PadTestLab

PS5 Controller Vibration Test

This PS5 controller vibration test checks the left and right rumble of a DualSense or DualSense Edge in your browser, over USB or Bluetooth. It works with the PS4 DualShock 4 too.

DualSense · DualSense Edge · DualShock 4 · Chrome & Edge

Waiting for a controller

Controller diagram showing the left and right rumble motorsCH1CH2

  1. Connect via USB or Bluetooth

    Use a USB data cable or pair it. Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro and most other controllers work.

  2. Press any button

    Browsers only show a controller after a button press. The test opens as soon as one appears.

Nothing happening? Use Chrome or Edge on a computer, and try another cable: charge-only cables don’t carry data.

A PS5 controller vibration test plays rumble on the DualSense’s left and right haptic actuators and asks what you felt. A DualSense always feels crisper than a DualShock 4; what matters is that both sides respond.

How to test PS5 controller vibration

  1. ConnectUse a USB-C data cable, or pair over Bluetooth by holding PS and Create until the light bar flashes.
  2. Press a buttonThe controller shows up as DualSense (PS5) once you press any button.
  3. Guided testIt vibrates the left side, then the right, and asks what you felt.
  4. CompareRun Ramp to check that both sides start at low power.

How DualSense vibration differs

A DualShock 4 has two classic rumble motors that spin small weights. The DualSense replaced them with two voice-coil actuators, which work like tiny speakers and can play much finer effects. Browsers send the classic left and right rumble command, and the DualSense plays it on those actuators.

That’s why a DualSense feels sharper and quieter than a DualShock 4 at the same setting. It’s normal, not a fault. The left side still carries the deeper effect and the right side the lighter one.

This page tests rumble only. Adaptive trigger resistance and detailed haptics need a different kind of test.

USB or Bluetooth?

On Windows and macOS, desktop Chrome and Edge can usually vibrate a DualSense over both USB and Bluetooth. If the controller connects but nothing vibrates, plug it in with a USB cable first. That rules out Bluetooth pairing problems, and a charge-only cable won’t connect at all.

If DS4Windows is running, the browser may see a virtual Xbox controller instead of the DualSense. It still vibrates, but through DS4Windows. Close it to test the DualSense directly. Other brands work on the controller vibration test.

PS5 controller not vibrating?

Check the vibration settings

  1. On a PS5 console, open Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) and check Vibration Intensity. The same menu has Trigger Effect Intensity for the adaptive triggers.
  2. In Steam, open Settings → Controller and check rumble is on for the controller.
  3. In DS4Windows, check the rumble setting of the active profile.

Charge and reconnect

  1. Charge the controller. A low battery weakens vibration.
  2. Test over USB to rule out the wireless link, then pair over Bluetooth again.
  3. Reset the controller with the small button in the hole on the back, then pair it again.

Update the firmware

  1. On a PS5 console, use Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) → DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software. On Windows, use Sony’s Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller.
  2. Run the guided test again afterwards. If one side stays silent, see why only one side vibrates.

FAQ

Does DualSense vibration work on PC?

Yes, in Chrome and Edge on Windows and macOS, over USB and usually over Bluetooth. Games are a separate question: many PC games only vibrate a DualSense through Steam Input or with built-in PlayStation controller support.

Why does my DualSense vibrate differently from a DualShock 4?

The DualSense uses voice-coil haptic actuators instead of spinning motors, so the same rumble command feels crisper and quieter. Both sides should still respond, and the left should feel deeper than the right.

Can I test the adaptive triggers here?

Not on this page. It tests rumble, which is what the standard Gamepad API exposes. Testing trigger resistance needs a separate tool that talks to the DualSense directly. If the triggers feel weak in games, check Trigger Effect Intensity on the PS5 under Settings → Accessories → Controller (General).

Does it work with the DualSense Edge?

Yes. The DualSense Edge is detected as a DualSense and runs every rumble test the same way.

Can I test a PS4 DualShock 4 controller?

Yes. Connect it with a micro-USB data cable or pair it by holding PS and Share. The DualShock 4 has two classic rumble motors, so Left only and Right only map directly to its heavy and light motor.