To turn off adaptive triggers PS5, go to the PS5 home screen, select the gear-shaped "Settings" icon in the upper-right corner, then scroll down to "Accessories," choose "Controllers," and set "Trigger Effect Intensity" to "Off." This completely disables the dynamic resistance on the L2 and R2 buttons for the controller you are currently using.
How to turn off adaptive triggers PS5: The direct, step-by-step console settings path
Follow these exact steps to disable the feature at the system level. The change takes effect immediately, and you can reverse it at any time by repeating the process and selecting a different intensity level.
- Press the PS button on your DualSense controller to return to the PS5 home screen.
- Select the "Settings" menu, represented by a gear icon, in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down and select "Accessories" from the Settings menu.
- From the "Accessories" menu, select "Controllers."
- In the "Controllers" settings, locate and select "Trigger Effect Intensity."
- Choose "Off" from the available options: Strong, Medium, Weak, or Off.
- Exit the menu. The adaptive trigger resistance is now disabled.
This setting applies only to the specific PS5 controller currently in use. If you have multiple controllers, you must repeat the process for each one individually. The same steps work for both the standard DualSense and the DualSense Edge controllers.
What are adaptive triggers?
Adaptive triggers are a feature of the PlayStation 5 DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, providing adjustable resistance and haptic feedback to simulate in-game actions. Unlike standard triggers that offer a constant, linear pull, adaptive triggers use small motors to dynamically change the tension on L2 and R2. For example, drawing a bowstring in an archery game feels taut as you pull, or pressing the accelerator in a racing game meets increasing pressure the harder you push. This feedback is enabled by default on PS5 controllers, and game developers can program the resistance to match specific actions, adding a tactile layer to gameplay that traditional controllers cannot deliver.
Why turn off adaptive triggers?
There are several practical reasons to disable this feature. Turning off adaptive triggers can help save controller battery life, since the motors that create the resistance draw significant power during extended play sessions. Disabling adaptive triggers can improve performance in competitive games where resistance might be a hindrance, in fast-paced shooters or fighting games, the extra tension on L2 and R2 can slow down rapid inputs, and removing it allows for quicker, more consistent trigger presses. Some players simply find the constant pushback uncomfortable after long sessions, preferring the familiar feel of standard triggers. The feature can also be turned off for accessibility reasons, as individuals with limited hand strength or mobility issues may struggle to press against the dynamic resistance. Additionally, reducing the mechanical strain on the trigger motors can help minimize wear and tear on the controller over time, potentially extending its lifespan.
Important notes about this setting
This is a console-level setting, not a per-game toggle. Adjusting "Trigger Effect Intensity" in the PS5 settings applies globally across all titles, meaning every game that supports adaptive triggers will run without resistance until you change it back. The setting is not typically controlled by individual game settings, so you won't find an in-game menu option to override it, the console-level choice takes precedence. Also, this change applies only to the specific PS5 controller you are using at the time; if you switch to a second controller, you will need to repeat the process for that device. Finally, haptic feedback (vibration intensity) is a separate setting that can also be adjusted or turned off under "Vibration Intensity" in the same "Controllers" menu. If your goal is to maximize battery life or reduce all tactile feedback, you may want to disable both options, but they operate independently, turning off adaptive triggers does not affect vibration, and vice versa. Remember that the feature is enabled by default, so if you prefer a traditional trigger feel, you will need to disable it manually on each controller you use.
