DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Battery Replacement
By Clay Eickemeyer • Difficulty: Moderate
Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the battery in your DualShock 4 model CUH-ZCT1U controller.

Check your controller model
  • Check the model number on the back of your controller. This guide was written using model CUH-ZCT1U. If you have another model, the guide procedure and replacement parts may differ slightly.
  • If you have the second generation DualShock 4, model CUH-ZCT2U, use these guides.
Unfasten the rear case
  • If you need to stabilize your controller during this repair, lay it on a soft surface such as a microfiber cloth.
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm-long screws securing the rear case.
Remove the L1 button
  • Use an opening pick to pry each corner of the L1 button from the front case.
  • Cover the button to prevent it from ejecting out of your workspace.
  • Remove the button.
Remove the R1 button
  • Use your opening pick to pry and remove the R1 button, just as you did for the L1 button.
Unclip the rear case
  • Six plastic clips secure the rear case to the front case. The next four steps demonstrate how to release these clips before you can open the controller.
  • Insert your opening pick at a downward angle between the front case and rear case, halfway between the handle and the action buttons.
  • Slide your pick toward the handle and pry up to release the first clip.
  • Repeat this procedure on the other side of the controller to release the second clip.
Step 6
  • Two more clips secure the rear case near the extension port and the headphone jack.
  • Insert your opening pick between the front case and rear case at either side of the ports.
  • Twist your pick to unclip this section of the rear case from the front case.
  • If the rear case feels stuck, insert and twist your pick from different angles.
  • Don't open the controller yet, as it's still held together by two very delicate clips near the triggers.
Step 7
  • The final two clips are very delicate, and must be disengaged from inside the controller. If you break them, don't worry—it won't affect this repair or your controllers functionality.
  • Locate the clips by looking through the gap above the R2 or L2 buttons.
Step 8
  • Insert the point of a spudger through the gap above the R2 button and push the retaining clip outward.
  • While pushing the clip outward, slowly pull the rear case away from the front case until you feel them separate.
  • Don't fully open the controller until each of the R2 and L2 clips have been disengaged.
  • Repeat this procedure for the clip near the L2 button.
Remove the rear case
  • Press the R2 button and slide the rear case over it.
Step 10
  • Press the L2 button and slide the rear case over it.
Step 11
  • Flip the rear case over the top of the controller and lay it down, being careful not to strain the interconnect cable.
Disconnect the interconnect cable
  • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the interconnect cable by pulling its blue pull tab straight out of the socket.
  • During reassembly, reconnect the cable with its blue pull tab facing the outside of the controller.
Disconnect the battery
  • Use tweezers or your fingers to grab and disconnect the head of the battery cable from the motherboard.
  • Only pull on the head of the connector—don't pull on the cable itself.
Remove the battery
  • Remove the battery.
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.