 thoughts on “PS5 Controller Input Lag (I Found a QUICK Fix!)”

  1. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
    It was the A/V sync and the Game mode picture settings for me. Have a soundbar on arc and that was causing the main problems.

    Reply
    • Sorry to hear that, but all these methods are proven well-researched fixes that worked for others.

      That said, do you maybe have a second controller or can get from a buddy? If that works without lag, then you know you need to buy a new one.

      Reply
      • These are not fixes for the issues the PS5 is having with the controllers. I have 5 controllers out of 5 all doing it recently after latest updates.

        Reply

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