PlayStation 4 Problems: Solutions For Common Errors On Sony's Newest Console

Fixya, a leading product-solution site, recently sifted through more than 40,000 problem impressions to determine the most common issues -- and solutions -- with Sony’s next-gen PS4. The console launched on Nov. 15 and sold 1 million units within 24 hours of its release. Like any new console, the PS4 has encountered some user issues. The site found the following glitches most common with the brand’s latest gaming endeavor. Fixya also compiled a list of the most effective solutions for PlayStation 4 bugs, gathering data from user comments and critiques.

The PS4 sold 5.3 units as of last month, and Sony claims more than 100 games are hitting the next-gen system this year. Some of the most common PS4 problems and the most convenient solutions can be found below via Fixya’s blog.

Despite its seemingly carefree march to the top of the console mountain and rosy outlook for the future, the PlayStation 4 does have some issues that users should be aware of when exploring next-generation consoles. We explore those issues below.

The Problems:

Console Turning Off - Fixya users have reported issues with their PlayStation 4 turning off unexpectedly during the course of game play and in other situations, like not turning on at all when prompted. This issue can be caused by a wide variety of symptoms associated with the end result, but by and large can be summarized with two main indicators—the PlayStation 4 will either display a blinking blue light or a blinking red light in the center of the console (where functioning devices will display a white indicator light). Whether you have a blue or red light that is blinking, the console is unable to be used and may require being sent to Sony for repair or replacement in order to get it working properly again.

Solutions

Examine your HDMI cable and/or the HDMI ports on your television for any issues, as sometimes the PlayStation 4 will show an error result despite the issue not being a result of the console malfunctioning.

Reset your PlayStation 4 by turning it off for two minutes, unplugging all of the cords associated with the device, and then plugging it back in. But before plugging it back in, users should also carefully open the hard drive to see if there are any issues with the disc drive.

Put the system in an open area with proper ventilation. Place a fan next to the system in order to reduce heat. Ensure that the internal fan is running properly – you should hear it while the console is running.

Contact Sony customer service and discuss the issues with them.

No Audio/Video - Some users have reported issues with the audio or video functionality with their PlayStation 4. These issues manifest themselves in three primary ways: the audio not working (video is visible), video not working (audio is heard), or the rare symptom of both the audio and video both not working.

Solutions

Check if your PlayStation 4 is experiencing a blinking red or blue indicator light. If so, please run through the troubleshooting steps for that issue (found above in this report).

Via the settings menu on your PlayStation 4 homescreen, ensure that all of the audio and video options for your PlayStation 4 are up to date and what you need for your specific purposes and television.

A short-term fix for any audio issues can be to use headphones to listen to any audio—sometimes audio can still be heard through headphones but not your television.

Examine your HDMI cable and/or the HDMI ports on your television for any issues, as sometimes the PlayStation 4 will not display audio or video despite the issue not being a result of the console malfunctioning.

Check the HDMI port on your PlayStation 4 for any issues—similar to the above troubleshooting step, an issue with your console's HDMI port can cause problems with the device.

Replace your HDMI cable to check to see if the issue is with your HDMI cable and that the issue is not with your console or television.

Update your PlayStation 4's firmware and software via any available online updates.

Freezing - Users of any electronic device have inevitably had to deal with their device freezing every once in awhile and needing to be rebooted, and is not necessarily a deal-breaking issue if it happens rarely or not at all. However, some PlayStation 4 users have encountered a trend of their console freezing at inopportune times, specifically when updating their device via the PlayStation Network and using their device to play games or consume media.

Solutions

Download any software or firmware updates via the PlayStation Network, which can be accessed from your console's home screen.

If your console is freezing while accessing the PlayStation Network to download any updates, visit the Sony Support site and download the updates to your computer there, then transfer them via a USB connection that plugs directly into your console.

Reset your PlayStation 4 by turning it off for two minutes, unplugging all of the cords associated with the device, and then plugging it back in.

Put the system in a more open area with proper ventilation, place a fan next to the system in order to reduce heat, and ensure that the internal fan is running properly—you should hear it while the console is running. If your console is overheating, make sure to let it rest for at least two hours before trying to boot up again.