The PS4 is Freezing on System Software Update

The PlayStation 4 has been a smash hit since it’s release. Yet, there is one issue that seems to be plaguing the system: The PS4 is frozen on system software update. It’s frustrating and can leave you feeling helpless when you’re trying to do something as simple as play games or watch Netflix with your friends. We’ve got some tips for how to fix this problem so that you can get back in action.

Note that we have covered the PS4 freezing issue thoroughly in this comprehensive guide. So, if you want more details on this issue, just go to that post.

What causes the PS4 to be frozen on system software update?

The first thing you should do when diagnosing a problem with your PS4 is to figure out what’s actually causing it. Once you’ve done that, it will make your job much easier and give you better results in fixing the issue. What makes the PS4 freeze on system software update is ultimately a matter of opinion, but these are some of the most common causes.

PS4 Overheating

The massive amount of power behind the PS4 makes it easy to overheat, and when this occurs during the system update process, it will consequently freeze and stop responding. If the PS4 overheats long enough, you might end up with a frozen system and no way to fix it other than unplugging it. You can avoid this problem by making sure your PS4 is always well ventilated. That means not putting it in a confined area, keeping it away from windows (or any other natural source of heat), and putting it on a surface that allows air to flow around the bottom.

Also, make sure the PS4 is clean from the inside, as cleanness plays an important role in decreasing the temperature of the PS4 system.

PS4 Power Failure

The PS4 runs off of a pretty reliable power system, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still fail. If the PS4 isn’t getting enough power for whatever reason, then you’re going to end up having major issues, such as the PS4 freezing on system software update. Make sure your PS4 is always plugged into a stable power source and that nothing vital has been damaged like cables or cords.

PS4 Hard Drive Failure

The PS4 has a standard hard drive. Mechanical hard drives are not so reliable, therefore they may fail at anytime, especially when they age. In many cases, the PS4 freezing on system software update is because of a malfunctioning/defective PS4 hard drive.

If your PS4’s drive shows any signs of failing, backup the data immediately (you know how to do this) so that you don’t lose anything important and then try replacing the drive.

PS4 System Software Issues

The PS4 system software is the most important software that runs on your PS4. It manages the PS4’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the PS4 without knowing how to speak the PS4 system’s language. In a nutshell, without the PS4 system software, your PS4 is useless.

When there is a sort of corruption in the PS4 system software, the Ps4 might freeze during the update process. The only solution then is to full initialize the PS4 and reinstall the PS4 system software from scratch.

PS4 Corrupted Database

The PS4 uses a lot of data and there are ways that its database can become corrupted, even if you’re not doing anything. This is especially likely to happen if you’ve been swapping out drives or if your system is having issues. Simply restarting the PS4 will help clear this up. If not, try to rebuild the PS4 database in hope that it will resolve this issue.

How do I fix frozen PS4?

Now that you know what’s likely causing your PS4 to be frozen during the system software update process, it’s time to take action. The method of fixing your frozen system is going to vary depending on the exact problem but there are some general steps for a quick fix!

Note: It’s a good idea to make sure that your PS4 has been shut off for at least ten minutes before you do anything.

Step 1

Restart your PS4 system. If there’s nothing wrong with the software itself, restarting can help clear up any corrupted data or other issues.

Step 2

Change a setting in Safe Mode. You can only access Safe Mode when the PS4 is off completely and you hold down the power button until you hear two beeps. From there, use the controller to navigate your way to Settings > Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software). Then follow the on screen instructions for reinstalling your system software.

Step 3

Re-establish a power connection. Sometimes it’s not enough just to restart your PS4 or reinstall the system software. In those cases, you’ll need to unplug your PS4 and make sure that all of its connections are tight and secure.

Step 4

Replace the drive with a new one. If none of these steps seem to work, then it’s time to admit defeat and replace any faulty drives.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now know how to fix your frozen PS4! Remember that this might not work every time, but if nothing else works then it’s certainly worth a try. If nothing else, having the power cord and tight all of those connections is always a good idea – these are problems that you can often solve by just doing a little bit of maintenance.