How to remove the PS5 DualSense controller faceplate

Unbeknownst to most PlayStation 5 owners, the DualSense controller has many more opportunities for customization than fully realized. An instance of this is the ongoing trend of videos online showing the remote without its lower faceplate. Like the stickers that went over the DualShock 4 light bar, this allows for companies to sell customized plates with limitless possibilities for design.

If you’re planning on changing or cleaning your faceplate, here’s a safe, easy-on-the-fingers method to do so.

1. Flip the controller over, so that the round black parts of the plate are visible.
2. Slowly start to pull the plate out from these areas, but make sure you remove them from both handles before going any further.
3. Gently separate the faceplate from the area where the headphone jack is located, but don’t remove the plate completely.
4. Lastly, the plate has two connectors underneath the touchpad to keep it in place. So, slowly move the faceplate in the opposite direction and it should completely come off.

Putting it back on is just as painless, and only requires you to do these actions in reverse. While off, we recommend you wipe off any smudges or dust that may have formed near the joysticks.

At the moment, Sony does not seem to be offering their own variants of these DualSense faceplates anytime soon. Third-party sellers are beginning to sell their own, but certainly do your research and see if they are safe to buy from beforehand.