Ps3 controller wont work unless hooked up to the system

First, you need to troubleshoot if it's your system, wire, or controller.

Testing the controller:
Try plugging the wire into another port on the PS3, or into something else to charge it. Try charging it on a friend's system, with his wire, to see if it's your system. If it doesn't work, your controller or battery is bad.

Testing the battery:
Put your battery into another controller, see if it will charge on your friend's PS3 to test it. DO NOT put another battery in your controller: If the controller is shorted, it could ruin your battery!

Testing the Console:
If your controller charges on your friend's PS3 with his wire, try to use their wire on your system. If that works, it's probably your wire. If not, try other ports as I said. If none of the ports charge it (but it charges on your friend's, there's a problem with the voltage or amperage.

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If it's your system: It may symbolize a short life left of your PS3, not not for sure. I would still avoid plugging anything into USB you don't want to risk getting destroyed. You can still charge your controller with certain wall chargers, but only certain ones have the circuitry for a "handshake" the PS3 needs to charge.

If it's your wire: Get one from the dollar store should work.

If it's your battery: Getting one one eBay may be cheaper than replacing your controller.

If it's your controller: I prefer wired controllers personally, anyhow... for everything but the Wii, of course. You're going to need a new one for the PS3. You may want to save your battery for a later time or need.

on the back of the ps3 bluetooth controler there a tiny whole ,put a paper clip to reset controller . when lights are of go to ps3 hold down select and ps3 button at sametime . then horizantily hold the start button. this worked for arsenal ps3 bluetooth controller dont no about original ps3 controller

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Number of vote for this solution:3

maybe its the USB PORTS from your ps3 system that are not working try using a flash drive or any kind of USB drive into the ps3 USB port and see if the playstaion recognizes itif it doesn't I'd say its the USB ports that do'nt work

IF YOU GOT IT HOOKED UP IN HD MODE ,,HOOK UP THE REGULAR RCA JACKS THAT CAME WITH IT AND RESET THE HD SETUP

Could have been a software fluke, if everything is now working, I wouldn't be concerned about it

your LI ion battery in the ps3 controller is dead or has a short circuit...controllers are 30 from ebay

try plug in the carger to the ps3 then the controler then press the ps button

I was having the same problem. Controller would only work when plugged in.
Solution: I shut down and unplugged the PS3 for several minutes. Plugged in the controller. Turned on the PS3 and let it boot up. Pressed the PS button on the controller and let it sink up. When I unplugged the controller it worked.

I just fixed mine. The controller itself needs to be reset. There is a reset button on the back of the controller, above the top right hand corner of the square with all on the information and barcode. Press it with a sharp tipped object while still connected to the PS3 via USB cable. Then press the PS button and you should be back on wirelessly.