Why doesn't my PS3 controller work?

I have put together an article on every solution I could find on how to fix the charging problem: PS3 Controller not Charging Fix

Solved ! Get the same usb type cable with data support.. like printer cable so that your ps3 controller can be detected by laptop/PC . You will see the controller lights blinking the moment you insert in the PC (install the drivers first or win 8 which has pre-installed drivers for ps3 controller). Insert and remove couple of times the USB cable until your ps3 controller is able to start up (don't start playing immidealy let it charge first) ..then charge normally . I once tried this with dead iPod it worked and it worked with my PS3 controller too.

I wouldn't fix it if it was under warranty. Before you repair it since these have back triggers that are hard to remove cleanly, see if you can pass it off as a warranty claim - providing there is no damning physical damage.

By law they need to prove it is your fault, so if they readily can’t it’s (generally) going to be done under warranty anyway. HOWEVER, you can’t cry if you get caught because you took the risk.

2015 note: If you're going to try this, it’s on you if you get caught.

reset the controller itll ork fine its cos youre friend used it so its trying to connect to that. not sure why charging it ont work but reseting it is fine

I want to share what worked for me,

I plugged the usb onto the ps3 while off, turned it on, plugged the ps3 controller into cord held down ps button and held down on off button till turned off. Then as im still holding ps button turn it back on. Its working for me again.

Side note: just skip the curroption thingy it restarts the controller before its charged enough

I have several possible solutions that I have learned;

Maybe open the controller up, disconnect the battery, then put it back in, or see if there is any liquid in the controller.

The most obvious way is to get a paper clip, then press the reset button with it.

Turn on the PS3, connect the controller to the PS3, hold the PS button on the controller, then restart your PS3. Release the PS button when the PS3 is fully turned on.

I had the same problem. Tried reset button, nothing. I had a spare battery around from an older controller and replaced it. It worked. I thought I'd retry the original battery again and it worked too. I think maybe my kids dropping it might have dislodged the battery connector at one point.

The remote dropped off a night stand last night. Same problems as above (ie no lights at all). Changing cords and resetting were ineffective. Had to disconnect and reconnect the battery and it got everything going again.

all i did was took apart the casing, unplugged the battery from inside, and plugged it back in, but mine wasnt under warranty, and it worked straight away

try using the usb charging cable for the controller and connecting it to a computer or so. it worked for me while all the other methods refused

The Dualshock 3 (PlayStation 3) controllers from Sony don’t usually last long. They are made cheaply and wares out real easily. The 3rd party controllers honestly works more better than Sony’s controller does.

Try pressing the tiny reset button on the back, and then try to charge it.

My brand new controller was completely dead. I had it in the charger for hours, then took it out and tried turning it on. Still no life signs.

Then I pushed the reset button on the back with a paperclip, and pushed all the buttons again. Still no luck.

Then I plugged it back in again, and finally the LEDs started flashing.

Hi I faced similar problem once after not using my controler for long time the battery drained and it failed even to charge again, as controller becomes dead even fails to start. Thus, it will not be detected. So simple solution ... which works . Plug it to your PC install drivers for ps3 controller first. Plug it out after 5-10 secs and again plug it in and repeat this until you see controller's light blinking, it will give a small charge just to turn on the controller and it will be able to get detected by PC and will charge successfully . Certainly the battery has drained and should can be replaced. By charging and regualar use batteries can go still 2-3 years easy. Leave a comment if it worked for you . Thanks .....

I got a ps3 from my brother I reset it like to erase everything. Well I have this dual shock controller he gave me. It's the controller CECHZC2U well now even when I have everything connected and it's fully charged it won't connect to the PlayStation both controllers are like that. HELP PLEASE!!!

open up the controller and there would be 4 to 6 screws and once it's open disconnect the battery and reconnect the battery

My controller can connect to the ps3 wirelessly but daring a game where I have to turn the controller in a circle it doesn't do it. What do I do?

Every time I turn on my controller, all 4 lights flash, then lights 3 & 4 go solid. I cannnot Control anything with the controller. I have tried all of the above reset options including removing the battery. But it still starts up with lights 3 & 4 showing solid.

Any ideas?

Hey this happens quiet a lot to me too,

Sometimes, i have to insert a pin into the reset button while i plug it in to charge, whereas other times - just try hitting it on a table or something. I tried most of the solutions here abt finding a battery n other stuff but the easiest way i think is to just hit it.

Hope i can be of help !!

-- Zara

My controller glitches out after a short time of usage, resetting doesn’t solve the problem I have opened up the controller than placed scotch tape under neath the sensor that connects directly to USB port. This measure only works for a short time than the controller glitches out again

So my PS3 conntroller that I meant to keep from my friend because he has stopped playing on his own PS3. The PS3 controller doesnt work: The light is not blinking or any response, I connected to my PC and didn't see any controller popping up. My own PS3 controller that I bought works but I need another one incase my cousin comes to play. I have 2 controllers. Pls help?