How to Fix Freezing on PlayStation 4

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

There can be many causes for your PlayStation 4 freezing. Power delivery, heat, or a few software problems can cause this problem. It's also possible the system seems to be freezing, but may have just lost contact with the controller.

This guide will walk you through checking the basics, as well as performing some basic maintenance to get you back up and gaming soon.

2. Charge Controller

1. Using the USB cable included, plug one end into your PlayStation 4, and the other end into the top of your controller.
   

1. The light on the top of the controller will turn amber, and slowly turn on and off.
   
   

1. When the light turns off and stays off, the controller is fully charged.

It is recommended to re-charge the controller using the included cable and the USB ports at the front of your PlayStation 4, rather than a separate charger.

3. Heat Check

Overheating is the most common cause of a PlayStation 4 shutting down randomly.

• The entire back of your PlayStation 4 has vent holes to release hot air. The sides of your PlayStation 4 are also ventilated.
  

• Make sure your PlayStation 4 isn't in an enclosed area, such as a small shelf in a home entertainment center. It requires room around it to release the heat it generates when turned on.
• Make sure your system does not have its air vents covered by decorations or soft furnishings.
• Check for dust as it will impede airflow and have a negative impact on cooling.

After making sure your PlayStation 4 isn't overheating, it's often a good idea to allow it 30 minutes to cool down before starting it back up again.

4. Check Power

The AC IN connector shape on the power cable varies depending on your PlayStation 4 model.

1. Make sure the AC adapter is plugged into the back of your PlayStation 4.
2. Make sure the AC adapter is plugged into the wall outlet.
3. Power on the PlayStation 4 by pressing and releasing the power switch located on the front side of the device. You will hear it beep briefly when pressing it.

5. Power Management Check

Power management devices, such as power strips, surge protectors, and power conditioners, wear out over time. This is by design; they take surges so your expensive home theater, video game, and sound system equipment does not.

As power management devices near or exceed their end-of-life usefulness, they can start to have problems providing the right voltages or enough amps to your home theater equipment, such as your Television.

The easiest way to test this is to simply plug your device into the wall, rather than into your power management device. If your device works when plugged into the wall, you will know your power management device has failed and it is time to replace it.

6. Manual Update

The console must have an Internet connection (wired or wireless) before proceeding.

1. From the function screen, select Settings.
   

1. Select System Software Update.
   

1. The system will now check for an update over the internet.
2. If no update is available, you will get the message "The latest version of the system software is already installed."
3. If an update is found, you may be prompted to press Next and/or Update to begin download.
4. You may now back out of this screen and use your PlayStation.
5. When the download is complete, a notification message is displayed in the upper left corner of the function screen.
6. Select Notifications.
   

1. Select Downloads.
   

1. 
   
2. Once downloaded, select the System Software update to perform the installation.
3. Follow any on screen prompts.
4. The system may reboot to complete the install.

7. Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows you to start the system with the most basic functions only. The Safe Mode menu options may help you correct issues and allow your PlayStation 4 to start normally.

1. Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.
2. Turn off the PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
3. Once the PlayStation 4 is off, press and hold the power button on the console.
4. Release the power button only after you've heard two beeps: one when you first press, and another seven seconds later.
   

1. If successful, the system will boot to Safe Mode. Try again if you didn't get it the first time.
   

8. Rebuild Database

Rebuild Database will scans the drive and create a new database of all content.

1. Once you get to Safe Mode, go to Rebuild Database and press X. None of your installed games or features will be affected.
   

1. 
   
2. “The database will be rebuilt, it might take a few hours to rebuild the database” will be displayed.
3. Select OK.
4. The screen will go blank whilst the database is being rebuilt and this could take a few hours depending on the amount of saved content.
   

1. 
   
2. When the rebuild has finished the console will return to the sign in screen.
3. The rebuild is now complete.

9. Initialization Check

Our next step, normally, to solve this problem involves re-initializing your PlayStation 4. This means removing all downloaded games, and removing all user accounts.

You would need to sign back in, and re-download any games and patches you've downloaded in the past.

10. Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows you to start the system with the most basic functions only. The Safe Mode menu options may help you correct issues and allow your PlayStation 4 to start normally.

1. Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.
2. Turn off the PlayStation 4. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
3. Once the PlayStation 4 is off, press and hold the power button on the console.
4. Release the power button only after you've heard two beeps: one when you first press, and another seven seconds later.
   

1. If successful, the system will boot to Safe Mode. Try again if you didn't get it the first time.
   

11. Initialize

Initializing your PlayStation 4 restores it to it's default settings and deletes the saved data on your console and all users from the system.

1. Since you are already in Safe Mode, scroll down and select Initialize PS4.
   

1. Follow the on-screen instructions.

12. What's next?

13. What's next?