Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Apart Your PS5 DualSense Controller

Gather the necessary tools. To safely disassemble your controller, you’ll need a few key items. You can grab a complete tool kit online. The essentials include:

• A plastic pry tool or spudger.
• A small precision Phillips screwdriver (6.4mm and 1.5mm).
• Tweezers or fine-tip pincers.

Detach the black trim surrounding the thumbsticks. This black ring sits between the front and back faceplates. Use a spudger or pry tool to gently work it loose, starting from the lower corners and tracing along the edges. Once loosened, lift it over the thumbsticks.

• Use caution to avoid snapping the plastic. Applying too much pressure can cause damage.
• Consider unplugging your PS5 during the process to prevent accidental power-on.
• Warning: Taking apart your controller can result in damage, lost parts, or voided warranty. Avoid disassembly if your controller is still covered.
• Warning: If you're going for a full disassembly, it's a good idea to drain the battery completely to prevent accidental power discharge and potential harm.

Pop off the R1 and L1 bumper buttons. These sit just above the triggers. Slide a spudger or pry tool between each button and the trigger, and gently press against the trigger to lift the bumpers free.

Unscrew the faceplates. You’ll need to remove four screws total. Two are located beneath the R1 and L1 buttons you just removed, and the other two sit at the base of the controller’s handles. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove them.

• Handle the screws under R1 and L1 carefully—they're small and can easily fall inside the controller.

Detach the lower faceplate. You'll find two clips near the mic and charging port at the controller’s bottom. Use a pry tool or spudger to release those clips, then work your way along the sides to loosen the seams. Once loosened, flip the controller face down and carefully lift the lower shell, angling it upward toward the triggers as you remove it.

Disconnect and remove the battery. The battery is the large gray block sitting on its holder. Gently lift it and use tweezers or pincers to unplug the wire connector on the right, where it connects to the motherboard. Grip the connector itself—not the wires—and gently wiggle until it comes loose.

• Warning: Avoid tugging on the wires. If they snap, the battery will need to be replaced.

Take out the plastic battery holder. Remove the single screw securing the black holder using a small Phillips screwdriver. Then, gently disconnect the microphone, which is attached via a ribbon cable at the base. Afterward, lift out the battery holder to reveal the backside of the motherboard.

• Handle the microphone ribbon cable with care to avoid tearing or damage.

Extract the motherboard. The board is connected by four ribbon cables—two on the sides, one at the top, and a smaller one on the bottom. Use tweezers or pincers to release each cable from its clip. Once all are disconnected, lift the motherboard up and flip it over to reach the thumbstick components.

• Warning: Be cautious—the vibration motors are wired directly to the motherboard. Take care not to stress or break these soldered connections.

Take off the thumbstick caps. These caps fit snugly over the thumbstick modules and can be removed simply by pulling them straight up.

Unscrew and remove the internal holder. This component secures the triggers and motors. You'll find two screws above the motors. Depending on your controller version, you may also find two additional screws either above the motors or near the top of the controller. Use a precision screwdriver to remove them. Carefully lift the plastic holder—triggers and motors included—away from the front shell to expose the button area.

• If the screws are positioned near the controller's top, they may also be securing light guide plastic pieces near the touchpad.

Take out the buttons. Two rubber membranes hold the buttons in place. Lift these rubber pieces off, and the buttons will slide out easily.

Detach the touchpad. To remove the touchpad, take out a couple of small screws holding it in place. Once done, the touchpad comes free, and your PS5 controller is now fully disassembled.

Slide the buttons into place on the front faceplate. Each button fits into its designated spot. Once positioned, reinsert the touchpad and secure it with screws if necessary.

Secure the internal holder. Align the internal frame holding the triggers and motors with the front shell, then fasten it using the original screws. Don’t forget to reattach and screw down the two light-diffusing plastic pieces near the touchpad if your controller has them.

Reconnect the motherboard. Fit the thumbsticks onto their modules, then carefully lower the motherboard so the sticks pass through their slots. Use tweezers or pincers to plug all ribbon cables into the appropriate motherboard ports.

Install the battery back in. Set the battery holder on top of the motherboard and screw it into place. Make sure the microphone is properly seated and connected at the bottom. Finally, reconnect the battery wires and place the battery atop the holder.

Snap the back plate into place. Align the rear shell over the triggers and press it onto the front faceplate, working along the edges to ensure it clicks securely. Confirm the clips around the mic and charging port are locked in. Once all sides are sealed, fasten the shell using the original screws—two under the bumpers and two at the bottom of the handles.

• Double-check all ribbon cables and the battery are properly connected before sealing everything shut.

Pop the bumper buttons back on. Snap the L1 and R1 buttons into position above the triggers until they click securely into place.

Secure the black trim plate. Slide the black plate around the thumbsticks and press down along the edges to lock it into position. With that, your PS5 controller is fully reassembled. Don’t forget to test all the buttons to ensure everything is functioning properly.