The PlayStation 4 may sometimes turn itself off shortly after the system is turned on or after it has been used for a while . Depending on when it occurs, this could be a minor problem with an easy fix, or a sign that your console needs service.
The instructions in this article apply to all PlayStation 4 models.
Causes of the PlayStation 4 turning off by itself
The reasons why a PlayStation 4 can turn off when you don’t want it to can be trivial or catastrophic. The PlayStation 4 may be overheating, have corrupt firmware or weak soldering of internal components, a bad hard drive, or just dust or dirt on the switch. Follow these steps to try to fix it yourself before filing a service ticket.
How to fix a PlayStation 4 that turns itself off
As the causes are varied, so are the solutions. Try the following troubleshooting steps to see if you can get your PlayStation 4 to work as it should.
- Clean the “power” button. Both the PlayStation 4 Pro (a later model that supports 4K screen resolutions) and the smaller PS4 “Slim” have physical buttons for turning on the console and ejecting discs. Earlier versions of the console, however, have touch-sensitive sections for performing these tasks. If they get dirty or oil stained, they can activate on their own.
- Check the cable connections . If your power cord is loose, you may lose connection. Make sure that it is firmly connected to both the console and the power outlet or power strip.
If everything seems to work fine, you can try replacing the cable if other suggestions don’t work. - Give your PS4 a break. If a blinking and/or colored power light accompanies the problem, the system may be overheating. You can try unplugging it from the wall for a few minutes. Please try again with a different outlet.
Your B’s power indicator may show a blinking red light, a blue light, or no light at all when it has this problem. - Move the console. If your PlayStation 4 is overheating, it may not have enough room to move the hot air it generates out of its interior. If it’s inside an entertainment center, for example, move it out of the cubicle and into a location where a few inches in each size to stay cool.
- Check for a software update . If your system shuts down after using it for a while and not immediately after turning it on, check if it needs an update by going to Settings > System Software Update > Update Now.
Playstation 4It’s also possible that the firmware you’re currently running is corrupted, and you may need to install a new one using an external drive. Use Sony’s step-by-step instructions to do so.For this and subsequent steps, it’s a good idea to back up your PS4 data before attempting them.
- Restart the PlayStation 4. This operation consists of completely erasing the hard drive and restoring the system to the state it was in when you first set it up. Perform this operation on the console by going to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 and follow the prompts.
- Start the PS4 in safe mode. If your system doesn’t stay on long enough for you to try some of these solutions, you should try safe mode. It is a state that only runs the most necessary functions that the PS4 needs to work, so it could avoid what is causing it to malfunction. To enter safe mode:
– Power off the console.
– Press and hold the power button. You’ll hear a beep when you first press it, but keep it pressed until you hear another, which will be about seven seconds later.
– Plug in your controller and press its PS button. - Check the hard drive. A badly seated hard drive can cause performance issues, and a bad one can cause your console to not work at all. The easiest solution is to make sure the drive is seated firmly in place, but you may also need to replace the PS4’s hard drive.
The way to access the hard drive depends on the model you have:
– PlayStation 4 : Slide the cover on the top left of the console.
– PlayStation 4 Slim: Slide the cover off the back of the console.
– PlayStation 4 Pro: Flip the console over and remove the cover on the back. - Contact Sony. If none of these solutions work, your system may need service. Contact Sony for any other troubleshooting and to start the repair process.