The PS4 is a magnificent beast. Whether you’ve opted for the new slimline model, the monstrously powerful PS4 Pro or you’re sticking with the OG PS4 released way back in 2013, there’s no denying that it’s a sleek, powerful console with a seriously great library. Most people’s PS4s will merrily carry on functioning three, four, five years into their lifespan with absolutely no problems. The failure rate for the PS4 is a remarkable one per cent, which means that only one per cent of consoles will break down and stop working over their lifetimes.
That said, the vast majority of PS4 consoles will at some point experience an error. This might be a software error – you might see something like “An error has occurred in the following application” followed by an error code. Alternately, it could be something wrong with the console’s hardware, which is usually represented in a much more ominous way (sometimes without warning or symptoms at all). One of the most common instances of a PS4 hardware error is a console that beeps once, then refuses to turn on.
If you’re experiencing this issue, there could be a number of problems causing it. Here are some common issues that can cause the PS4 to beep and turn off, as well as what to do if you encounter them.
Rebuild the database
With the PS4 plugged in, press and hold the power key until you hear two beeps. If the console turns on and begins the database rebuilding process, you’ve fixed the issue – there may be a corrupt file or something similar halting the initial startup process. If you don’t see anything, or the issue persists, then it’s likely not a software fault.
Ensure proper ventilation for your PS4
If your PS4 beeps once then turns off, it could be because the console is overheating and doesn’t have sufficient air flow. Make sure the space around your PS4’s air vents (on the sides of the console) is large enough for air to flow freely, and don’t obstruct the console with anything that could impede air flow. Dust the console regularly – it sounds silly, but dust can really clog the air vents, and this could be the cause of the console refusing to start up.
Unplug the PS4, wait, then plug it in again
Sometimes, power supplies can be the problem. Unplug the PS4’s kettle cable from the back of the console, wait for a few seconds, then plug it back in again. There’s a chance that something in the console’s software process has become stuck, so unplugging it will basically function like a hard reset. It’s worth waiting around 30 seconds to a minute, because any less could cause problems.
Switch your PS4 from a power strip to a wall outlet
If the PS4 isn’t receiving sufficient power, that could be the culprit behind its refusal to switch on. Sometimes, if you’ve got multiple electricity-hogging appliances plugged in to the same power strip, the strip will simply fail to supply the correct amount of power to some appliances. If this happens, try switching your PS4 to a wall outlet, ensuring that it’s not sharing power with other appliances.
Turn the PS4 onto its side
Sometimes, improper ventilation can be the culprit, and it’s not because your PS4 is positioned incorrectly. Turning the console on its side could dislodge a particularly tricky piece of dirt or move a certain obstruction, allowing the console to resume its functionality. This doesn’t usually work – the orientation of the console is usually immaterial to its functioning – but it’s worth a shot.
Gently hit the PS4
We know, it sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes a slight whack to the surface of your PS4 against your knee or the floor can do the trick. DO NOT hit your console hard enough to break anything. Just make sure you give it a small, authoritative tap, and try again. This functions in a similar way to turning the console, and could dislodge unwanted obstructions or dust buildup.
Take the console for repair (or call Sony)
If all else fails, and you simply cannot fix the issue no matter what you try, then you should either contact Sony customer support (especially if your machine is still in warranty) or take your PS4 to a reputable, good-quality service centre for repair. Oftentimes, there are issues that arise with the PS4 that aren’t visible without a complete teardown and examination of the constituent parts. If you don’t feel confident enough to do this yourself, then a good service centre will do it for you for a small fee. If you think you’re solid enough in your DIY skills to give it a try, then check out a guide like this one for further instructions.
We hope we’ve helped to diagnose the problem with your PS4. Let us know how you got on!