This guide will explain common PS4 issues and fixes for these issues to help you get your PlayStation 4 or PS4 Pro back to playing faster without having to call Sony or call a new one.
We’ve seen a number of new PS4 issues throughout the year, and PSN issues are popping up more frequently. With many PS4 software updates adding new features and options, you may run into some issues that weren’t there before the fix.
You can use this list of common PlayStation 4 issues and fixes to get back to the game faster. It’s still a good idea to alert Sony to potential PS4 bugs and issues, and you can use the comments section to share your fixes with other users.
PS4 issues include disc errors, PS4 shutting down without warning, and problems connecting to PSN to play or download games with friends. Sometimes PS4 connection problems are caused by hacker groups taking the PSN network offline during the holidays and other times when you need to take action to fix your home network. Click on this table of contents to jump straight in
Here are common PS4 problems and how to fix them yourself so you can get back to playing faster.
How to Fix PS4 Turning Off
The most common PS4 issue we see is the PS4 randomly shutting down while players are using the console. This can also appear next to the console that does not turn on when the owner presses the power button.
A common PS4 problem is the console randomly shutting down.
If experiencing this PS4 issue, users will see a flashing blue light or a flashing red light on the console instead of a white light. This issue first surfaced in November 2013, and Sony soon offered a number of fixes for this PS4 issue, including an option to replace it if none of them work. We can say that this issue is largely a thing of the past, but if you are experiencing this issue, you should.
One of Sony’s troubleshooting guide for this issue. If all else fails, contact Sony for a new PS4.
How to Fix PS4 WiFi Problems
If you’re having PS4 WiFi issues, unplug your router, wait a minute, then plug it back in. Then delete the WiFi connection on your PS4 and then reconnect to your WiFi network. This can fix simple problems. You should check the position of your router and move it to a higher unobstructed location if possible.
Users who see PS4 error code NW-31297-2 after installing PS4 4.5 update, try to reconnect to WiFi by re-entering their password, but for many users this will not fix the problem. There are many complaints about PlayStation Forums from users who can’t fix this PS4 WiFi issue. With the PS4 5.0 update and higher this should no longer be an issue.
You may still encounter PS4 WiFi problems due to the location of your console and interference in your home. Finally, I ran an ethernet cable through the walls to my PS4 to be able to play games without lag.
Eventually you may need to buy one. WiFi Extender with an ethernet port, a power via ethernet adapter or connect an Ethernet cable to your PS4 to play reliably online until Sony fixes this.
How to Fix PS4 Disc Reading Issues
This should no longer be an issue now that Sony has released an update, but if you insert a disc and the PS4 won’t read, you can still follow the same advice.
Make sure the disc is ejected (if it will) and then turn off the PS4 completely. You have to make sure it’s not just sleeping. After turning it off, wait a minute and turn it back on. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you can turn it off for a minute and unplug it.
If both of these solutions fail, you will need to contact Sony for repair.
How to Fix PS4 Eject Issues
If you have no disc inserted but the PS4 repeatedly tried to eject a disc, there is a simple fix. We ran into this issue while trying to play Assassin’s Creed and we are not alone. Here’s how to fix a PS4 that’s trying to ditch a game.
- . This includes HDMI, Ethernet, audio and power.
- Just half a second now and then.
- Yes, this works with the power cord unplugged.
- After this happens and go back to the game.
It seems like a strange thing to do, but this fixed the problem in less than a minute when other sources told us the PS4 needed repair.
How to Fix PS4 Audio and Video Issues
Another common PS4 issue is with audio and video. The report outlines complaints that PS4 audio is missing, video is missing, or both. The PS4 is connected via an HDMI cable carrying audio and video and an optical cable carrying audio only. If users can’t see or hear the PS4, it’s likely that a connection has been set up incorrectly.
Check your cables and HDMI port to fix this PS4 issue.
If you are experiencing this PS4 issue, here are the steps to take.
- Make sure the HDMI cable is flush and not caught by a small piece of metal.
- Try a new HDMI cable
- Try a new HDTV
If the system works on a new HDTV, you should go for the one you want to use. Turn off the console and move it back to the other HDTV and start playing.
If the HDMI cable has a small piece of metal that is preventing it from plugging in completely, bend it slightly for a tighter fit or contact Sony for a replacement.
How to Fix PSN Issues and Fixes
If you’re having trouble connecting to PSN to play games, buy games, and connect with friends, you may need to do some maintenance on your home network.
We recommend using a wired connection if possible, but if that’s not possible, you can try resetting your router and modem to fix many issues.
You may need to place your PS4 in a DMZ or enable Quality of Service on your Router to make sure the PS4 takes precedence over other items like Netflix. Search for your router model number and QoS or DMZ for more information, or check your router model and PS4 settings for tips from users with the same setup.
Also, be sure to check for fixes for common PSN issues that can help you play offline and fix other issues.
How to Fix PS4 Controller Issues (Double Shock 4)
If you have Dualshock 4 problems, you can usually fix them by charging the controller or pairing it again with the PS4.
The simplest way to fix various problems, including no vibration, is to reset the controller. Use a paper clip or similar item to press the recessed button next to the L2 trigger on the back of the PS4 controller. Press and hold the button for a few seconds to reset. When done, re-plug the PS4 controller with the USB cable and re-pair with the console.
How to fix common PS4 controller problems?
If you have DualShock 4 analog stick issues related to wear of rubber part, you can contact Sony for replacement. Users report Replacing Sony with a new controller takes about a month and you have to pay Sony to ship it.
How to Fix PS4 Freezing
Some users are reporting that their PS4 freezes while playing games. This can lead to lost progress and a lot of frustration for players. This is a common problem, but does not appear to be common. There are two main things users have to do in this case.
The first thing to do is to look for any PS4 updates. Sony regularly releases new software for PS4 that fixes bugs and performance issues. This may fix PS4 freezing for many users who may have skipped an update.
If the PS4 freezes after playing for a long time, make sure it’s not overheating. If it’s in a closed entertainment center or not on a flat surface, it may be overheating. If that’s the case, moving the PS4 to a more open area can prevent freezing during long gaming sessions.
Contacting support is your best bet if you still have PS4 issues, but hopefully these solutions will save you some time.
For users unable to fix this or other PS4 Issues, Sony Support Is the next stop. The PS4 is only a few months old, so it should be under warranty including any issues not caused by abuse or accidents. Users can talk to support in chat or on the phone, with an average of 15 minutes waiting on the phone, or currently without waiting in chat.
How To Fix PS4 Black Screen Flickers
Constant black screen flickering when playing on our PS4. This happened after switching TVs last year and doing a lot of searching, we are finding a fix for some users. Warning, this won’t fix PS4 black screen flickering for everyone, but it’s an important first step.
Change the HDMI cable you use to connect to your HDTV and try a different HDMI connection if possible.
We’ve also heard a lot of success from people setting their PS4 video output to 720P, but it’s not ideal. A new HDMI cable didn’t fix our problem, but it might help.
How to Fix PS4 HDR and PS4 Pro 4K Issues
PS4 supports HDR gaming and PS4 Pro supports 4K and HDR in games, but you can easily run into problems trying to set it up. First off, you need a 4K TV and a TV that supports HDR to enjoy these benefits. Not all 4K TVs support HDR, so you’ll want to search for your TV model before doing too much troubleshooting.
The next thing you need to do is make sure you plug it into the correct HDMI port. Most TVs have a single Best HDMI port that offers the best speeds for 4K and HDR. Plug it into this port to make sure you get 4K HDR. if you’re using a soundbar or receiver, make sure it supports 4K passthrough, otherwise you’re missing out on the benefits. If you can’t get 4K or HDR, plug it directly into the TV once and see if you can get 4K HDR content. You may need to buy a new soundbar first or plug it into your TV and send the sound to your soundbar. On some TVs, you may also need to update your TV and turn on HDR on the TV.
Next, you’ll want to make sure HDR is turned on in your PS4 settings. Go to Settings, Sound & Display, Video Output settings, Automatically adjust HDR and Deep Color. Request More on HDR setup. you can use this guide from Sony To make sure you turn on 4K for PS4 Pro.
How to Fix Stubborn PS4 Issues
If you have a PS4 problem that you can’t solve using the steps above, you can try the options below.
Completely shut down your PS4 for a minute, unplug it and reboot.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, you can try updating your PS4 software. This may contain fixes for your issue.
Try booting your PS4 in safe mode to troubleshoot. Turn off the PS4 completely. Press and hold the power button for about eight seconds until the PS4 beeps twice. Connect a controller with a micro USB cable and then press the PlayStation button on the controller.
In safe mode, you can try changing the resolution, installing an update, restoring to default settings without deleting your data and rebuilding the database. A DB rebuild can fix some issues.
One last option to try is to factory reset your PS4. You can do this in Safe mode or normal mode in Settings -> Startup – Restore Default Settings. This will delete all data and you cannot get it back.
