What to do when the PS4 won’t turn on?

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What to do when the PS4 won't turn on

If your PS4 won’t turn on, don’t panic – there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to get it working again. A PS4 not turning on properly is actually a common issue with a range of potential causes. The good news is that in many cases, it’s an easy fix.

Quick Fixes to Try

Here are some quick things to try first when your PS4 won’t power on:

  • Make sure the PS4 is plugged into a working electrical outlet/power strip. Try a different outlet if possible.
  • Check that the power cable is securely connected to both the outlet and PS4.
  • Press and hold the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least 7 seconds to hard reset it.
  • Make sure the PS4 is not overheated. Allow it to fully cool down before attempting to turn on again if hot.
  • Try disconnecting all cables from the PS4, waiting 1 minute, then reconnecting everything.
  • Plug the PS4 into a different HDMI port on your TV/display if possible.

These simple steps cover some of the most common reasons a PS4 won’t start up. If none of them work, don’t worry – keep reading for more in-depth troubleshooting tips.

Check the Indicator Lights

When you press the power button, check for lights on the front of your PS4:

  • No Blue Light: If no lights come on at all, the issue is likely a total power failure. Check the power cable connections and outlet. If still nothing, the internal power supply has probably failed and needs repair.
  • Blue Light Then Turns Off: If the blue indicator light flashes on briefly then turns off, this means the PS4 is attempting to turn on but shutting back down. This is often due to overheating issues or a faulty power supply.
  • Blue Light Stays On: If the blue light comes on and stays solid, but there is still no video output, the problem is isolated to the PS4 hardware or cables. Try using different HDMI cables and ports.

Use these indicator light clues to narrow down where the real problem lies.

Check Your HDMI Connection

Since there is no video output, no image appears on your display when you turn on the PS4. The most common cause for this is a loose HDMI cable or connection.

Check the following:

  • Make sure the HDMI cable running from the rear of the PS4 to your TV/monitor is securely plugged in at both ends.
  • Try connecting the PS4 with a different HDMI cable if possible, to test if the cable is faulty.
  • Connect the PS4 to another HDMI port on your TV/display. Use the port you know works for other devices.

If you still do not get any video after checking the TV connections, the problem may be with the PS4 HDMI port itself. You can test this using the HDMI component checker method next.

Perform an HDMI Component Check

To test if the PS4 HDMI port specifically is faulty, check whether other components work when connected to the TV.

Get another device like a cable box, Blu-ray player, or a different game console. Connect it to the same HDMI input on your TV that the PS4 was using. If that device displays properly, then you can isolate the issue down to a problem with the PS4.

You can also try connecting the PS4 to a different TV or display using the same HDMI cable. If it still doesn’t output video, something is wrong with the PS4’s HDMI hardware internally.

Try Safe Mode

If you have eliminated HDMI issues, enter PS4 Safe Mode. This diagnostic menu can help resolve problems with corrupted software and system failures preventing normal startup.

To access Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off the PS4 fully by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds.
  2. Press and hold the power button again. Release it after you hear a second beep – one beep on startup, one beep again.
  3. Connect the DualShock controller with a USB cable and press the PS button once connected.
  4. Select Safe Mode option 3: Update System Software. Let this attempt to install the latest update.
  5. Try restarting the PS4 normally after completing the software update.

If installing the update does not fix the problem, try the other Safe Mode options like rebuilding the database or restoring default settings.

Open Up the PS4

To fully diagnose and repair issues like power failures or overheating, you will eventually need to open up the PS4 console.

Warning: Only attempt this if you are comfortable working on electronic devices, as you can easily damage components if not careful.

Follow these steps to safely open your PS4:

  1. Unplug all cables from the back and remove any discs from the system.
  2. Position the PS4 horizontally on a clean work surface.
  3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding on the hard drive cover. Slide off the cover.
  4. Locate the screws securing the top cover. There may be rubber screw hole covers to pry off first.
  5. Remove all screws from the back and top cover. Note that some screws are different sizes.
  6. Slide the top cover to the back an inch or two, then lift it off the console.

With the PS4 open, you’ll have access to components like the power supply, Blu-ray drive, and heat sink. This allows you to inspect each part for any obvious signs of failure.

Check the Power Supply

Many times a PS4 won’t turn on due to a faulty power supply unit (PSU). Check the following on the internal PSU:

  • Inspect for damaged connectors or cables leading from the PSU.
  • Look for burnt or bulging components indicating a short circuit.
  • Check for blown fuses on the PSU or motherboard.
  • Remove the PSU to check for debris/dust buildup around the heat sink and fan.

If the PSU or connectors are damaged, you will likely need a replacement part. Make sure to use an official PS4 PSU for proper voltage and amperage.

Inspect Other Internal Components

While inside your PS4, examine the other components too:

  • Blu-ray Drive – Remove dust, dirt, and debris from the drive. Replace if the rollers/lens show signs of failure.
  • Fan – Clean any accumulated dust. Check that the fan spins freely without obstruction.
  • Heat Sink – Clean old thermal paste off the processors. Apply fresh paste for optimal heat transfer.
  • Processor – Reseat the APU and memory chips to restore loose connections.

Take time to properly clean the internal components. Thermal issues are a leading cause of PS4 startup failures in dusty/dirty consoles.

Reset the CMOS Battery

Resetting the CMOS battery can resolve issues by clearing your PS4’s internal memory:

  1. Locate the small button cell battery on the motherboard.
  2. Press the adjacent power button for 30 seconds to discharge residual power.
  3. Remove the CMOS battery from its holder for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Replace the battery and reassemble your PS4.
  5. Power it on to test if the reset resolved the no power issue.

Ruling Out Software Issues

Software problems can also prevent your PS4 from powering up or display issues occurring. Try the following software troubleshooting steps:

  • Reinstall System Software – Download the full PS4 system software from Sony’s website and reinstall it from Safe Mode.
  • Try Another Hard Drive – Switch your PS4 internal hard drive for another known working one.
  • Initialize PS4 – Use the Initialization option in Safe Mode to wipe your PS4 back to factory settings.
  • Support – Contact Sony PlayStation customer service if you suspect a software bug or issue on their end.

If you have already tried updating the system software without luck, a drive swap or initialization may be your last resort.

Fixing a Blue Light of Death (BLoD)

A flashing blue light that constantly turns on then off is referred to as the blue light of death (BLoD). There are a few ways to fix this:

  • Let the PS4 fully cool down before trying again if overheated.
  • Try reseating the RAM as loose connections can cause BLoD.
  • Check for debris in the heat sink causing overheating shutdowns.
  • Consider replacing the internal power supply if original part is faulty.
  • Repair/replace hardware components like the APU, RAM, or HDD as needed.

The specific cause of the BLoD determines the repair method. But overheating issues are the most common factor.

When to Replace the PS4

If you have exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, complete replacement may be your only option if dealing with:

  • Extensive physical or liquid damage on parts.
  • Irreparable damage to processors or electronic components.
  • Old systems with excessive wear preventing power on.
  • Costs exceeding a new PS4 system.

Depending on the issue, you may be able replace only the broken parts like the PSU or motherboard. But at some point replacement becomes the more cost-effective solution.

Preventing PS4 Power Problems

To avoid many power issues in the first place, follow these PS4 maintenance tips:

  • Keep It Cool – Provide proper ventilation and routinely clean dust buildup.
  • Give It Space – Don’t place other electronics or objects on top of the PS4.
  • Replace Thermal Paste – Renew dried out paste between the processors and heatsinks.
  • Close Apps – Always exit games fully and don’t leave PS4 in rest mode.
  • Upgrade Your HDD – Install a solid state drive to reduce overheating failures.
  • Avoid Power Surges – Use a surge protector power strip, not just an extension cord.

Making sure your PS4 stays cool and runs efficiently lowers the chances of damaging hardware failures.

Conclusion

PS4 power issues with no video output can be frustrating to deal with. But methodically trying the troubleshooting techniques above should help identify what is causing the problem in most cases.

Check all cables and connections first before opening up your PS4. If the problem persists, inspecting internal hardware will help pinpoint any defective parts in need of replacement. While a last resort, initializing or replacing your PS4 may still be the savior if software is corrupting startup.

Getting your PS4 to successfully turn on again comes down to isolation. By testing each component individually, you can zero in on the true issue and come up with an effective solution. Patience and care will also make sure you don’t damage anything further in the process.