There are three distinct versions of the PlayStation 4 console, and all three are susceptible to overheating for the same reasons. If your PS4 is overheating, check for issues such as vent clearance, clogged vents, or a non-functioning fan. There are some other potential causes to consider.
Why Does the PS4 Overheat?
Typically, when your PS4 is overheating, you will see the following message:
These instructions are applicable to all PS4 hardware models, including the original PlayStation 4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro.
There are many things that can cause a PlayStation 4 to overheat, and you can fix many of them yourself. If the vents are blocked or there is insufficient space between the vents and other objects, your PS4 may overheat. The PS4 will tend to overheat if it contains excessive amounts of dust. The room’s temperature can also have an impact, as can faulty hardware or software.
Sony advises using the PS4 only in temperatures between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with 50 to 80 degrees being the optimal range. If your room temperature exceeds 80 degrees, your PS4 may overheat.
How to Prevent PS4 Overheating
Follow this troubleshooting procedure to cool down your PS4 if you are experiencing issues with overheating.
- Turn off your PS4 and wait. Before attempting anything else, you must power down your PS4 and allow it to cool to normal temperature. Then, reactivate the device and resume the activity that caused it to overheat. If it does not overheat, you can continue to use your console normally.
- Ensure proper airflow placement. Your PlayStation 4 needs space to expel hot air (and not suck that same hot air back into the system). If the console is placed in a confined space, it will likely overheat. Additionally, it may overheat if the vents are placed too close to cabinet walls, other electronics, or any other obstructions. Try relocating your PS4 to a location with ample space on all sides.
- Check the temperature inside the room. As previously stated, you should not play your PS4 if the air temperature in your game room exceeds 80 degrees. If it’s hotter than you can’t lower the air temperature, consider moving the PS4 to a cooler room or using a cooling stand.
- Remove dirt from the PS4’s vents. Using canned air, an electric air duster, or a device of a similar nature, gently blow dust from the PS4’s vents. You may use the hose attachment of a vacuum to remove dust from vents. Combining these two strategies typically yields the best results. After removing as much dust as possible, examine whether the PS4 continues to overheat. Note: In some cases, you may need to disassemble your PS4 to completely remove all dust. If you still have warranty, check with Sony to see if it will be repaired or replaced at no cost. Self-disassembly of the console may void the warranty.
- Manually update your PlayStation 4 In some instances, outdated or corrupted firmware may prevent the fan from turning on when it should. To exclude this possibility, you must ensure that you are running the most recent version of the PS4 system software.
- Upgrade your gaming software. If your PS4 overheats while playing a particular game, the game’s software may be to blame. To rule this out, you must check for game updates and install them if they are available.
- On the main menu of the PS4, select the game.
- Select Verify Updates
- Select Install Update if a new version is available.
- Wait for the update to install, then attempt to play the game again.
If the game is brand new or has recently received a significant update, there may be a bug that is causing one of the PS4’s systems to run at its maximum capacity and overheat. You will have to wait for the publisher to release a patch and then update your game.
What If Your PS4 Continues to Overheat?
If your console continues to overheat after completing all of these steps, it is likely that you have a hardware issue that you cannot fix at home without specialized knowledge and equipment. In this case, further investigation of this issue is best left to the experts.
Your fan may require repair or replacement, or there may be an issue with another piece of hardware. In certain situations, removing the heat sink and replacing the thermal paste can also be beneficial. You can try to replace these things yourself, but if you replace the wrong components, you may waste money or void your warranty if you still have one. Consider contacting Sony’s customer service for further assistance with this matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix PS4 stick drift?
To fix PS4 controller drift, perform a soft reset and, if necessary, a hard reset. If that does not work, thoroughly clean your PS4 controller. If problems persist, you may need to replace the PS4 analog sticks or contact Sony for assistance.
How do I repair data corruption on a PS4?
To repair a PS4 with corrupted data, delete and reinstall the offending game. Additionally, navigate to Notifications > Options > Downloads and delete the damaged file. You should also attempt to clean the game disc, update the PS4’s software, or contact Sony for assistance.
How do I fix the PS4’s HDMI port?
To fix a PS4 HDMI port, ensure that the cable is flush with the back of the console. If any component is visible, the connection could be compromised. Additionally, ensure there is no issue with your HDTV and update its firmware. Additional troubleshooting steps include starting the computer in safe mode and updating the system software.
