You can replace a PS5 controller battery yourself in about five minutes with a screwdriver and a replacement battery

The DualSense controller uses a built-in lithium-ion battery that cannot be removed without opening the case. When the battery no longer holds a charge, you have two paths: buy a new controller for $70 to $75, or replace just the battery for $15 to $25. Replacing it yourself takes a Phillips-head screwdriver, a replacement battery (model LIP1708 or equivalent), and no special tools or skills.

The entire job takes about five minutes once you have the parts. The battery is soldered to the circuit board, so you will need a soldering iron and basic soldering skill, or you can pay a repair shop $30 to $50 to do it. If you have never soldered before, the shop route is usually safer — a bad solder joint can damage the board permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 controller batteries are soldered in place, so replacement requires either a soldering iron and solder or a trip to a repair shop.
  • The battery model is LIP1708, costs $15 to $25 online, and is the same part used in some other Sony devices.
  • You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to open the controller case; the screws are small and straightforward to lose, so lay them out in order.
  • If you are not comfortable soldering, a local electronics repair shop can do the swap for $30 to $50 and usually completes it the same day.
  • Replacing the battery yourself costs about $20 total and takes five minutes; buying a new controller costs $70 to $75.

What you need to buy and where to find it

The replacement battery is a LIP1708, a 1560 mAh lithium-ion cell. You can find it on Amazon, eBay, and electronics retailers like Micro Center for $15 to $25. Search for "PS5 controller battery LIP1708" to avoid counterfeits. Buy from a seller with reviews showing the battery works in DualSense controllers; some listings sell the wrong voltage or capacity.

If you plan to solder it yourself, you will also need a soldering iron (a basic 30-watt iron costs $15 to $30), solder (lead-free, $5 to $10), and a solder sucker or desoldering braid ($5 to $10) to remove the old battery. If you do not own these tools and have no plans to solder again, the repair shop route saves money and headache.

Opening the controller case without damaging it

Lay the controller face-down on a clean, flat surface. You will see five Phillips-head screws: four on the back near the corners and one under the battery label on the bottom. The screw under the label is hidden, so peel back the label carefully or cut it away. Use a small Phillips screwdriver — the screws are tiny and strip easily if you use the wrong size.

Remove all five screws and place them in a row in the order you removed them so you can put them back in the same spots. Gently separate the two halves of the case. The ribbon cable connecting the touchpad to the circuit board is fragile; do not pull hard. If the halves do not come apart easily, you may have missed a screw.

Once the case is open, you will see the circuit board and the battery soldered to it. The battery is a small rectangular cell with two wires soldered to the board. Take a photo of the battery and its wires before you touch anything so you know exactly how to reconnect the new one.

Removing the old battery and soldering in the new one

Heat your soldering iron to 350°C (about 660°F). Use the solder sucker or desoldering braid to remove the solder from both wires connecting the old battery to the board. This takes patience — heat the joint for three to five seconds, then suck or wick away the solder. Repeat for both wires until they are free and the battery lifts away cleanly.

Clean the solder pads on the circuit board with a wet sponge or brass wire cleaner. Position the new battery so the wires line up with the pads. Tin both pads with a small amount of fresh solder, then solder each wire to its pad. Use just enough solder to make a shiny joint; too much creates a cold joint that fails later. Let the battery cool for a minute before you touch it.

If you are not confident in your soldering skill, stop here and take the controller to a repair shop. A bad solder joint can short the board or cause the battery to disconnect during use, and fixing it the second time is harder.

Reassembling the controller and testing the battery

Once the solder is cool, carefully close the two halves of the case. Make sure the ribbon cable is not pinched. Screw the five screws back in the same order you removed them, tightening them snugly but not hard — they are straightforward to strip. Replace the battery label if you peeled it back, or leave it off if you cut it away.

Plug the controller into your PS5 with a USB-C cable and let it charge for at least two hours. The light on the controller will turn orange while charging and white when full. Once it is fully charged, disconnect it and use it wirelessly to make sure the battery holds a charge and the buttons and triggers work normally.

If the controller does not charge or the light does not turn on, the solder joint may be bad. Reconnect it to the PS5 with the cable and try again; sometimes a cold joint makes contact only under pressure. If it still does not work, you will need to resolder or take it to a shop.

When to use a repair shop instead

If you do not own a soldering iron or have never soldered before, a local electronics repair shop is the faster and safer choice. Search for "game controller repair" or "electronics repair" in your area and call ahead to confirm they work on PS5 controllers. Most shops can do the swap the same day for $30 to $50, and they warranty the work if something goes wrong.

Some shops also offer mail-in repair if you do not have a local option. The turnaround is usually three to five business days plus shipping time. Mail-in repair costs $40 to $60 total but eliminates the risk of damaging your controller yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a replacement controller instead of replacing the battery?

Yes. A new DualSense controller costs $70 to $75 and comes with a full battery. If you use your PS5 heavily and want a backup controller anyway, buying new is simpler than replacing the battery. If you want to keep your current controller, battery replacement is cheaper and takes less time.

How long does a PS5 controller battery last before it needs replacing?

Most DualSense batteries last two to three years of regular use before they no longer hold a charge. Heavy daily use can shorten this to 18 months; light use may extend it to four years. When the battery stops charging or only holds power for a few minutes, it is time to replace it.

Is soldering the battery myself risky?

If you have soldering experience, the risk is low. If you have never soldered, a bad joint can damage the circuit board permanently and make the controller unusable. A repair shop has the right tools and experience to do it safely. The $30 to $50 cost is worth the may provide that it will work.

What if I lose one of the screws when I open the controller?

The screws are standard Phillips-head fasteners, and you can buy a replacement set online for $5 to $10. Search for "PS5 controller screws" and buy a set with extras. Do not use a screw that is too large or too tight, as it can crack the plastic case.

Can I charge the controller while the case is open?

No. The USB-C port is on the circuit board, and you need the case closed to protect the electronics and keep the ribbon cable in place. Always close the controller fully before charging.