How To Fix A Loose Analog Stick Xbox One

This guide will explain common PS4 problems and fixes for these issues that will help you get back to playing your PlayStation 4 or PS4 Pro faster without the need to call Sony or look for a replacement.

We've seen a number of new PS4 problems throughout the year, and PSN problems are appearing with more frequency. With many PS4 software updates adding new features and options, there are also some issues you might run into that weren't there before the fix.

You can use this list of common PlayStation 4 problems and fixes to get back to gaming faster. It is still a good idea to alert Sony to any potential PS4 bugs and issues, and you can use the comments section to share your fixes with other users.

Read: PS4 Tips and Tricks

PS4 problems include disc errors, the PS4 turning off without warning and problems connecting to PSN to play games with friends or to download games. Sometimes the PS4 connection problems are due to hacker groups taking the PSN network offline during the holidays and other times you need to take action to fix your home network. Click on this table of contents to jump directly

Fix PS4 Turning Off
Fix PS4 WiFi Problems
Fix PS4 Disc Problems
How to Fix PS4 Eject Problems
Fix PS4 Audio and Video Problems
PSN Problems & Fixes
Fix PS4 Controller Problems
How to Fix PS4 Freezing
PS4 Black Screen Flickers
PS4 HDR & PS4 Pro 4K Problems
Fix Stubborn PS4 Problems

Here are common PS4 problems and how to fix them on your own so you can get back to playing faster.

How to Fix PS4 Turning Off

The most common PS4 problem we see is that the PS4 turns off randomly while gamers are using the console. This may also appear alongside the console not turning on when the owner pushes the power button.

A common PS4 problem is the console randomly turning off.

If this PS4 problem is taking place users will see a blinking blue light or blinking red light on the console instead of a white light. This issue first appeared in November 2013, and Sony soon offered a collection of fixes for this PS4 problem, including an option to get a replacement if none of them work. From what we can tell this issue is mostly past, but if you have this problem you should.

Check the HDMI cable
Check the hard drive
Make sure the PS4 is ventilated

Sony offers a troubleshooting guide for this problem. If all else fails, contact Sony for a replacement PS4.

How to Fix PS4 WiFi Problems

If you are experiencing PS4 WiFi problems you should unplug your router, wait a minute and then plug it back in. Then on your PS4 delete the WiFi connection and then reconnect to your WiFi network. This may solve simple problems. You should check your router location and if possible move it to a higher location that is not obstructed.

Users who see the NW-31297-2 PS4 error code after installing the PS4 4.5 update can try to reconnect to WiFi by entering their password again, but for many users, this will not fix it. There are a lot of complaints on the PlayStation Forums from users who cannot fix this PS4 WiFi problem. With the PS4 5.0 update and higher this shouldn't be an issue any more.

You may still run into PS4 WiFi problems due to where your console is located and interference in your house. Ultimately I ran an ethernet cable to my PS4 through the walls so i could play games without lag.

Ultimately you may need to buy a WiFi Extender with an ethernet port, a power over ethernet adapter or run Ethernet cable to your PS4 to play online reliably until Sony fixes this.

How to Fix PS4 Disc Reading Problems

This shouldn't be as much of an issue now that Sony delivered an update, but if you put a disc in and the PS4 won't read it you can still follow the same advice.

Make sure the disc is ejected (if it will eject) and then turn the PS4 completely off. You need to make sure that it is not simply sleeping. After you turn it off wait one minute and turn it back on. If this doesn't solve the problem you can shut it down and unplug it for a minute.

If both of those solutions fail you will need to contact Sony for a repair.

How to Fix PS4 Eject Problems

If you have no disc inserted but the PS4 constantly tried to eject a disc, there is a simple fix. We ran into this problem while trying to play Assassin's Creed, and we are not alone. Here's how to fix a PS4 that keeps trying to eject a game.

Unplug all the wires from your PS4. This includes HDMI, Ethernet, audio and power.
Now, count to 10 and then press the power button until the PS4 lights up for just a half a second.
Yes, this works with the power cord unplugged.
After this happens, count to 5 and plug the PS4 back in and get back to gaming.

It seems like an odd thing to do, but this fixed the issue in under a minute when other sources told us the PS4 would need to be repaired.

How to Fix PS4 Audio & Video Problems

Another common PS4 problem relates to audio and video. The report outlines complaints of PS4 audio missing, video missing or both missing. The PS4 connects with an HDMI cable that carries audio and video and an optical cable that carries audio only. If users are not seeing or hearing the PS4, it is likely that a connection is set up wrong.

Check your cables and the HDMI port to fix this PS4 problem.

If you are experiencing this PS4 problem, here are the steps you should take.

Make Sure the HDMI cable is flush and not held out 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 to the Settings -> Sound and Screen -> manually set the video output to the TV you want to use. Turn the console off and move it back to the other HDTV and start playing.

If there is a small piece of metal preventing the HDMI cable from plugging in all the way, bend it down slightly for a tighter fit or contact Sony to discuss an exchange.

How to Fix PSN Problems and Fixes

If you have trouble connecting to PSN to play games, buy games and connect with friends you may need to perform some maintenance to your home network.

We recommend using a wired connection if possible, but if that is not feasible, 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 that the PS4 gets priority over other items like Netflix. Search your router model number and QoS or DMZ for more info, or look up your router model and PS4 settings for tips from users with your same setup.

Also, be sure to check out the fixes for common PSN problems that can also help you play games offline and get around other issues.

How to Fix PS4 Controller Problems (Dual Shock 4)

If you have Dualshock 4 problems, you can often fix them buy charging the controller or pairing it to the PS4 again.

The simplest way to fix a variety of issues, including no vibration, is to reset the controller. Use a paper clip or similar item to push the recessed button on the back of the PS4 controller near the L2 trigger. Hold the button in for a few seconds to reset it. When done, plug the PS4 controller back in with the USB cable and pair it to the console again.

How to fix common PS4 controller problems.

If you have DualShock 4 analog stick problems with the rubber part wearing off you can contact Sony for a replacement. Users report that Sony takes about a month to replace with a new controller and you need to pay to ship to Sony.

How to Fix PS4 Freezing

Some users report the PS4 freezes while playing games. This can lead to lost progress and plenty of frustration for gamers. This is a common problem but does not appear to be widespread. There are two main things users should do if this happens.

The first thing to do is look for any PS4 updates. Sony periodically releases new software for the PS4 that fixes bugs and performance issues. This could fix PS4 freezing for many users that may have skipped an update.

If the PS4 freezes after playing it for extended periods make sure it is not overheating. If it is in an enclosed entertainment center or it is not on a smooth surface it may be overheating. If this is the case moving the PS4 to a more open area could prevent freezing during long gameplay sessions.

If you still have PS4 problems, contacting support is the best option.

If you still have PS4 problems contacting support is the best option, but hopefully these solutions save you time.

For users who cannot fix these or other PS4 Problems, Sony Support is the next stop. The PS4 is only months old, so any issues not caused by abuse or accidents should be covered under the included warranty. Users can talk to support on chat or by phone with an average wait of 15 minutes on the phone or no wait on chat at this time.

How to Fix PS4 Black Screen Flickers

While playing on our PS4, we constantly get black screen flickers. This happened after we switched TVs last year and after a lot of searching, we are finding a fix for some users. Warning, this will not fix the PS4 black screen flicker for everyone, but it's an important first step.

Replace the HDMI cable that you use to connect to your HDTV, and if possible try a different HDMI connection.

We've also heard a lot of success from people who set the PS4 video output to 720P, but that is not optimal. A new HDMi cable did not fix our problem, but it may help you.

How to Fix PS4 HDR & PS4 Pro 4K Problems

The PS4 supports HDR gaming and the PS4 Pro supports 4K and HDR in games, but you can easily run into problems trying to set this up. First off, you need a 4K TV and one that supports HDR to get these benefits. Not all 4K TVs support HDR, so you'll want to look up your TV model before you do much troubleshooting.

The next thing to do is make sure you are plugged into the right HDMI port. Most TVs have a single Best HDMI port that offers the best speeds for 4K and HDR. Plug into that port to make sure you get 4K HDR. if you use a soundbar or receiver, make sure if supports 4K passthrough, or you will lose out on the benefits. If you can't get 4K or HDR, plug directly into the TV once and see if you get 4K HDR content. You may need to get a new soundbar or plug into your TV first 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 will want to make sure you have HDR turned on in your PS4 settings. Go to Settings, Sound and Screen, Video Output settings, Set HDR and Deep Color to Automatic. Here's more on HDR setup. You can use this guide from Sony to make sure you turn on 4K for the PS4 Pro.

How to Fix Stubborn PS4 Problems

If you have a PS4 problem that you cannot fix using the steps above, you can try the following options.

Turn your PS4 completely off for a minute, unplug it and then restart it.

If that doesn't fix it, you can try to update your PS4 software. This may include fixes for your problem.

Try booting your PS4 into safe mode to troubleshoot. Turn the PS4 off completely. Hold the power button for about eight seconds until the PS4 beeps twice. Connect a controller with the Micro USB cable and then press the PlayStation button on the controller.

In Safe mode, you can try changing the resolution, installing an update, restore to default settings without erasing your data and rebuilding the database. A DB rebuild can solve some problems.

A final option to try is to factory reset your PS4. You can do this in safe mode or in the normal mode in Settings -> Initialization – Restore Default Settings. This will wipe all data and you cannot undo this.