Unable to start the PS4: What to do?

ps4 pro

Is your PS4 refusing to turn on or stuck on a black screen ? Do not panic ! This problem is quite common and there are simple and effective solutions to solve it.

We advise you to watch this video if your PS4 does not turn on at all!

1. Check cables and ports

The first thing to do is to check that all cables and ports are secure and in good condition . A cable may be defective or inserted incorrectly, preventing the PS4 from receiving the power supply or video signal.

You should therefore check the following:

  • power supply cable : make sure that it is securely connected to the ps4 and the wall outlet, and that it is not damaged or cut.
  • The HDMI cable : make sure it is securely connected to the ps4 and your TV or monitor, and that it is not bent or broken.
  • The HDMI port : Make sure it is not blocked by dust or debris, and is not damaged or bent.
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If you notice a problem with any of these items, try replacing it with another cable . If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

Good to know : To be certain that it is not your TV that is causing problems. Connect the PS4 to your laptop with an HDMI cable .

2. Restart the ps4

The second thing to do is to reset the ps4 . This is a simple operation that allows you to restart the console without erasing your data . To reset the ps4, you need to follow these steps:

  • Turn off the PS4 completely by pressing the power supply on the front of the console. The indicator light should go out.
  • power supply cable from the PS4 and wait at least 30 seconds.
  • power supply cable and turn the PS4 back on by pressing the power supply . The indicator light should turn blue then white.
  • Check if the ps4 boots normally and displays the home screen.
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If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

3. Reset ps4 in safe mode

The third thing to do is to start the ps4 in safe mode . This is a special mode that provides access to advanced options for solving technical problems. To start the ps4 in safe mode, you need to follow these steps:

Here is a video tutorial to help you

  • Turn off the PS4 completely by pressing the power supply on the front of the console. The indicator light should go out.
  • down power supply button until you hear two beeps . The first beep occurs when you press the button, and the second beep occurs approximately 7 seconds later .
  • power supply button and connect your controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
  • Press the PS button on your controller to turn it on and access the Safe Mode menu .

Once you are in the safe mode menu, here are the options that can solve your problem with your PlayStation 4:

Safe mode options to fix the problem with your PS4

  • Change resolution : Choose the lowest resolution possible, then check if the ps4 boots normally. If so, you can then gradually increase the resolution until you find the one that suits you best.
  • Update system software : This can fix bugs or flaws that are preventing the PS4 from booting. You must have a stable internet connection sufficient storage space to perform this operation.
  • Rebuild the database : This operation may take several hours depending on the size of the hard drive and the amount of data. It does not erase your data , but it may delete some personalized settings .
  • Initialize PS4 : This operation erases all your data , including games, saves, screenshots, videos, etc. You must therefore back up your data on external media or on the cloud before performing this operation. You also need to have the PS4 system software installation file on a USB stick.

If none of these options work , your PS4 may be damaged or have a problem with your PS4's system storage or disk drive .

4. Replace PS4 hard drive

If your PS4 doesn't boot properly, the hard drive may be damaged or faulty. The PS4 hard drive contains system software and game data. To check if the problem is with the hard drive, you can try the following steps:

  1. Turn off your PS4 completely and unplug it from the mains.
  2. Remove the hard drive cover located on the left side of the PS4 and unscrew the screw that secures the hard drive bracket.
  3. Remove the hard drive bracket and disconnect the SATA cable from the hard drive .
  4. Connect the hard drive to a computer via USB external enclosure and check if it is recognized by the computer. If the hard drive is not recognized or shows signs of physical damage, it should be replaced with a new hard drive compatible with PS4.
  5. If the hard drive is recognized by the computer, you can try formatting it to FAT32 or exFAT and reinstalling the PS4 system software on it. You can download the latest version of the system software from the official PlayStation website and copy it to a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Create a folder named “PS4” in the root of the USB drive, then create a subfolder named “UPDATE” in this folder. Copy the system software file (PS4UPDATE.PUP) to the “UPDATE” folder.
  6. Reconnect the hard drive to the PS4 via the SATA cable and place it back in its socket. Replace the screw and replace the hard drive cover.
  7. Plug your PS4 into power and insert the USB drive containing the system software into one of the PS4's USB ports.
  8. Turn on your PS4 in safe mode by pressing the power supply button for at least 7 seconds until you hear two beeps.
  9. Select option 7 “Initialize PS4 (reinstall system software)” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, your PS4 may have other hardware or software issues that require professional repair. You can contact PlayStatio n customer service for assistance or consult an authorized repairer .

FAQs

What are the possible causes of ps4 booting problem?

There are several possible causes that may prevent the ps4 from booting normally, such as:

  • power supply problem : the PS4 is not receiving enough current or is experiencing an overvoltage.
  • A connection problem : the HDMI cable or HDMI port is faulty or loose, preventing the PS4 from sending the video signal to the TV or monitor.
  • A software problem : The PS4 system software is corrupted or outdated, leading to errors or malfunctions.
  • A hardware problem : The hard drive, motherboard, or other internal component of the PS4 is damaged or defective, preventing the PS4 from working properly.

It is also possible that your console has suffered overheating or other problems and that your PS4 turns off by itself and no longer wants to start correctly.

How do I know if the problem is with the HDMI cable or the HDMI port?

To find out if the problem is with the HDMI cable or the HDMI port, you can perform the following tests:

  • Try using a different HDMI cable that is compatible with the ps4 and your TV or monitor. If the problem disappears, it means that your previous HDMI cable was faulty or connected incorrectly.
  • Try connecting your ps4 to another TV or monitor with the same HDMI cable . If the problem disappears, it means your previous HDMI port was faulty or clogged.
  • Try connecting another device (for example, a DVD player or other console) to your TV or monitor with the same HDMI cable. If the problem persists, it means your HDMI cable or HDMI port is faulty.

How to update ps4 system software in safe mode?

To update the PS4 system software in safe mode, you must have a stable internet connection and a USB drive formatted in FAT32 or exFAT . You also need to download the PS4 system software installation file from the Sony official website and copy it to the USB drive in a folder named “ PS4/UPDATE ”. Then you need to follow these steps:

  • Start the ps4 in safe mode by following the instructions given in the article.
  • Update System Software option from the Safe Mode menu.
  • Update from USB storage option .
  • Insert the USB key containing the system software installation file into one of the PS4's USB ports.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to start the update.

What are the risks of initializing the ps4?

Initializing the PS4 involves restoring the console to factory settings . This operation erases all data stored on the PS4's internal hard drive, including games, saves, screenshots, videos, custom settings, etc.

Data stored in the cloud or on external media is not affected.

The risks of initializing the PS4 are therefore as follows:

  • Loss of all your local data and you need to download it again or restore it from backup.
  • Lose all your personalized settings and you have to reconfigure them according to your preferences.
  • Losing all your trophies not synced to the cloud and you have to unlock them again.

How do I back up my data before initializing the ps4?

To back up your data before initializing the PS4, you have two options:

  • Save your data to the cloud : this option requires having a subscription to the PlayStation Plus service and a stable internet connection . You can back up your game data (saves, settings, trophies, etc.) to the cloud by going to the PS4 settings , then “ Manage saved application data ”, then “ Saved data on system storage ”, then choosing the data you want to back up and pressing the “ Options ” button on your controller, then choosing “ Upload to Online Storage ”.
  • Save your data on external media : this option requires having an external storage media (USB key, external hard drive, etc.) formatted in FAT32 or exFAT and having sufficient free space. You can save your game data (saves, settings, trophies, etc.) to external media by going to the PS4 settings , then to “ Management of saved application data ”, then to “ Data saved on storage system ”, then choosing the data you want to back up and pressing the “ Options ” button on your controller, then choosing “ Copy to USB storage ”. You can also save your screenshots and videos by going to the PS4 gallery, then choosing the files you want to save and pressing the “Options your controller, then choosing “ Copy to a USB storage media ”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your ps4 won't start or stuck on a black screen, you can try the following solutions:

  • Check cables and ports
  • Restart the ps4
  • Reset ps4 in safe mode
  • Replace PS4 hard drive
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Hello me, it's François :) Editor in my spare time who loves sharing his passion: TT High tech! 😍 Whether it's hardware, software, video games, social media and many other areas on the site. I share with you my analyses, my tests, tutorials and my favorites on various media. I am a knowledgeable and demanding technophile, who does not just follow fashion, but who seeks to guide you towards the best solutions. So stay tuned!