The PS5 DualSense controller is an impressive piece of hardware that offers next-generation haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for immersive gameplay. One handy feature is the ability to charge the controller by connecting it to the PS5, even when the console is in rest mode. But does the DualSense actually charge while the PS5 is sleeping? Let’s take a closer look at how the DualSense charges and whether rest mode charging works.
How the DualSense Charges
The DualSense controller charges through a USB-C port located at the top of the controller, near the directional buttons. To charge, simply connect the included USB-C cable from the controller to one of the USB ports on the front or back of the PS5 console.
When connected, the DualSense will begin charging right away regardless of whether the PS5 is on, off, or in rest mode. A small orange light above the USB-C port indicates charging status:
- Solid orange light – controller is charging
- Blinking orange light – controller battery is low
- No light – controller is fully charged
The DualSense contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1560mAh. Fully charging an empty battery takes around 3-4 hours when connected to the PS5.
Does the DualSense Charge in Rest Mode?
Rest mode on the PS5 suspends the console and places it in a low-power state while allowing key functions like controller charging, downloads, and system updates to continue. So does this mean you can charge your DualSense controller while the console is asleep?
The answer is yes – the DualSense will charge in rest mode on the PS5. When you put the PS5 into rest mode, either through the power options or by pressing the power button on the console, it will enter a suspended state. Even though the console is essentially asleep, the USB ports remain active allowing you to connect the DualSense and have it charge.
The orange status light on the controller will illuminate to indicate it is charging, and you can leave it safely connected to the PS5 overnight or whenever the console is in rest mode. This makes rest mode incredibly convenient for charging your controllers without needing the console fully on and powered up.
Other Rest Mode Functions
In addition to charging controllers, rest mode takes advantage of the PS5’s always-on connectivity to enable other helpful features:
- Remote downloads – games and software updates can download in rest mode
- Remote install – install downloaded games/updates when complete
- System software updates – PS5 system software updates install
- Sync save data – upload save files to cloud storage
- Wake PS5 remotely – turn on PS5 via smartphone/mobile app
These functions work seamlessly while the console is powered down in rest mode, and your DualSense will charge at the same time.
Tips for Charging in Rest Mode
Taking advantage of rest mode charging for your DualSense controller is simple. Just follow these tips:
- Connect controller with a USB-C cable – wireless charging does not work
- Make sure PS5 is in rest mode – orange status light indicates charging
- Fully power down PS5 – don’t just put into standby
- Check charge status light – solid orange means it’s charging
- Let controller charge overnight or a few hours
As long as the PS5 is in rest mode, your DualSense will charge when connected over USB, exactly like when the console is powered on.
Charging Speed
Rest mode charging and standard charging while the PS5 is on occur at the same speed. The DualSense battery recharges from 0-100% in 3-4 hours no matter what state the console is in.
This makes rest mode just as fast for charging as having your PS5 powered up. Leaving the controller connected in rest mode overnight will always result in a full charge by morning.
Charge Times from Empty
Charge Duration | Charge Percentage |
1 hour | 35% |
2 hours | 70% |
3 hours | 90% |
4 hours | 100% |
As you can see, charge percentage increases linearly over time whether the PS5 is on or in rest mode.
Power Usage in Rest Mode
Rest mode consumes very little power from your PS5, allowing features like controller charging to remain active. Here are the approximate power draw numbers:
- PS5 powered on – ~200W
- PS5 in rest mode – ~0.5W (with DualSense charging)
- DualSense charging – ~2.5W
So while powered on, the PS5 can draw over 200 watts. In rest mode, this drops dramatically to under 1 watt. The DualSense draws about 2.5 watts while charging in rest mode.
This makes rest mode extremely energy efficient for charging your controller overnight or whenever your PS5 is not in use.
Using External Chargers
While rest mode charging is very convenient, you can also charge your DualSense controllers using external charging accessories:
- USB charging station – docks controller and charges
- USB-C wall charger – plug directly into controller
- Portable battery pack – charges controller on-the-go
These accessories fully recharge your DualSense battery without needing to connect to the PS5 console directly. However, rest mode is the simplest and most integrated charging solution.
Checking Battery Status
To check your DualSense battery level at any time, press and hold the PS button to bring up the quick menu. Your controller battery percentage will be displayed at the top right.
You can also see a charging indicator by tapping up on the D-pad – the light bar on the controller temporarily shows your current charge level:
- Green – fully charged
- Yellow – partially charged
- Red – battery low
This provides an easy way to glance at your battery percentage no matter what state your PS5 is currently in.
Pro Tips
Follow these pro tips to master charging your DualSense controller:
- Fully power down PS5 for rest mode charging
- Use USB-C cable for connection – wireless won’t work
- Check status light to confirm charging
- Let charge overnight for full battery
- Monitor battery level from quick menu
- Alternate controllers to have 1 charging
- Avoid draining battery completely
- Charge in rest mode even during short breaks
Getting in the habit of charging during rest mode means you’ll always have a controller ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about charging the DualSense controller:
Does the PS5 Charge Controllers When Off?
No, the controller will not charge when the PS5 is fully powered off. The USB ports are powered down and unable to deliver charge. You need to put the console in rest mode for charging.
How Long Does the PS5 Controller Battery Last?
The DualSense battery lasts around 12-15 hours with average gameplay. This can vary depending on haptic feedback usage. Turning down vibration effects can extend playtime.
Is It Bad to Leave Controller Charging Overnight?
No, it’s perfectly fine to charge overnight in rest mode. The controller will stop charging once it reaches 100% capacity. There’s no risk of overcharging.
Does Rest Mode Use a Lot of Electricity?
Rest mode only uses about 0.5W of power, compared to 200W when powered on. It’s very energy efficient specifically for functions like charging.
Can I Use a Phone Charger for DualSense?
Yes, you can use a USB-C phone charger or power bank to charge the controller. Any USB-C source that provides 5V/1.5A power or higher will work.
Conclusion
The PS5 DualSense controller can conveniently charge while the console is in rest mode. The suspended state allows the USB ports to remain active, providing power to charge controllers overnight or anytime the PS5 is not in use. This allows you to wake up to fully charged controllers ready for your next gaming session. Rest mode charging is quick, energy efficient, and keeps your PS5 ready for action.