Push the PlayStation button in the middle of the controller to turn it on. Wait for the lights on the controller to stop flashing. Once the lights have stopped flashing, unplug the mini USB cable from the controller. Your PS3 controller is now ready to use.

Why wont my PS3 controllers turn on?

If the controller won’t turn on at all, the problem likely lies with the battery or the internal hardware. First, try removing the battery and re-inserting it: Use an eyeglass repair kit to unscrew the back of the PS3 controller. Re-insert the battery and try turning on the controller again.

Why won’t my PS3 controller connect to my PS3?

Confirm that the console is powered “ON,” and make sure you have properly charged the wireless battery in the controller prior to use, or connect it to the USB Adapter using a USB cable. If the controller continues to have connection issue, use the controller’s reset button and then re-sync to your PS3.

From my experience it can take about 15 to 20 minutes, from completely dead to fully charge but as Lunar Chaos had said it can also depend on how long you have used the controller.