How to Fix a PS4 That Keeps Turning Off by Itself?

Stuart Williams
By Stuart Williams 13 Min Read
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Is your PS4 shutting down unexpectedly during gameplay? This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session.

Whether it’s happening every few weeks or as often as every few hours, unexpected shutdowns can really put a damper on your gaming experience.

But don’t worry – you’re not alone in this, and there are solutions. In this guide, you’ll learn about the common reasons why your PS4 might be turning off by itself.

More importantly, you’ll discover effective ways to fix this issue and get back to enjoying uninterrupted gaming.

If you’ve been wondering why your PS4 keeps powering down and how to stop it, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and get your console back in working order so you can focus on what really matters – your game!

Why Your PS4 Randomly Turns Off

Understanding why your PS4 shuts down randomly is the first step to fixing the problem. Here are the most common reasons behind this frustrating issue:

1. Power Connection Problems Can Cause Shutdowns. Often, the culprit is as simple as a faulty power connection. If your power cable is damaged or your power supply is unreliable, your PS4 might turn off without warning.

2. A Faulty Hard Drive Can Lead to System Failures. Your PS4’s hard drive stores all your important files, including system and game data. When it starts to fail, these files can become corrupt, causing your console to shut down unexpectedly.

3. Outdated or Corrupt System Software Creates Issues. Keeping your PS4’s system software up to date is crucial. If you’re running old or corrupted software, you might experience various problems, including sudden shutdowns and error codes like SU-41350-3 and CE-34788-0.

4. Overheating Can Trigger Automatic Shutdowns. Your PS4 is designed to protect itself from damage. If it gets too hot, it will automatically turn off. If your console feels unusually warm or shuts down frequently, overheating could be the issue.

5. APU Problems Can Cause Unexpected Power-Offs. The APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is the heart of your PS4, combining the CPU and GPU. If it’s not properly soldered or starts to fail, your console might turn off without any warning.

Now that you know what might be causing your PS4 to shut down, let’s look at how you can fix these issues and get back to gaming without interruptions.

How to Fix a PS4 That Keeps Turning Off by Itself

If your PS4 has been shutting down unexpectedly, you’re probably feeling pretty frustrated. But don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there are several solutions you can try. Let’s walk through some effective ways to get your console back up and running smoothly.

#1 Check Your Power Setup

The first thing you should look at is your power supply. Power issues are often the culprit behind random shutdowns.

  1. Examine your outlet: Is your PS4 sharing an outlet with too many other devices? This can lead to an inadequate power supply. For the best results, try plugging your PS4 into its own outlet.
  2. Guard against power surges: Occasional power surges can cause your console to turn off unexpectedly. Try plugging your PS4 into a different outlet or using a surge protector to see if that helps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to check your power connections:

  1. Turn off your PS4 completely by holding the power button for about 7 seconds.
  2. Unplug the power cable from both the console and the wall outlet.
  3. Wait for about 30 seconds. This allows any residual power to dissipate.
  4. Inspect the power port on your PS4 for any debris or damage.
  5. Check the power cable for any visible wear or damage.
  6. If possible, try a different power cable to rule out cable issues.
  7. Reconnect everything securely.
  8. Turn on your PS4 and see if the problem is resolved.

#2 Simplify Your Connections

Sometimes, having too many devices connected to your PS4 can cause interference and lead to unexpected shutdowns. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Remove any unnecessary connectors or adapters between your PS4 and the power source.
  2. Connect your PS4 directly to the power outlet using a single, high-quality cable.
  3. Unplug any extras like secondary screens, USB devices, or other peripherals that aren’t essential for basic operation.
  4. Test your PS4 with this simplified setup to see if the shutdowns stop.

#3 Keep Your Console Cool

Overheating is a common cause of unexpected shutdowns. Your PS4 has built-in protection that turns it off if it gets too hot. Here’s how to prevent overheating:

  1. Place your PS4 in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed spaces or cabinets.
  2. Ensure there’s at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides of your console for proper airflow.
  3. Clean the vents regularly using compressed air to remove dust buildup.
  4. Take breaks during long gaming sessions to let your console cool down.
  5. Consider using an external fan or cooling stand designed for the PS4.
  6. If your room is warm, use an air conditioner or fan to keep the ambient temperature down.

#4 Address APU Issues

The APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is a critical component in your PS4. If it’s not properly soldered or is failing, it can cause random shutdowns. While this is a more advanced issue, here’s what you can do:

  1. If you suspect an APU problem, contact Sony support for guidance.
  2. They may recommend sending your console in for repair or replacement.
  3. To prevent future APU issues, improve your console’s cooling with extra fans.
  4. Allow your PS4 to enter rest mode after long gaming sessions to cool down.

#5 Use a Wired Internet Connection

Believe it or not, Wi-Fi connectivity issues can sometimes lead to unexpected shutdowns, especially if there’s a problem with the Wi-Fi module. Switching to a wired connection can help:

  1. Obtain an Ethernet cable long enough to reach from your router to your PS4.
  2. Connect one end of the cable to your router and the other to the LAN port on your PS4.
  3. In your PS4’s network settings, switch to a wired connection.
  4. Test your PS4 for a while to see if the stability improves.

#6 Check Your Hard Drive

A faulty hard drive can cause all sorts of issues, including random shutdowns. Here’s how to check if your hard drive is the problem:

  1. Turn off your PS4 and unplug all cables.
  2. Remove the hard drive cover (the glossy part of the PS4’s top).
  3. Inspect the hard drive to ensure it’s properly seated and securely screwed in place.
  4. If you’re comfortable doing so, remove the hard drive and connect it to a computer.
  5. Use a tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard to perform a surface test on the drive.
  6. If bad sectors are found, you can try to repair them using the command chkdsk /f /r in Windows.
  7. If the drive has extensive damage, consider replacing it with a new one.

Remember, it’s crucial to back up your important data regularly, especially if you suspect hard drive issues!

#7 Update System Software in Safe Mode

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted system software can cause your PS4 to shut down unexpectedly. Updating in Safe Mode can often resolve these issues:

  1. Format a USB flash drive to FAT32 or exFAT, ensuring it has at least 400MB of free space.
  2. On the USB drive, create a folder named “PS4”. Inside that, create another folder named “UPDATE”.
  3. Visit the PlayStation website and download the latest PS4 System Software Update.
  4. Save the update file as “PS4UPDATE.PUP” in the UPDATE folder on your USB drive.
  5. Connect the USB drive to your PS4 and enter Safe Mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds until you hear two beeps.
  6. In Safe Mode, select “Update System Software” and follow the on-screen instructions.

After trying these solutions, your PS4 should hopefully be running without unexpected shutdowns. If you’re still experiencing issues, it might be time to contact Sony support for further assistance. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting or arrange for repairs if necessary.

In Conclusion To

Dealing with a PS4 that randomly shuts off can really put a damper on your gaming experience. But don’t let it get you down! The solutions we’ve covered here tackle the most common causes of unexpected shutdowns.

From checking your power setup to updating your system software, you now have a toolkit to get your PS4 back in the game.

Remember, regular maintenance is key. Keep your PS4 cool, clean, and up-to-date to prevent future issues. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sony support. They’re there to help!

We hope this guide has been useful in getting your PS4 running smoothly again. Happy gaming, and may your future sessions be interruption-free!

What do you think? We’d love to hear about your experiences with PS4 shutdowns and any solutions that worked for you. Drop a comment below and let us know!

FAQ

Why does my PS4 randomly turn off during gameplay?

Your PS4 may turn off randomly due to issues like power supply problems, overheating, faulty hard drive, or corrupt system software. Checking these aspects can help identify and resolve the issue.

How can I check if power issues are causing my PS4 to shut down?

Ensure your PS4 is connected to a dedicated power outlet without sharing with multiple devices. Also, check for any damage or wear in the power cables and ports.

What should I do if my PS4 is overheating?

Keep your PS4 in a well-ventilated area, limit continuous usage, and consider using external cooling devices like fans or air conditioners to help manage the temperature.

Can a faulty APU cause my PS4 to turn off?

Yes, if the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) on your PS4 is not properly soldered or is malfunctioning, it can cause your console to shut off unexpectedly. This may require professional repair or replacement by Sony.

How can I update my PS4 system software in Safe Mode?

To update in Safe Mode, prepare a USB drive formatted to FAT or exFAT, download the latest PS4 update file to it, and boot your PS4 into Safe Mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds. Then, use the “Update System Software” option to install the update.

What should I do if updating the system software does not fix the random shutdown issue?

If updating the software doesn’t resolve the problem, consider checking the hard drive for errors or potential replacement, and ensure all internal connections, like the APU, are secure and not damaged. If problems persist, contacting Sony support for further assistance is recommended.

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Hey, I'm Stuart, a tech enthusiast and writing expert. With a passion for technology, I specialize in crafting in-depth articles, reviews, and affiliate content. In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, I've witnessed how the age of the internet has transformed technology journalism. Even in the era of social media and video marketing, reading articles remains crucial for gaining valuable insights and staying informed. Join me as we explore the exciting realm of tech together!
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