Why Does My PS4 Keep Turning On By Itself? Fixing the Automatic Power On Issue
February 5, 2024
You’re ready to relax with your favorite game, but your PS4 has other ideas—it’s turning on all by itself. It’s not haunted; this mystery has solutions, ranging from simple settings tweaks to a bit more tech-savvy troubleshooting.
Together we’ll explore the common culprits and their fixes so you can regain control of your console. Keep reading; we’ve got the power (solutions) you need!
Key Takeaways
- Check the power sources like outlets and HDMI cables to stop your PS4 from turning on by itself. Loose connections or faulty power supplies might be causing the issue.
- Turn off automatic updates in your PS4 settings if you don’t want it to turn on unexpectedly. This will prevent it from waking up to install new software when you’re not around.
- Clean out dust from inside your PS4 and make sure all internal parts like the hard drive are working right. Overheating or damage can cause unwanted startups.
- If simple fixes don’t work, try power cycling or restoring your console to factory settings. This can solve deeper problems with the system’s software or hardware.
- Always back up important files before resetting your PS4 as it will erase everything on the console.
Common Reasons Why PS4 Turns On By Itself
Power issues, APU problems, hardware issues, and automatic updates can all contribute to the PS4 turning on by itself. Understanding these common reasons can help in troubleshooting the issue.
Power Issues
Sometimes, these strips can send random energy spikes that turn your console on.
Loose HDMI cables can also cause power troubles. Make sure the HDMI cable is firmly connected to both your TV and PS4. A bad connection might signal the PS4 to start up unexpectedly, thinking it’s receiving a prompt from the TV or monitor.
If issues persist, consider trying a new HDMI cable to rule out any problems with wires sending confused signals to your console.
APU Problems
Your PS4’s brain is the Accelerated Processing Unit or APU. Sometimes, it has bugs or hardware issues that make your console turn on by itself. These glitches can come from software updates that didn’t install right or just wear and tear.
To fix these, you might need to power cycle your PS4. This means turning it off completely and then unplugging it for a bit before plugging it back in.
If the problem keeps happening, check if there are any new system software updates available. Installing these updates can get rid of bugs in the APU. For stubborn issues that don’t go away, you may have to send your PS4 out for repairs.
It’s important to take care of this part of your console so you won’t have unexpected startups interrupting your day.
Hardware Issues
Sometimes, the inside parts of your PS4 can cause trouble. Dust and dirt might build up over time. This can lead to overheating or short circuits. Unplugging cables and plugging them back in could fix connection problems.
A faulty hard drive might also make the console turn on by itself. Try taking out the hard drive to see if it’s working right.
Loose buttons or damaged power supplies are other hardware troubles that could wake your PS4 up. Look closely at the power button and cable for any signs of damage. Replacing worn-out parts often solves these weird power-on issues.
Keep in mind that HDMI Device Link could make your PS4 start without you pressing anything if it talks with a smart TV or another CEC device.
Automatic Updates
Your PS4 might turn on by itself due to automatic updates. This feature allows the console to turn on and install update files when you’re not using it. If your PS4 is set to stay connected to the internet, it can start up and begin updating without any input from you.
To stop this, go into your system settings and disable automatic downloads. This will prevent your PS4 from waking up to install new software.
If you still want timely updates but don’t like the surprise power-ons, manually check for firmware updates instead. Connect your PS4 to Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable and look for available firmware updates in the system menu.
By keeping your console updated yourself, you control when installations happen and keep unexpected boots at bay.
Troubleshooting Steps for PS4 Turning On By Itself
Ensure proper shutdown, disconnect accessories, update PS4 firmware, disable automatic updates, and check the hard drive for any issues. Read on to learn how to fix the automatic power-on issue with your PS4!
Ensure Proper Shutdown
To ensure proper shutdown of your PS4, disable the HDMI Device Link feature by going to Settings > System > Enable HDMI Device Link. This will prevent the console from turning on when other devices are powered on.
Restarting your console after disabling this feature can help in resolving automatic power-on issues.
Additionally, configuring the Power Save settings to turn off all connected USB storage and accessories when the PS4 is in rest mode can also prevent unexpected startup problems. To do this, go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode and uncheck “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning On PS4 from Network.” These steps will contribute to a more stable shutdown process for your PlayStation 4.
Disconnect Accessories
To stop your PS4 from turning on by itself, disconnect any accessories connected to the console such as external hard drives or other USB devices. This can help to rule out any potential interference causing the automatic power-on issue.
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, reach out to PlayStation Support for further assistance.
Remember, it’s important to troubleshoot step by step before resorting to advanced solutions like restoring the console to factory settings. Disconnecting accessories is a simple and effective initial step in addressing this frustrating issue of your PS4 turning on by itself.
Update PS4 Firmware
To update the PS4 firmware, go to the settings menu, select system software update, and follow the prompts. This helps in addressing potential bugs and improving overall system performance.Keeping your PS4’s firmware updated is crucial for a smooth gaming experience and can also help resolve issues with automatic power on.
It’s important to note that checking for a software update requires navigating to the settings menu, selecting system software update, and following the prompts to update the system software.
Regularly updating your PS4 firmware can address any underlying issues that may be causing it to turn on by itself.
Disable Automatic Updates
To prevent the PS4 from turning on by itself, disable automatic updates in the settings. This can be done by going to the “Settings” menu, selecting “System,” then “Automatic Downloads” and unticking the box next to “System Software Update Files.” By doing this, you can help avoid unexpected power on issues associated with firmware updates.
Disabling automatic updates is an effective way to address the problem of your PS4 turning on by itself. Navigate through the settings as mentioned and uncheck the option for “System Software Update Files” under “Automatic Downloads” to stop unwanted power cycles caused by automatic updates.
Check Hard Drive
Inspect the hard drive for potential issues such as corruption or malfunctions. Use the PS4’s built-in diagnostic tools to scan for any errors. If necessary, consider replacing the hard drive with a new one if problems persist.
Ensure that the hard drive is properly seated and secured within the PS4 console. Look out for any physical damage or signs of wear on the hard drive. Seek professional assistance if needed to address any serious hardware-related concerns.
Advanced Solutions for PS4 Turning On By Itself
Power Cycle the Console and Restore to Factory Settings. If you want to learn more about fixing the automatic power on issue of your PS4, keep reading for some helpful troubleshooting steps and advanced solutions.
Power Cycle the Console
To power cycle the console, first, turn off the PS4 completely. Then unplug the power cord and any other connected cables. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging the power cord back in.
After that, reconnect all the cables and turn on the console to see if the issue of it turning on by itself has been resolved.
If this does not fix it, try accessing safe mode to rebuild database or initialize PS4 as potential solutions for troubleshooting automatic power on problems. These steps can help refresh system settings and resolve software bugs that might be causing the issue.
Restore to Factory Settings
To reset your PS4 to factory settings, turn off the console and then press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. This will boot the system into Safe Mode. From there, select “Initialize PS4” to restore it to its original factory settings.
Keep in mind that this will erase all data on the console, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding with this option.
After restoring your PS4 to factory settings, you can set it up again as if it were brand new. This process can help resolve issues like the console turning on by itself and is often recommended when troubleshooting persistent technical problems with the device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting the automatic power-on issue of your PS4 can be resolved by ensuring a proper shutdown and disconnecting accessories. Additionally, updating the firmware and disabling automatic updates may help fix the problem.
For more advanced solutions, consider power cycling the console or restoring it to factory settings if needed. By following these steps, you can effectively address why your PS4 keeps turning on by itself and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.
FAQs
1. Why does my PS4 turn on by itself?
Your PS4 might be turning on by itself because of features like the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) which lets devices connected to your TV, like a SmartTV or sound system, power it on.
2. Can my wireless internet connection cause my PS4 to turn on?
Yes, sometimes a wireless internet connection can wake your PS4 if it’s set up to update automatically or respond to network requests.
3. What is a soft reset and how can it fix my PS4?
A soft reset means you restart your PS4 without losing any data – just press and hold the power button until it beeps twice; this can often fix the issue of it powering on by itself.
4. Will using an Xbox or other device’s controller affect my PS4 turning on?
No, using controllers from other systems like an Xbox should not cause your PS4 to turn on since they’re not usually paired with each other.
