How To Change Ps5 Light Color

Your PS5 light color can match your gaming mood or room aesthetic with a few settings adjustments. Knowing how to change PS5 light color is simpler than most people think, and it takes less than a minute once you know the steps. The light bar on your console and the controller can be customized, but the options are different for each. This guide covers everything from the system menu to hidden tricks, so you can get the exact look you want.

Changing the light color on your PS5 is not a single setting. There are actually two separate light sources: the console’s light bar and the controller’s light bar. Each one has its own control method. The console light bar is the strip that glows on the top of the PS5, while the controller light bar is the small strip near the touchpad. Both can be adjusted, but the console light bar has more color options.

First, you need to know that the PS5 system software version matters. Sony has updated the settings over time, so make sure your console is on the latest firmware. To check, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. If there’s an update, install it before proceeding. This ensures all color options are available.

Now, let’s get into the actual steps. The process is straightforward, but the location of the setting is a bit hidden. Most users miss it because it’s not under “Accessories” or “Appearance.” Instead, it’s under “System.”

Step-By-Step Guide For Console Light Bar

Here is the exact path to change the PS5 console light color:

Turn on your PS5 and log into your profile.
Go to the main Settings menu (the gear icon at the top right).
Select “System” from the list.
Choose “Beep and Light” from the System menu.
Select “Brightness of the Power Indicator.”
You will see three options: Dim, Medium, and Bright. These control the light bar’s brightness, not the color.

Wait—that only changes brightness? Yes, for the console light bar, the PS5 does not let you change the color directly. The light bar color is tied to the console’s state: blue when booting, white when on, orange in rest mode, and off when powered down. You cannot set a custom color for the console light bar through official settings. This is a limitation many users find frustrating.

However, there is a workaround. Some third-party accessories and mods allow you to change the console light color, but these are not officially supported by Sony. Using them may void your warranty. If you want a custom color without mods, you are limited to the controller light bar.

How To Change Controller Light Color

The DualSense controller light bar is more flexible. You can change its color, but only to one of six preset colors. Here’s how:

Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers.
Select “Controller Light Brightness.”
Choose from Bright, Medium, or Dim for brightness.
For color, go back to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > “Change Controller Light Color.”
You will see six color options: Blue, Red, Purple, Green, Pink, and Cyan.
Select the color you want, and it will apply immediately.

That’s it. The controller light will now show your chosen color during gameplay and in the home screen. Note that some games override this setting. For example, in “Astro’s Playroom,” the controller light changes based on in-game actions. In those cases, your custom color will return when you exit the game or return to the home screen.

Why The Color Resets Sometimes

You might notice the controller light color reverts to default blue after a while. This happens when the controller disconnects and reconnects, or after a system update. It’s a known quirk. To fix it, just repeat the steps above. There is no permanent fix, but it’s a quick adjustment.

Using Rest Mode For A Different Light

Rest mode gives the console a orange light. You cannot change this color either. The orange light indicates the console is in a low-power state but still downloading updates or charging controllers. If you want a different color during rest mode, you are out of luck with official settings. Some users place colored stickers or LED strips near the console to change the ambient light, but that’s not a system setting.

Third-Party Solutions For Console Light

If you really want to change the PS5 console light color, you have a few unofficial options. These are not recommended by Sony and may void your warranty, but they exist:

LED strips that attach to the console and sync with the light bar.
Custom firmware mods that alter system files.
External RGB lighting kits that replace the light bar.

These methods are risky. They can brick your console or cause overheating. Only attempt them if you are experienced with hardware mods. For most users, the controller light color is the only safe way to customize.

Common Mistakes When Changing Colors

Many users get confused because the settings are spread out. Here are frequent errors:

Looking for color options under “Appearance” or “Themes” – those don’t exist on PS5.
Thinking the console light bar can be changed – it cannot without mods.
Forgetting to save the setting – the color applies instantly, but some games override it.
Using a controller that is not fully charged – the light may dim or change color during charging.

Avoid these by following the steps exactly. The controller light color setting is under Accessories, not System.

How To Match Light Color With Game Genre

You can set your controller light to match the mood of your game. Here are some ideas:

Blue for calm games like “Journey” or “Stray.”
Red for action games like “Call of Duty” or “Doom.”
Green for nature or survival games like “The Last of Us.”
Purple for RPGs like “Final Fantasy” or “Elden Ring.”
Pink for casual or party games like “Overcooked.”
Cyan for sci-fi games like “Returnal” or “Starfield.”

This is purely cosmetic, but it adds to the immersion. You can change the color anytime, so feel free to switch based on what you are playing.

Troubleshooting Light Color Issues

If the color does not change, try these fixes:

Restart the console completely (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
Reconnect the controller via USB cable and try again.
Check for system updates.
Reset the controller using the small button on the back.
If nothing works, contact Sony support.

Most issues are caused by software glitches. A restart usually solves them. If the light stays blue even after setting it to red, the controller might be in a game that overrides the color. Exit the game and try again.

Comparing PS5 Light Options To PS4

The PS4 had a similar light bar on the controller, but it also had a light bar on the console itself that could be changed in settings. The PS5 removed that option. Why? Sony likely wanted to simplify the user interface. The PS5 light bar now serves as a status indicator rather than a cosmetic feature. This is a downgrade for customization, but the controller light still offers some control.

Some users prefer the PS4 system because it allowed full RGB control. Others like the PS5’s cleaner design. If you miss the old system, you might consider the third-party mods mentioned earlier, but be aware of the risks.

Future Updates And Light Color

Sony has not announced any plans to add more light color options to the PS5. The current system has been the same since launch. However, community feedback might change this. If enough users request it, Sony could add custom colors in a future firmware update. For now, we are stuck with the limited options.

Keep an eye on the PlayStation blog for any announcements. In the meantime, the controller light is your best bet for personalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about changing PS5 light color, answered simply.

Can I change the PS5 console light color?

No, the console light bar cannot be changed through official settings. It only shows blue, white, orange, or off based on the console’s state. Third-party mods exist but are risky.

How do I change the controller light color on PS5?

Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Change Controller Light Color. Choose from Blue, Red, Purple, Green, Pink, or Cyan. The change applies immediately.

Why does my PS5 controller light keep changing back to blue?

This happens when the controller disconnects and reconnects, or when a game overrides the setting. Reapply the color in the settings menu. Some games reset it after you exit.

Can I set a custom RGB color on PS5?

No, the PS5 only offers six preset colors for the controller. There is no custom RGB option. For the console light bar, there are no color options at all.

Does the PS5 light color affect performance?

No, changing the light color has no impact on game performance or battery life. It is purely cosmetic. The brightness setting can affect battery life slightly, but the color does not.

Final Tips For Light Customization

If you want to change the PS5 light color, focus on the controller. It is the only safe and official way. Use the six preset colors to match your setup or mood. For the console, consider adding external LED strips that sync with the system’s light bar. These are available from third-party brands and do not require modding.

Remember that the light color is a small part of the PS5 experience. Do not spend too much time on it. The console is designed to look good with the default white and blue lights. If you want more, the controller gives you enough options to feel unique.

One last thing: always update your system software. New updates sometimes tweak the settings, and you might get more options in the future. For now, follow the steps above, and you will have your PS5 light color set in no time.