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5 Common PlayStation 4 Issues to beware and their fixes

There are 3 different PS4 models namely The standard PS4, the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro. Sony just calls the “Slim” model a PS4, which makes it more difficult tell the difference between the original one. If you’re having trouble finding out which PS4 console you have, look at the edges of your console, it has sharp edges while the updated Slim model has rounded edges. Make sure to figure out your model before starting.

Issue: Damaged DualShock 4 analog sticks

We like a lot of things about the DualShock 4 as a PS4 controller but the soft rubber padding on its analog sticks can tear quite easily when playing a game that requires quick movements, like Fifa 22 or NBA22K. But just because the rubber tears, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the controller!

Potential solution
1. Analog stick covers are available in stores like Ultimate Tech and on Amazon, pop right over your analog stick which provides an even more comfortable gaming experience while also protecting the stick itself. The analog stick covers are slightly textured hence your fingers don’t slip despite their flat design, and four are included in every package.

2. You need to clean your controllers, Dust work their way around the buttons and into the controller as you play hence if you’ve gone a few months or years without a cleaning, your DualShock 4 Controller is due for one.

Issue: Running out of storage space

The PlayStation 4 systems nowadays including the slim model and the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro have increased internal storage of up to 1TB. This is plenty of space for several games you’ll wanna play, so you can easily jump between a few of your favorites without having to delete anything. For those with a 500GB internal drive, however, you will find yourself running out of space with regularity, particularly as game updates make your file sizes even larger than they were at launch.

Potential solution
1. Connect a USB external hard drive to your console: The PS4 works with any USB 3.0-compatible hard drive. Simply plug it into one of the PS4’s USB ports, and select the Format as Extended Storage option.
2. Swap out your PlayStation 4 internal storage, Any 2.5-inch drive with storage between 160GB and 8TB will work with your system, and you can swap it without voiding the warranty on your PlayStation 4. You can also upload all your saved files to the cloud through PlayStation Plus or to a flash drive, so you can easily retrieve them once you’re done. Check out our full guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Issue: Loud fan noise

The fans inside a properly functioning PS4 are pinned with these late generation titles, but if you’re experiencing excessive fan noise with less demanding ones, there’s a problem somewhere. If you’re not getting a red blinking light, your PS4, thankfully, isn’t overheating. That doesn’t mean the fans are running optimally, though.

Possible solutions
1.
Clean with compressed air: Fully power off your PS4 by holding the Power button for at least seven seconds, then unplug the HDMI and AC power cables. Inspect around the vents for any dust buildup. Using a can of compressed air, clean the vents, making sure to point the air stream away from the console. This is a little tricky, but you don’t want to blow dust deeper into the system. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can also open your PS4 and clean the dust out inside. Note, though, that this is an advanced process and will void your warranty, so we don’t recommend it for hardware novices.
2. Elevate your console: With the dust out of the way, move your console so it’s as high above the floor as possible. To keep your system dust-free, you want a hard, flat surface — read “not carpet” — and plenty of distance from the floor. If you have pets, the problem is usually worse, so keep your console well out of the range of animals.
Give it space: Like the blinking red light, excessive fan noise usually comes from too much dust and improper ventilation. Clean some space around your PS4 so the fan doesn’t need to work overtime to suck in air.

Issue: Blinking red indicator light

Reports of the “Red Line of Death” aren’t as widespread as the aforementioned blinking blue light, but it is almost as serious. On consoles suffering from the “Red Line of Death,” the LED indicator light adorning the side of the console will flash red repeatedly, subsequently powering off after the system emits three distinct beeps. The issue is tied to overheating problems as outlined in the PS4 user guide and confirmed by Sony, possibly a result of a fan malfunction. Some users have reported the issue within minutes of powering up the console for the first time, however. Thankfully, it’s not the sign of a completely bricked unit.

Potential solutions
If the problem persists and is not alleviated by either of the potential solutions below, contact PlayStation customer support or take your console directly to an official Sony retail store to arrange a repair/replacement.

1. Give it a rest: Touch the power button on the front of your PS4 for at least seven seconds, or until the system beeps and powers off. Then, disconnect the power supply and allow the console to rest for an extended period of time, or until it sufficiently cools down, before powering it up again.
2. Give it ample space: Place your PS4 in a well-ventilated area to ensure it has enough breathing room, avoiding carpet and similar services whenever possible. Additionally, some users have reported that placing the console vertically helps decrease overheating (though it shouldn’t, considering the position blocks access to either side vent).

Issue: Blinking blue indicator light

The “Blue Line of Death” remains the most crippling of all problems on the PS4. Taking a cue from the Xbox 360’s “Red Ring of Death,” the pulsing blue line indicates a technical problem that could mean your console is no longer functional. Unlike the red ring, the “Blue Line of Death” doesn’t automatically mean your PS4 is dead, but it does the same job as the ring: Letting you know that there’s a really big problem that a factory reset of the PS4 might not solve.

When booting up the PS4, the LED indicator light adorning the side of the console should quickly pulse blue before turning white. On consoles suffering from the “Blue Line of Death,” however, the blue light pulses continuously, indicating failed video output before inexplicably powering off. In this case, the console never sends a signal to the TV, essentially bricking the device and preventing normal operation.

Potential solutions
As Sony outlined in the aforementioned troubleshooting guide, the blinking blue light could be indicative of several hardware or software issues. That said, there are several potential solutions you can try. If you do manage to isolate an issue with the PS4 hardware, contact PlayStation customer support, or take your console directly to an official Sony retail store, as they can sometimes provide on-site repairs or replacements. If there isn’t a store available in your area, you’ll likely need to ship your console to Sony. At this point, your console may not be under manufacturer warranty: If that’s the case, keep in mind that you may have to pay a repair fee.

1. Update your TV’s firmware: A handful of users have noted that updating television firmware has resolved the lack of audio-video signal. If you have a newer television, particularly one with internet connectivity, refer to the television’s instruction manual and update its firmware. Doing so may alter HDMI settings and fix device compatibility.
Check the HDMI ports: Take a look at the HDMI port on both your TV and your PS4, along with your HDMI cable, for any blaring abnormalities or damages. If possible, try testing alternative HDMI cables.
2. Check the power supply: Touch the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least seven seconds, or until the system beeps twice and powers off. Afterward, disconnect the AC power cord from the electrical outlet and check the AC IN connector and power cord for any conspicuous damage or anomalies.
3. Check the hard drive: Make sure your PS4 is turned off, then disconnect the AC power cord and any other connected cables before sliding the HDD bay cover outward. Once removed, inspect the hard drive for any potential damage and ensure it is properly seated in the HDD bay.
4. Controller reset: Make sure everything is connected properly. Press and hold the PS button on your controller until the system light turns orange. Then, press and hold the PS button again until the light turns white. We have tested this method, and it can get your PS4 to boot properly.

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