iPhone / iPad Accessories Reviews: What If the PS3 Controller Doesn't Turn Off?

When you use your PS3 DualShock 3 Wireless SIXAXIS Controller, one of the four lights on the top of the controller lights up. When the controller is no longer in use, the lights on top of the controller shut off. If these lights do not shut off, the controller is not shutting down properly. There are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take if this happens, each of which will seek to address the problem.

Initial Troubleshooting

* Press and hold the "PS" button in the center of the controller for a second or two until the PS menu appears. Highlight the "Turn Off the Controller" option and press the "X" button. If this does not shut off the controller, press and hold the "PS" button, highlight the "Turn Off the System" option, and press the "X" button. If the system does not turn off, press and hold the "Power" button until it does. If your controller still does not turn off, you may need to reset and resync the device.

Reset

* Flip the controller over and locate the screw hole just below the USB charging port. Just to the right of this screw hole is a small hole that contains the reset button. Insert a paper clip into the hole and press the reset button. This will reset the controller and unsync it from your system.

Resync

* Press the "Power" button on the front of the PS3 system to turn the system on. Plug one end of the USB charge cable that came with the system into one of the system's USB ports. Plug the opposite end of the charge cable into the USB charge port on the PS3 controller. The controller will now turn on and sync with the system.

Discharge Battery

* If resetting the controller did not work, you may need to perform a different kind of reset. Leave the controller on until its battery discharges completely. When its battery is completely dead, turn on the PS3 system and connect the controller to the system via the USB charging cable. The controller will now turn on and sync with the system.

If none of these troubleshooting steps work, you may need to contact PlayStation support for additional help.