How to Fix a PS4 That Keeps Turning off by Itself

Experiencing sudden shutdowns on your PS4 during gameplay? It’s incredibly frustrating when your console decides to turn off without warning. Whether it happens sporadically every few weeks or as frequently as every few hours, it’s an issue that can ruin your gaming fun. 😡

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this! This guide will explore the common reasons behind your PS4’s unexpected power-offs and provide you with effective solutions to keep your gaming sessions uninterrupted. Stay tuned to get your PS4 back in the game without those annoying crashes!

Why Your PS4 Randomly Turns Off

Ever wondered what triggers your PS4 to shut down unexpectedly? Identifying the root causes is crucial for a smooth fix. Here’s what our investigation into numerous user reports reveals about this annoying issue:

• Power Connection Issues: Often, a faulty power connection is to blame. Problems with your power cable or supply can lead to sudden shutdowns.
• Faulty Hard Drive: The hard drive houses critical files, including system and game files. If it becomes faulty, these files can corrupt, causing your PS4 to turn off randomly.
• Corrupt System Software: Keeping your system software up to date is vital. Outdated or corrupt software can lead to several problems, including the dreaded Blue Light of Death and various error codes like SU-41350-3 and CE-34788-0.
• Overheating: An overheating PS4 will automatically shut down to protect its internal components. If your console feels hotter than usual or shuts down frequently, overheating might be the culprit.
• APU Issues: The APU combines your CPU and GPU. If the APU is poorly soldered or fails, it can cause your PS4 to shut off without warning.

With these potential causes in mind, let’s explore how to fix this frustrating issue in the next section of our guide.

Solution 1. Troubleshoot the Power Issues

If your PS4 randomly turns off, the first thing to check is the power supply. Here’s how you can ensure that power issues aren’t to blame:

• Check Your Power Setup: Ensure that your PS4 is not sharing an outlet with multiple appliances. A crowded outlet can lead to inadequate power supply. For best results, plug your PS4 into an outlet by itself.
• Guard Against Power Surges: Occasional power surges can also cause your console to turn off unexpectedly. Try plugging your PS4 into a different outlet to see if the problem persists.

Steps to Check Power Connections:

• Shut Down Your PS4: Hold the power button for about 7 seconds until the console turns off completely.
• Disconnect the Power Cable: Remove the power cable from the outlet and wait a few seconds before you proceed.
• Inspect the Power Port and Cable: Check the power port for any clogging. Use a different power cable to see if the original one is damaged.
• Reconnect and Restart: Reconnect the power cable and turn your PS4 back on to test if the issue has been resolved.

Following these steps should help you determine if power supply issues are causing your PS4 to shut down. Stay tuned for more solutions if the problem continues!

Solution 2: Simplify Your Connections

Multiple connectors allow you to link several devices to your PS4 simultaneously. While convenient, this setup can sometimes cause interference that leads to your PS4 shutting down unexpectedly. To fix this:

• Direct Connection: Remove any unnecessary connectors and link your PS4 directly to the power source using a single cable.
• Simplify Device Connections: Disconnect any peripherals that aren’t essential, such as secondary screens or USB devices connected to the front ports. This can help prevent random shutdowns.

Solution 3: Keep Your Console Cool

Overheating is a common culprit behind your PS4 turning off by itself. Here are some tips to keep your console cool and functional:

• Optimize Ventilation: Ensure your PS4 is in a well-ventilated area to allow for proper airflow.
• Limit Play Time: Avoid using your PS4 for extended periods without breaks to prevent overheating.
• Use Cooling Aids: Employ an air conditioner or a standing fan near your console to help maintain a cooler operating temperature.

Implementing these strategies can help you avoid overheating issues and keep your PS4 running smoothly during those intense gaming sessions.

Solution 4: Address APU Issues

Sometimes, the PS4’s APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) may not be properly soldered to the motherboard, which can cause your console to malfunction and shut off randomly. If you suspect an APU problem:

• Seek a Replacement: Contact Sony for a replacement APU unit. Keep in mind that since each PS4 is equipped with a unique APU, finding a replacement might be challenging.
• Enhance Cooling: To prevent future APU issues, enhance your console’s cooling with additional fans and allow it to sleep after prolonged usage to reduce overheating risks.

Solution 5: Opt for a Wired Internet Connection

Wi-Fi connectivity might also be a factor in your PS4’s unexpected shutdowns, especially if there’s a short circuit within the Wi-Fi module. Switching to a wired connection can help stabilize your console:

• Use a LAN Cable: If direct cable internet isn’t available, connect a LAN cable from your router to the PS4 to ensure a steady connection.
• Monitor Stability: After setting up the wired connection, monitor your PS4 for stability. This can often resolve issues related to Wi-Fi short circuits.

If these solutions don’t resolve the problem, the next steps involve checking for a faulty hard drive or corrupt system software, which are covered in the subsequent sections of our guide.

Solution 6. Check Your Hard Drive

Suspecting issues with your PS4’s hard drive? Ensuring it’s properly installed and free from errors is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to check your hard drive effectively:

Steps to Inspect the Hard Drive Placement

• Power Down: Completely turn off your PS4 by pressing the power button.
• Remove Connections and Cover: Disconnect all cables and remove the hard disk cover to access the hard drive.
• Examine and Secure: Check the hard drive for any visible issues, ensure it is correctly placed, and securely screw it back in place.

Steps to Check for Hard Drive Errors

To ensure your hard drive is in good health, follow these steps to check for bad sectors:

• Use MiniTool Partition Wizard: Connect the hard drive to a computer and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard for a detailed surface test.
• Perform a Surface Test: Select your hard drive and initiate a Surface Test from the options. This will help identify any bad sectors.
• Start the Test: Click on ‘Start Now’ to begin scanning your hard drive for issues.
• Analyze Results: After the scan, any bad sectors will be highlighted in red. If bad sectors are found, use the command chkdsk /f /r to repair them, or consider replacing the hard drive if the damage is extensive.

Important Reminder: Always back up your important data as soon as possible, especially if you suspect your hard drive might be failing, to avoid losing your valuable files.

Solution 7. Update the PS4 System Software in Safe Mode

If your PS4 randomly shuts off, updating the system software in Safe Mode might be the solution. Outdated or corrupt system software can cause a variety of issues, and this method helps ensure a clean update. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Preparing the Update

• Prepare USB Drive: Format a USB flash drive to FAT or exFAT and ensure it has at least 400MB of free space.
• Create Folders: On the USB drive, create a folder named PS4. Inside that folder, create another folder named UPDATE.
• Download Update File: Download the latest PS4 System Software Update here and save it as PS4UPDATE.PUP inside the UPDATE folder. Ensure there are no previous versions of the file on the drive to avoid the error SU-41350-3.

Installing the Update

• Power Off and Connect: Turn off your PS4 completely and connect the USB drive to the console using a USB cable.
• Enter Safe Mode: Press and hold the Power button for 7 seconds until you hear a second beep indicating the PS4 is entering Safe Mode.
• Update Software: Select Update System Software from the Safe Mode menu and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

After the update, restart your console and check if the issue with your PS4 randomly turning off is resolved. This method often fixes the underlying software issues causing instability.

Bottom Line

Dealing with a PS4 that randomly shuts off can be frustrating, especially during an intense gaming session. Fortunately, the solutions provided here—from checking power connections and simplifying device connections to updating system software in Safe Mode—cover the most common issues that could be causing your console to turn off unexpectedly.

To ensure your PS4 operates reliably, regularly check your console for power supply issues, maintain it in a cool environment, and keep the system software up to date. Remember, if the basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consult with a professional or contact Sony support for further assistance.

By taking proactive steps to maintain and care for your PS4, you can enhance your gaming experience and minimize disruptions.

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.