Troubleshooting Controller Issues in Apex Legends After the Next-Gen Update
The recent next-gen update for Apex Legends has introduced new bugs and glitches alongside the improved graphics and performance. Many players have reported frustrations with controller connectivity after installing the update. This article provides an overview of Apex Legends controller woes and potential fixes.
Key Points
A recent Apex Legends update for next-gen consoles has introduced new bugs, including controller connectivity issues.
Many players using wired controllers report getting a “Controller disconnected” error after the update. Switching to wireless controllers seems to fix it for some players.
Another common issue is the “This account is not permitted to play online” error when trying to switch between PS4 and PS5 versions.
Respawn has provided a workaround for the account restriction error—fully quitting the game and relaunching after 20+ minutes.
A small patch was released, but it didn’t address the major controller and account bugs.
Suggested workarounds from players include changing DNS settings, deleting local save data, and fully reinstalling the game.
Respawn has acknowledged the issues but hasn’t released a definitive fix yet.

Controller Disconnected Error Frustrates Wired Controller Users
One of the most widely reported bugs is the “Controller disconnected” error message. Therefore, this issue seems to primarily impact players using wired controllers. Interestingly, some have found switching to wireless controllers resolves the problem.
Respawn Entertainment has not yet acknowledged the controller disconnection error. In the meantime, affected players have tried various workarounds with mixed results:
- Adjusting settings in the Xbox settings app
- Assigning the controller to the active profile
- Switching to a wireless controller
The Cause Remains Unclear
The root cause of the “Controller disconnected” bug remains unclear. However, it could relate to changes in how the game handles controller inputs after the update. Or it also may stem from conflicts between old controller driver versions and the new game version.
Without an official fix, affected players will need to continue troubleshooting on their own for now.
Account Restriction Errors Also Causing Frustration
Besides controller issues, some players encounter account restriction errors like:
“This account is not permitted to play online.”
This surfaces when trying to switch between PS4 and PS5 versions after installing the update.
Respawn has confirmed they are investigating account restriction bugs. Moreover, as a temporary workaround, they advise fully quitting the game, waiting 20+ minutes, and relaunching the desired version.
Small Patch Released, But Key Bugs Persist
Respawn pushed a small patch, but it failed to address the major controller and account bugs. The developer says they resolved connectivity issues only.
Players will need to keep trying suggested workarounds until Respawn releases more comprehensive fixes. This means what’s for many frustrated Apex Legends fans eager to enjoy the new next-gen improvements.
Potential Fixes for Frustrating Controller Bugs
With no official acknowledgement yet from Respawn about the “Controller disconnected” error, affected gamers have taken troubleshooting into their own hands. Here are some potential fixes circulating in the Apex Legends community:
Change Network Settings to Google DNS
Some say switching to Google DNS servers resolves the issue. Follow these steps to change your DNS on Windows 10:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
- Select your connection and choose Properties
- Go to Networking tab > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties > Advanced > DNS
- Note down current DNS servers and replace with Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Test new settings
Delete Local Save Data
This fix involves deleting local save data so Apex Legends re-syncs from the cloud. Warning: There’s a risk of losing data, so proceed with caution:
- Go to My Games & Apps > Manage Apex Legends
- Select Saved Data > Delete from console
- This removes the local save only—it will re-download from cloud
Fresh Reinstallation as Last Resort
If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Apex Legends for a clean slate. With fast internet, this nuclear option could resolve any corrupted files causing problems.
Stay Tuned for Official Fixes
Frustrated Apex Legends players on wired controllers will need to keep testing workarounds until Respawn provides definitive solutions. We’ll continue monitoring for any official acknowledgement and fixes for these stubborn controller bugs introduced in the next-gen update.
FAQs
The exact cause is unclear, but it seems to be a bug introduced in the recent next-gen update. It primarily impacts wired controller users.
Try suggested workarounds like switching to wireless controllers, changing DNS settings, deleting and re-syncing save data, or fully reinstalling the game.
This is another bug introduced after the update. Restarting and waiting 20+ minutes before launching the other version may help.
No official fix has been released yet. Small patches so far haven’t addressed the main bugs.
They have acknowledged the issues and are investigating fixes. Players need to keep trying workarounds in the meantime.
Follow Respawn’s communications and keep an eye out for patch notes mentioning controller fixes. We’ll also provide updates here as official fixes are released.
Some, like deleting save data, do carry a risk of losing game progress. Only try fixes you feel comfortable with.