PS VR2 Controller Not Working In Game? (Here’s Easy Fix!)

We understand the frustration of finding out that your PS VR2 controller not working in game, especially if you’ve been waiting all day for your gaming night.

Don’t worry–we’re getting this solved.

The most frequent reason for inactive controllers while in-game is the device profiles when not configured properly. Another frequent cause is when playing non-VR-supported PS5 games.

That’s just the tip, so let’s keep digging!

PS VR2 Controller Not Working In Game – Why & How to Fix?

Important Note: Make sure both of your PS VR2 controllers are charged to maximum capacity!

1. Turn On the Controllers In-Game

Even if the “L” and “R” PS VR2 controllers are already registered in your PlayStation 5 console, the game you are playing might require an extra layer of connection.

So, during the setup of the VR controllers, you will be prompted to press the “PS” button on either one, to finish the setup.

Use your DualSense controller to start the game you’re playing on VR and press the “PS” button on each controller for roughly ~3 seconds.

If both controllers are charged and connected, you must receive a confirmation prompt on the screen, saying everything is set up and ready to go. 

Note: Connecting the controllers while not in a game doesn’t require pressing the “PS” button.

2. Try Only VR-Supported Game

It’s not excluded that the game you’re playing is causing only the PSVR2 right controller not working in the game or respectively, only the left.

That’s why it’s important to ensure the game you’re launching on your PlayStation 5 is VR-enabled, through the game categories section.

Here’s how to check if a game on your PS5 is VR-enabled:

1. Select “Game Library” from the PS5 homepage.
2. Navigate to the “Collection” or “Installed” section.
3. Now, press “Sort and Filter” in the left-hand menu.
4. Choose “VR” in the filtering settings, then “Apply”.
5. Check all VR-enabled games on your PlayStation.

The steps above allow you to filter your game search based on a specific preference.

For this filter search, verify to apply the “VR” term, so only VR-enabled games will appear in your library. 

Note: You can play non-VR games on your PSVR using the Cinematic Mode!

3. Turn off your DualSense Controller

In some cases, there could be interference between the DualSense and PS VR2 controllers while playing a game.

Well, although this may not be the fault in most cases, we recommend deactivating your DualSense controller right after launching the game and testing the tracking.

Here’s how to turn off your PS5 controller:

1. Launch the VR-enabled game using your DualSense.
2. Press the “PS” button and navigate to “Accessories”.
3. Press the “OK” button on your DualSense controller.
4. Highlight and select “Turn Off” from the options menu.
5. Now, press the “PS” button on each PS VR2 controller.

Now, attempt to use both of your PS VR2 controllers for a while, and when necessary, press the “PS” button on the DualSense to turn it back on. 

4. Re-add the Controller’s Profile

So, one of the reasons why only the right or PSVR2 left controller not working in the game, could be because of a profile issue.

Well, there’s a way to manually re-add the accessory profiles of your controllers, which is an efficient way to address programming issues.

Here’s how to re-add your left, right, or both PS VR2 controllers:

1. Open the “Settings” and navigate to “Accessories”.
2. Go to “Bluetooth Accessories” to view all devices.
3. Highlight your left or right controller in the menu.
4. Press “X” to show the options and choose “Delete”.
5. Repeat the instructions above for the other profile.
6. Connect the controllers via a USB type-C to re-add.

Note: Existing profiles of older PS VR2 controllers may lead to interference. 

5. Play Through the Cinematic Mode

If your PSVR controller/s is not working only when you launch the game, then you should try to use the Cinematic Mode.

This may be especially helpful if you’re trying to play non-VR games.

The cinematic mode would allow you to stretch the view, and hopefully enable your DualSense controllers while gaming.

• To enable the cinematic mode go to Settings → Accessories → PlayStation VR2 → Cinematic Mode → Video Output [Cinematic Mode].

When ready, test whether your PSVR 2 controllers will finally work while in-game, and if not you can disable the cinematic mode.

However, before doing so, try several different games to justify.

Quick Note: It’s important to set the output to 120 Hz for a smooth experience!

6. Check for Power Supply Issues

Your controllers or well, the PS5 itself, might be experiencing a form of a power supply problem. 

There are several potential fixes regarding the charging of the controllers, the equipment, and the console’s power supply.

Let’s learn more!

How to Fix PS VR2 Controller Charging Problems?

To charge your PS VR2 controllers, connect each controller to the PS5 using the supplied USB cable or place them on the charging station.

Here’s how to solve common charging problems:

• Ensure the USB cable is secured on both ends.
• Check if there’s an obstruction of the USB ports.
• Use an alternative cable to charge the controller.
• Check if the base station is secured to the outlet.
• Ensure the base station is turned on and blinking.

Note: A slowly flashing white light on the controller means that the device is currently charging. 

How to Fix PS5 Power Supply Problems?

Similar to all other consoles, the PS5 must be connected to a standard 100V–240V power outlet via the supplied power adapter.

Here’s how to address common power supply issues:

• Hold the “Power” button of the console for 30 seconds.
• Unplug the PS5’s adapter and wait for ~5–10 minutes.
• Check if the power adapter is secured on either side.
• Connect the PS5 console to an alternative A/C outlet. 
• Uninstall third-party equipment from the PS5’s setup.

Note: Your PS5 must be receiving a stable power supply if the controllers are not using a separate charging station. 

7. Plug the Controllers Physically

Although this may ruin the idea of playing wirelessly, it’s a great way to identify if the tracking problem is due to Bluetooth interference.

You can plug both of the controllers into your PS5 at the same time via the supplied USB cables and enhance the tracking quality of the headset.

For this purpose, you will require two separate USB type-C cables and two available USB ports on the PlayStation 5, out of 4 total.

So, find the type-C port on the controllers, plug the cables, and install the other end into your PS5. 

Temporarily remain within a distance of the console to check if the controllers will respond upon launching the game.

If not, there’s almost certainly a fault with your controllers or your console. 

8. Restore your PS5 to Defaults

So, if the PS VR2 controller not working in game, especially in a VR-supported game, it could very well be a console-related issue.

Assuming none of the solutions so far had any effect, perhaps restoring your PS5 to factory defaults will eliminate the problem.

Warning: All of your PS5’s content and system settings will be reset to default values!

Let’s take a look at the factory reset instructions:

1. Press the “PS” button to head back to the homepage.
2. Access the “Settings” tab, then navigate to “System”.
3. Open “System Software” and go to “Reset Options”.
4. Select “Restore Default Settings” and press “Restore”.
5. Wait until the PlayStation 5 finishes the reset process.

Before starting the reset, ensure your PS5 has a solid connection to the internet and the power supply is consistent.

Also, unplugging your console halfway through the reset may cause further issues with the OS or even cancel the restoration.

Note: If both or one of your PSVR 2 controllers are not working while in-game, you may seek additional assistance at PlayStation VR Support.