How to Fix PS5 Controller Input Delay – 11 Quick Fixes That Actually Work

If you’ve noticed your character moving a split second late or your button presses not registering instantly, you’re likely experiencing PS5 controller input delay. This frustrating lag can mean the difference between a win or loss, especially in fast-paced games like Call of Duty, FIFA, or Street Fighter 6.

Thankfully, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk through simple and advanced solutions to restore your controller’s lightning-fast responsiveness.

What is PS5 Controller Input Delay?

Understanding Input Lag vs. Frame Lag

  • Input Lag: Delay between pressing a button and the action appearing on screen.
  • Frame Lag: Caused by display processing or frame rate drops—often confused with input lag.

Both affect gameplay, but input lag is directly tied to your controller, system, and connection.

Signs of Input Delay on PS5

  • Delayed movement or shooting response
  • Menus feeling sluggish
  • Commands registering seconds after being pressed

Common Causes of Input Delay

  • Bluetooth interference
  • Outdated firmware
  • Low battery levels
  • TV post-processing effects
  • Display lag

Quick Fixes for Wireless PS5 Controller Lag

Restart Your Console and Controller

A simple restart clears background processes and reconnects Bluetooth properly. Hold the PS button, turn off the console, unplug power for 30 seconds, and restart.

Ensure Your Controller Is Fully Charged

Low battery = weak signal = more input lag. Always charge your controller fully before gameplay.

Reduce Bluetooth Interference

Keep the area around your console clear of:

  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Microwaves
  • USB 3.0 hubs
  • Metal objects

All can disrupt Bluetooth signals and cause delay.

Update Your PS5 System and Controller Firmware

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update. Updating ensures compatibility and fixes hidden bugs that affect input response.

Wired Solutions: Lowering Input Delay Even Further

Use a USB-C Cable Instead of Bluetooth

Wired connections are more stable and offer lower latency than wireless. Just plug your controller in with the USB-C cable provided.

Try a Different USB Port or Cable

If your cable or port is faulty, your controller may not respond properly. Swap both to rule out hardware issues.

Turn Off Other Connected Bluetooth Devices

Other devices like headphones or additional controllers can create bandwidth congestion, increasing delay.

TV and Display Settings That Cause Input Lag

Enable “Game Mode” on Your TV

This disables unnecessary processing like motion smoothing, reducing lag significantly. Check under your TV’s Picture Settings.

Reduce TV Post-Processing Effects

Turn off:

  • Motion smoothing
  • Noise reduction
  • Contrast enhancement

These add input delay and aren’t needed for gaming.

Check for High Refresh Rate and Low Response Time

Look for TVs or monitors with:

  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • <5ms response time
  • HDMI 2.1 compatibility (for PS5 performance)

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Input Lag

Rebuild PS5 Database

This clears corrupted data that may be causing system slowdowns. To do this:

  1. Turn off the PS5.
  2. Hold the power button until the second beep (safe mode).
  3. Choose “Rebuild Database.”

Restore Default Settings

This won’t erase your data but resets system configurations. Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Restore Default Settings.

Test Controller on Another Console or Device

This helps you determine if the issue is with the controller or the system.

PS5 Controller Input Delay on PC – Additional Fixes

Use DS4Windows or Steam Settings for Calibration

These programs let you fine-tune input settings and reduce delay for PS5 controllers on Windows.

Check Bluetooth Adapter and Drivers

Ensure you’re using a Bluetooth 5.0 or higher adapter and that your drivers are up to date.

Disable V-Sync and Triple Buffering

These options, especially in PC games, can cause delay. Disabling them in graphics settings may help.

FAQs About Fixing PS5 Controller Input Delay

Is PS5 controller input delay normal?

A small amount (1–2 ms) is expected, but visible delay is usually caused by wireless or display issues.

Can TV settings affect controller input delay?

Yes. Non-gaming TV modes increase latency. Always enable Game Mode.

Is input delay worse when the controller battery is low?

Absolutely. Low battery can degrade Bluetooth performance.

How do I test my controller for input lag?

Use rhythm games, online input testers, or compare with another controller on the same setup.

Will using a wired connection fix all input lag issues?

Not always, but it dramatically improves response time compared to Bluetooth.

Does frame rate affect input delay?

Yes. Lower frame rates (e.g., 30 FPS) naturally introduce more lag than 60 or 120 FPS.

Conclusion: Get Back to Lag-Free Gaming

With the right steps, you can quickly resolve PS5 controller input delay and return to smooth, responsive gameplay. From checking cables and interference to tweaking TV settings and using wired connections, every millisecond matters—especially when you’re playing to win.