Wondering why your PS4 randomly shuts off? It might be caused by an overheating console or a power connection issue. Or, it could be a faulty hard drive or a software glitch that’s causing the problem.
Whatever the issue is, we’re going to help you solve it. The following is a guide on how to troubleshoot and fix this particular PS4 problem, if possible.
We’ll also tell you when you should take your PS4 in for professional repairs. (We can take care of those, too.) In any case, to stop this frustrating problem once and for all, follow these steps.
1. Diagnose Power Issues
There are lots of reasons why your PS4 might shut off due to an inadequate or unreliable power supply. These reasons range from your home’s wiring to a faulty power cord. So let’s just take these step-by-step.
Bad Wiring
First, ask yourself, have you experienced electricity problems with any other electrical devices in your home? Do other devices randomly shut off? Do your lights flicker?
These signs indicate a problem with your home’s wiring. Call an electrician to check it out.
Bad Connections
Next, it’s possible you just have a loose power cord that keeps getting disconnected. Check to make sure the power cord is firmly connected to your system and to the electrical outlet.
Also, check the connections for obstructions. Dust and other debris might be clogging the port that the power cord’s plugged into.
Bad Power Cord/Surge Protector
Better yet, replace the cord altogether. It’s easier to replace the cord than it is to test if it’s faulty. Besides, PS4 power cords are not expensive.
Get a brand new one and hook it up. Then, see if the problem persists.
Also, plug it into a wall instead of a surge protector. It might be that the surge protector has too many things plugged into it so there’s not enough power leftover for the PS4. Or, the surge protector might be malfunctioning.
Either way, it’s better to plug the PS4 into the wall.
2. Diagnose Overheating Issues
Your PS4 will automatically shut off when it gets too hot. This protects the system from being permanently damaged by the heat.
Overheating might be caused by a broken, obstructed, or smothered fan. One sign that your PS4 isn’t ventilated enough is that your PS4 fan always runs very loudly.
The fan has a high and a low setting. The low setting is very quiet, but the high setting is noticeably loud.
Your system should never really get hot enough that it has to use the high setting. So, if you hear it all the time, there’s an overheating problem, most likely a lack of ventilation.
Another symptom to listen for is no sound at all. If you don’t even hear the soft hum of the fan in low speed, it’s probably broken. So the system is shutting off whenever it gets too hot.
Fixing Overheating Problems
If the fan is broken, have the PS4 repaired by a professional. Otherwise, follow these steps.
First, unplug the system and vacuum dust from the sides and back of the system. Also, wipe all the dust off of the surface where you set the PS4 while it’s in use. In fact, dust this surface every time before you turn it on.
Next, make sure your system has room to “breathe.” Make sure the system has at least a few inches of space on all sides.
Don’t keep your system buried beneath or sandwiched between other appliances while in use. Do not operate your system while it’s enclosed in a cabinet with the doors shut.
3. Don’t Connect to Multiple Devices at Once
Your PS4 can connect to several TVs or other devices at the same time. But doing so might confuse or overheat your system and cause it to shut off randomly. Try connecting to one device at a time from now on and see if that helps.
4. A Wifi Problem
Some users have reported that their PS4 shuts off randomly, but only when it’s connected to wifi. Updating the software might fix this glitch. Otherwise, try connecting your PS4 to the internet with a cable instead of wirelessly.
5. Update the Software
The problem could simply be a software glitch. So, try updating it through the PS4 menu.
Go to Settings > System Software Update > Update Now. If you’re notified that the update was successful, then the problem is hopefully fixed.
In the event that the update isn’t successful, try updating it manually. Get an empty USB, plug it into your computer, and format it for the FAT or exFAT file system.
Next, create a folder titled PS4 and another folder inside the PS4 folder called UPDATE. Then, download the current update file from the official PlayStation website (into the UPDATE folder you created).
Now, turn off the PS4 and insert the flash drive into the USB port. Boot up the system in safe mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds. Finally, click Update System Software in the Safe Mode menu.
6. Check the Hardware
If you’re comfortable doing so, remove the console’s outer covering and inspect the hardware inside. Look for loose components, wires, or solder. If you’re extra daring, you can attempt to resolder the loose parts.
We warn you though, please don’t do this. Such repairs should only be handled by experts. A mistake can brick your system in a way that no one could fix.
7. Hire a Professional
If none of the steps above helped or it seems that you have a hardware problem, call a professional to get it fixed. That’s what we’re here for.
Remember This Guide if Your PS4 Randomly Shuts Off
Hopefully, the steps in this guide have solved the reason why your PS4 randomly shuts off. If not, though, we’re here for you.
We repair game consoles, smartphones, iPads and tablets, and most other devices. Use the links in the menu bar to call us or to find a location near you.
