How to Turn Off PS5 Controller Without the Console?

How to Turn Off PS5 Controller Without the Console? When gaming, particularly with new-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 5 (PS5), it is important to ensure that your controllers are shut down when not in use to help save battery life and keep the devices running in general. 

Most players are used to switching off their PS5 controllers by using the console itself, but what if you're not around your console or just wish to save battery without having to switch on the PS5?

Irrespective of whether you prefer utilising your controller's settings, the system interface of the PS5 or other alternative methods on how to turn off ps5 controller, this article documents all the choices that you'll require for effective management of your DualSense controller's power.

In this article, we will take you through different ways on “how to turn off ps5 controller” without having to turn on the console. 

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Why Should You Turn Off Your PS5 Controller?

Prior to discussing the methods, it is advisable to know why switching off your PS5 controller can help:

• Preservation of Battery Life: The DualSense controller has a built-in rechargeable battery. Leaving it on while idle will rapidly drain the battery, making the controller require frequent recharging.

• Spurious Input Prevention: Leaving the controller on will at times automatically register inputs that will disrupt your game or even other settings on your PS5.

• Reduction of Wear and Tear: Leaving the controller on continuously could contribute to unnecessary wear and tear, cutting down on the lifetime of the internal parts, especially the battery.

Let's now consider the various methods on how to turn off ps5 controller without activating the console.

How to Turn Off a PS5 Controller Without the Console (7 Easy Methods)

Sometimes, you just want to turn off your PS5 controller without booting up the whole console. Maybe it’s to save battery, or you're switching to a different device like a PC or phone. Whatever the reason, you’ve got several easy options. Here's how to do it—step by step.

1. Turn Off the PS5 Controller Using Its Own Power Options

This is the easiest way to shut off your controller without touching the console. The DualSense controller has its own built-in power options, and you can access them in just a few taps.

How to do it:

1. Hold the PS Button (that PlayStation logo in the middle of your controller).

2. This brings up the Control Center at the bottom of your screen.

3. Use the R1 button to scroll to the right until you see the Power icon.

4. Choose “Turn Off Controller” from the menu.

5. The controller will give a small vibration and then power down.

You don’t need the PS5 to be fully powered on for this—just connected.

2. Set the Controller to Turn Off Automatically (Using PS5 Power Settings)

If you're someone who often forgets to turn off your controller, this one’s for you. The PS5 lets you set an auto shut-off timer for the controller.

Here’s how:

1. Go to your PS5 Settings (gear icon in the top right).

2. Scroll to System > then select Power Saving.

3. Choose “Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off.”

4. Pick how long your controller should wait before turning off—10, 30, or 60 minutes of inactivity.

Great for saving battery if you tend to walk away mid-game (we all do it!).

3. Turn It Off with a USB Cable

If you have a USB-C cable handy, this method is super simple and doesn’t require diving into menus.

Just follow these steps:

1. Plug the controller into a USB power source (like a phone charger, power bank, or laptop).

2. Make sure it’s not connected to the console.

3. The controller will stop trying to connect wirelessly and shut down after a short time.

Works well if you also want to top up the battery while powering it off.

4. Let Sleep Mode Handle It

The controller has a built-in sleep feature that kicks in when it hasn’t been used for a while. You can customize this in the PS5's settings.

Set it up like this:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.

2. Adjust the timer for controllers to turn off after inactivity.

Leave your controller alone for a bit, and it’ll take a nap on its own.

5. Disconnect the Controller via Bluetooth

If you’re switching the controller to another device or just want to cut the connection, unpairing it from the PS5 will shut it down.

Here's how:

1. Head to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories.

2. Find your controller in the list and select "Forget Device."

3. It’ll disconnect and turn off once unpaired.

Especially useful if you’re about to connect the controller to your PC or phone.

6. Use a Charging Dock (Or Any Charger)

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. If you have a charging dock, this method is a no-brainer.

What to do:

1. Place the controller on the charging dock or connect it via USB-C.

2. It will stop searching for a wireless signal and turn off while charging.

Perfect combo: conserve power and charge up for your next session.

7. Bonus Tips for Better Power Management

If you're serious about battery life and want to get more juice out of each charge, here are a few extra tips:

• Dim the light bar on your controller via settings.

• Disable haptic feedback and adaptive triggers if you don’t need them—they drain more battery.

• If your PS5 is plugged into a power strip, turning the strip off can also cut power to the controller (if it’s docked or wired).

How to Turn Off PS5 Controller in Seconds Using Quick Menu

The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is a marvel of modern gaming technology, offering immersive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone. 

However, managing its power efficiently is crucial to ensure prolonged gaming sessions and preserve battery health. One of the quickest methods to power down your PS5 controller is through the Quick Menu, a feature designed for swift access to essential settings.

Accessing the Quick Menu

The Quick Menu is a streamlined interface that allows users to access various settings without navigating away from their current screen. To access it:

1. Press the PS Button: Located at the center of your DualSense controller, pressing this button brings up the Control Center at the bottom of your screen.

2. Navigate to the Accessories Icon: Using the directional pad or analog stick, scroll to the Accessories icon, which resembles a controller.

3. Select the Controller: Press the X button to view connected accessories. Your active controller will be listed here.

4. Turn Off the Controller: Highlight your controller and select Turn Off. Your controller will power down immediately.

Benefits of Using the Quick Menu

• Speed and Efficiency: The Quick Menu provides quick access to key functions without breaking your gaming session.

• Battery Conservation: Switching off your controller when idle saves battery life, making it available for your next gaming session.

• User-Friendly Interface: The simple design of the Quick Menu ensures that even newcomers to the PS5 ecosystem can use it.
  
  

More Ways on how to turn off ps5 controller 

(Besides the Quick Menu)

Sure, the Quick Menu is the fastest route—but it’s not the only one. Whether you’re looking to power down your DualSense while using it with a PC, preserve battery while watching a movie, or just tidy up your device list. 

There are a handful of other smart ways to turn off your PS5 controller. Here’s a deeper dive into each method, written for actual players, not manuals.

1. Manually Power Off the Controller Using the PS Button

Let’s say you’re not on your PS5. Maybe you're using the controller with a PC, a Mac, or even a smartphone. In that case, the controller doesn’t have access to the PS5 interface or Quick Menu. No problem—you can still shut it down manually. 

Here is how to turn off ps5 controller manually:

1. Press and hold the PS button (the PlayStation logo button in the center) for around 10 seconds.

2. You’ll notice the controller’s light bar start to dim, then fully shut off.

3. That’s it—your DualSense is now off.

This method works across all platforms—perfect if you're using your controller wirelessly on non-PlayStation devices.

It’s worth noting that this method doesn’t disconnect the controller from your device—it simply turns it off. The next time you press the PS button, it’ll reconnect to whatever system it was paired with last.

2. Set Your PS5 Controller to Turn Off Automatically

Here’s how to enable it:

1. From your PS5 home screen, go to Settings (gear icon in the upper-right corner).

2. Scroll down to System and select it.

3. Under the Power Saving tab, select “Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off.”

4. Choose one of the time intervals:

• After 10 minutes

• After 30 minutes

• After 60 minutes

This is especially useful if you often watch movies or YouTube on your PS5 using a media remote, where the controller stays untouched for a long time.

By setting this, you’re essentially future-proofing your battery life. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of setting that pays off in the long run.

3. Turn Off the Controller Through the Full Settings Menu

If you’re already tinkering with other settings or don’t mind taking a few extra steps, this method is a solid alternative. You don’t have to rely on the Quick Menu at all—this option takes you through the full Settings interface.

Steps to follow:

1. On your PS5 home screen, head into Settings.

2. Scroll down and click Accessories.

3. Inside the Accessories menu, go to General > Turn Off Accessories.

4. You’ll now see a list of all connected controllers and accessories.

5. Select the DualSense Wireless Controller and choose Turn Off.

This method is more deliberate and takes a few seconds longer than the Quick Menu, but it’s perfect when you want complete control over what stays on and what powers down.

Smart Habits for Managing Your PS5 Controller’s Power

It’s not just about turning the controller off. If you’re serious about keeping your DualSense in good shape, here are a few extra tips and tricks we use ourselves. Think of these as small habits that lead to longer battery life, fewer mid-game shutdowns, and less wear on the hardware.

Keep the Controller Firmware Updated

Sony regularly pushes updates to the DualSense controller that improve performance, fix bugs, and sometimes even enhance battery optimization.

Here’s how to check for updates:

1. Connect your controller to the PS5 via a USB-C cable.

2. If an update is available, the PS5 will prompt you automatically.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update.

 Firmware updates can fix bugs that drain battery life, and in some cases, make charging more efficient.

Make it a habit to check once a month or whenever you hear about a new system update—it only takes a minute.

Use Rest Mode to Your Advantage

When you put your PS5 into Rest Mode, any paired controllers will also enter a low-power state or turn off entirely. This helps avoid idle power draw and ensures your controller is preserving energy when not in use.

To adjust Rest Mode settings:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.

2. Under Features Available in Rest Mode, ensure Supply Power to USB Ports is enabled (if you want to charge your controller while it’s off).

3. Then set Enter Rest Mode to activate after a specific time of inactivity.

Rest Mode doesn’t just conserve power—it can also keep your downloads going and charge your controller at the same time.

Reduce Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Trigger Intensity

We love the immersive feel of adaptive triggers and rich haptic feedback—but they do chew through battery life faster than you’d think.

To adjust them:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers.

2. From here, you can tone down or turn off:

• Vibration Intensity

• Trigger Effect Intensity

A lighter touch on these features can boost battery life significantly, especially in games where the effects are more cosmetic than functional.

Keep an Eye on Battery Levels

Always check your battery before diving into a big session—nothing’s worse than a dying controller during a boss fight.

Quickest way to check battery:

• Tap the PS Button once to bring up the Control Center.

• The battery icon appears under the Accessories section.

• If it’s low, plug in or switch to another controller if you have one.

TL;DR – Top Tips to Power Down Like a Pro:

• Quick Menu = Fastest shutdown (ideal for in-game).

• PS Button Hold = Universal method, works even outside PS5.

• Auto-Off Timer = Set it and forget it.

• Settings Menu = Great for full accessory management.

• Rest Mode = Saves power while charging your controller.

• Adjust Feedback Settings = Boost battery by reducing vibration intensity.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Controller

Managing your PS5 controller’s power doesn’t have to be complicated. From instantly turning it off using the Quick Menu to scheduling auto-shutoff and optimizing your settings, there’s a method that fits just about every gaming style.

By building these habits on “how to turn off ps5 controller”, you’ll get more hours per charge, keep your controller running cooler and healthier, and never again get caught in the middle of a game with a dead battery.