This article will show you how to charge your PlayStation 3 controller using the charger cable that came with your console.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Charging your controller

Step 1. Press the power button on the front of the PlayStation 3 to turn off the console
On older models, the power button may be located on the back of the console.

Step 2. Locate the joystick charging cable
Typically, a USB cable is provided with your console to charge your controller. It has a wide USB connector on one end and a small connector on the other that fits into a joystick.
- If you don't have a charging cable, order a new one online.
- It should be a cable from Sony and not from a third-party manufacturer, as they are sometimes incompatible with PS3 joysticks.

Step 3. Insert the USB connector of the cable into the console
It should fit into one of the narrow, rectangular ports on the front of the console.
- If the cable does not plug into the USB port, flip it 180 degrees and try again.
- The piece of plastic inside the USB connector should fit under the piece of plastic in the USB port on the console.

Step 4. Insert the narrow end of the charger into the controller
There is a small port on the front of the controller, and you need to insert the narrow cable connector into it.

Step 5. Press the power button on your controller
It's a round button with the PlayStation logo. The red LED on the front of the controller should light up.

Step 6. Wait until the LED starts flashing
This will mean that the joystick is charging.
Leave the joystick to charge for at least an hour before disconnecting it
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshoot your gamepad

Step 1. Restart the joystick
To do this, insert a pin or paperclip into the small hole on the bottom of the joystick, just below the button L2.

Step 2. Insert the joystick into another USB port on the console
If the joystick won't charge, this will help you determine if the USB port is the culprit.

Step 3. Plug the gamepad into a USB port on your computer and turn it on
Although the gamepad cannot be charged through a computer, it will still light up if you plug it into your computer and press the power button. If the joystick does not light up, then the problem is in the cable.

Step 4. Take another charging cable
Sometimes the problem might be a faulty or defective USB cable.
Third-party USB cables are often not detected by PlayStation technology, so make sure that the cable you buy is made by Sony first
Advice
- The controller can be used while charging, but it must be connected to the console at all times until it is fully charged.
- To check the current battery charge of your joystick, hold down the PlayStation logo button for at least two seconds. The current battery charge is briefly displayed on the TV or computer screen.