Why Does My PS4 Turn on by Itself? How to Fix?

Evan Ruiz
Owner at - Techi Show

I am a professional laptop and computer troubleshooter, tech editor who loves to talk about technology and software. My passion is electronics devices. Follow me...Read more

PlayStation4 is a game-changer in most homes. People sit on the game for hours without getting tired due to the joy they get from it. So, if this device malfunctions, it calls for worry, especially when it turns on by itself. Normally, you can’t use the PS4 unless you turn it on yourself. So, if you’re experiencing a different thing and asking, why does my PS4 turn on by itself, there are many reasons for that.

The reason your PS4 turns on by itself is technical. It might be because of software updates, broken power connections, damaged hardware, or a few others. We have accumulated reasons and explanations for the auto turn-on of your PS4 and how to fix it in this article. We have also stuck it with other helpful information on your PS4. Find the answer below!.

Why Does My PS4 Turn on By Itself?

Why Does My PS4 Turn on by Itself

Database Issue

The most common reason your PlayStation4 is turning on by itself is database issues. It means data in the PS4 is malfunctioning or missing because of some unforeseen circumstances. Send your PS4 to a software engineer to inform you better on what to do.

Power Issues

One of the probable reasons your PlayStation4 turns on by itself is power issues. This could be from the power cable or the power button. Also, the power connection in the gaming device might be malfunctioning. Maybe a wire has cut or is too weak to let the power flow through it.

Whatever the exact issue is, it could get linked to the power issue. This can also occur if you keep the PS4 steadily plugged into power. It might send an automatic signal to the console of the PS4 from the remote. Then, the device turns on.

Hardware Problems

If your PS4 has issues, the probability of it being a hardware issue is high. The problem may be from your PS4 console, which might be overheating. When the PS4 console overheats, the device is likely to turn off and on by itself.

It might be another hardware with the problem. Maybe the motherboard or some other component that requires replacement.

Software Issues

This is when the problem is coming for software in the PS4. Probably the game you inserted is faulty or has loads of viruses. If that is the situation, then you should either meet a software engineer or just take out the disk. Although, just taking out the disk does not give full working assurance.

Auto Updates

PS4 is much smarter than the PS2, and the lower it has a system update option. You can set it to update automatically or update the system manually when you log in. The manual update might seem stressful and irrelevant when you can just make the system update on its own.

As stressful as a manual system update is, it doesn’t make your PS4 switch on by itself. But, when your PS4 is on auto-update, it can turn on any time it finds an update to upgrade to. As long as it is still connected, the device does not have an issue turning on, even at midnight.

Outdated Issues

As much as auto-updating your PS4 might be an issue, letting it stay outdated might be a bigger one. So, manually search the system for updates and update it frequently to eliminate the auto turn on problem.

Improperly Installed Update

Although this issue does not occur frequently, it is one issue to consider. When you don’t properly install a system update, it might cause your PS4 to turn itself off constantly.

Wirelessly Connected Devices

You may not have known how much problem paring for multiplayer could cause until now. The problem does not come from connecting with other devices; the problem comes when you don’t disconnect when you have stopped playing.

Wireless connections make the internal setting of the PS4 console swing. This can cause the device to start automatically. Most times, it doesn’t matter if the wireless connection is with the PS4. As long as there is a steady wireless connection around the environment, this issue is likely to occur.

Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) Issue

The Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is one vital tool to check when your PS4 turns on by itself. The position of the APU is in the main central unit, which is the Central Processing Unit (CPU). If the APU has issues, it can lead to the PS4 restarting on its own.

The Console Issues

The cause of this auto turn-on issue might be from the console itself. If you didn’t get your PS4 brand new, probably the previous user had rough handled the device too much. If you got it as brand new, the problem is from the carelessness of the warehouse or the delivery person. For such issues, return the console to the factory, the previous owner or take it to a professional for repairs.

Positioning Issues

The way you keep your PS4 might cause this problem. Keeping it horizontal looks good, but keeping it vertical is safer and rid of some minor issues. This is because of the calibration of the internal setting.

Overworking Issues

The PS4 device can get overworked. When you are on it at every point in time, it can get overheated or overworked, and this can cause it to develop issues. However interesting the game is, spend money to repair the console if you do not give it a break.

To learn more, watch this video:

How Do I Fix My PS4 When It Turns on by Itself?

How Do I Fix My PS4 When It Turns on by Itself

Fix the Power Connection Issues

If you have confirmed that the problem is from the power connection, fit it as soon as you can. Since the power problem could be internal, from the power cable or the power button, they are separate ways to fix them.

For the Power Cable

It is easy to buy and replace the power cable. Get a new and properly working power cable, turn the PS4 off, and unplug the damaged power cable from the power outlet. Then, replace the problematic power cable with the new one. Braided cables are better options since they offer more resilience, are stronger and more durable

For Power Button

The easiest way to fix this is to take it to a professional. However, if you have excellent knowledge of connections, you can fix it yourself. Just open the console, locate the power switch and replace it if necessary.

For Internal Power Issues

It is better to refer to the Sony help center, any Sony outlet, or a professional repair person around you. This problem might be harder to fix at home because you might get more things in the PS4 broken.

Fix the Hardware Issues

If you find out the issue is from the device’s hardware, here is how to fix it.

  • Press and hold the PS4 power button for about 7 seconds to turn it off. After 7 seconds, the device will sound 2 beeps, and then it will turn off.
  • Free the console of every cable connected to it. Disconnect the power cable from the power outlets. Also, remove every other plugin from the PS4.
  • The shiny cover on the console is the hard disk drive. In this step, take it off and move to the next step.
  • When you have opened it, check if the problem with the hard disk is that it is not fixed properly or it needs a replacement. If it is not properly fixed, remove it and re-fix it to suit well. If it needs replacement, get a new and better hard disk and fix it.

Make Connections with Ethernet Cables

If the auto turn-on problem is from the wireless connection, use wires for your next connection. We advise you to use Ethernet cables for internet connections. Check the back of the PS4 device and for the ports to connect the cables to.

There is space to use LAN cables to connect to a router. You can shun using a wireless connection completely or use it once in a while. Just make sure the wireless connection usage is not excessive. However, we advise you to evade the wireless connection means totally.

Update System in Safe Mode

To do this, follow the steps we outline below.

  • Get a USB device that has over 400MB of free space. Create a folder in the device and name it PS4 Folder. Then, create another folder in the PS4 folder and name it ‘PS4 Update.’
  • Next up, download the newest system update and put it in the ‘PS4 Update’ folder it the USB device.
  • Press and hold the power button until it beeps twice to turn it off. Then, plug the USB device in the USB port on the console.
  • After that, press and hold the PS4 power button for 7 seconds to boot it in Safe Mode.
  • Then, locate the option that says ‘update system software’, enter it, and follow the instruction it displays on your screen to update your device in safe mode.

Sidestep or Replace APU Issues

It is easy just to replace the APU if it causes the auto turn-on problem. But, you can avoid the problem from happening with the steps below.

  • Give the console an avenue for proper ventilation. Take off anything that can restrict air from reaching the device. If possible, you can keep the device outside to cool off.
  • Your house can be of great help to you here. You can face the fan to the console directly to make it cool off or take the console to the nearest air conditioner to blow cool air into it.
  • Minimize the frequent usage of the PS4. You can set a timetable for using the console to monitor your daily usage and avoid issues.

If the problem has happened already, buy a new APU for a retail store around you. You can go to a Sony retail store to get a quality one. Then, replace the APU to stop the turn-on issue.

Disable Automatic Update

Since automatic system update can cause your PS4 to turn on by itself, you can disable it. Follow the steps to disable the auto-update.

  • Open the setting option on your home screen.
  • Go to the bottom of the opened page and click on the ‘System’ bar when it opens.
  • The next step is to select the automatics downloads option.
  • Then, disable the ‘system software update files’ option.

Rebuild Your Database

To rebuild your database, follow the steps

  • Press and hold the PS4 power button to turn it off and ensure it is completely off.
  • Then, turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button till you hear the second beep. Then the system will come on safe boot mode.
  • Connect the PS4 controller and turn it on by pressing the power button on the controller.
  • When you turn on the controller, the Safe Boot Mode option will display. Scroll to option number 5 that says ‘Rebuild Database’ and press ‘X’ on your controller. This will help you rebuild your database and still maintain your data.

Factory, Reset Your PS4

This might be the last option you have after trying other things. Although you will lose all your data, it is worth the try if it fixes the problem.

  • Press and hold the PS4 power button to turn it off and ensure it is completely off.
  • Then, turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button till you hear the second beep. Then the system will come on safe boot mode.
  • Connect the PS4 controller and turn it on by pressing the power button on the controller.
  • When you turn on the controller, the Safe Boot Mode option will display. Scroll to option number 4, ‘Restore default setting’, and press ‘X’ on your controller. Your PS4 will completely restore itself to the factory setting.

This video will help you fix the issue:

Tips on Fixing Your PS4 when It Turns on By Itself

  • If you cannot handle it, take the console to Sony.
  • Always turn the console off and unplug the power cable before opening it.
  • Carefully monitor the console to be sure of what the problem is.

Conclusion

Most homes in the world today have PlayStations. Most of them have PS4, and it might give them issues. The most significant issue could be an automatic turn-on. Therefore, asking, “Why does my PS4 turn on by itself?” is good when such a problem starts.

Many people might think a ghost is hunting them without checking if their hardware, software, APU, and other things on the console are functioning properly. So, please take the necessary action to discover the cause and fix it.

I am a professional laptop and computer troubleshooter, tech editor who loves to talk about technology and software. My passion is electronics devices. Follow me on social media.

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