PS4 System Software Update Error (SU-42481-9) | Fixed

One of the most frustrating error codes on the PS4 system is (SU-42481-9) which is a system software update error. It indicates that the update process hasn’t been completed successfully and thus your PS4 system software is undergoing a sort of corruption in the system files.

Sony has released new updates to fix system security and stability issues, but if you encounter this error while trying to install them, you don’t have to panic. There are a few things that you can do to fix the issue. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps that Sony recommends for fixing the PS4 Error (SU-42481-9).

Main Causes of PS4 Error (SU-42481-9)

A few different things can cause the PS4 Error (SU-42481-9). According to Sony, the main causes are either that the system software update file is not recognized by the PS4 system or that the update process has failed.

This can happen if the file was not downloaded properly or is damaged. Additionally, it can be caused by an unstable internet connection or a faulty internal hard drive. If you are encountering this error, it is likely due to one of these issues.

Why Would the PS4 system software update get corrupted?

If you want to update the PS4 system offline, you need to download the system update file to a USB storage device first, then use that update file to update your PS4 console without the need to connect to the internet.

It happens that while downloading the update file an abrupt and momentary interruption of the internet connection occurs. This usually happens in wireless connections.

In most cases, this should not be a problem, but it’s still possible that it impacts the integrity of the downloaded file and causes corruption or damage to it.

Additionally, if the USB storage device on which you’re downloading the PS4 system update file is undergoing performance issues, the files you store on it may get corrupted/damaged.

Once the update file is not intact, the PS4 system won’t recognize it, and Error SU- 42481-0 may occur.

How to Fix PS4 Error (SU-42481-9)

There are several methods that help fix Error (SU-42481-9) and get your PS4 system updated flawlessly.

Turn off your PS4 and Internet router (Power Cycle)

Many systematic errors in the PS4 can be easily resolved by just turning off your console and leaving it a few minutes before turning it on again. So, start off with that step.

It’s also very helpful for the performance of your internet connection to turn off the router for a few minutes and give it time to “rest”.

In order to power cycle your PS4, follow the steps below:

• Turn off your PS4 console by pressing the power button for about 30 seconds.
• Then unplug all cables from the back of your PS4, including the power cord.
• Wait a couple of minutes and then plug in all the cables back to their respective ports.
• Turn on your router and PS4 console.
• Select Notifications from the PS4 function area, highlight the update file and press the OPTIONS button > Delete.
• ry to install the PS4 system update file again and see if Error (SU-42481-9) is fixed.

Connect to the Internet via Ethernet

Another great method to fix PS4 system update error (SU-42481-9) is to connect your PS4 directly to the Ethernet (LAN) cable. This will create a faster and more stable connection for downloading and installing the new system update on your console. That is because wired internet connection is more reliable and stable than wireless.

If you want to offline update the PS4 system and want to download the PS4 update file, it’s also recommended that you connect your computer to the internet via LAN cable, not wirelessly. This helps download an intact copy of the update file without worrying about corruption.

Update PS4 System Software in Safe Mode

If you are still encountering the PS error (SU-42481-9), try updating your PS4 system software in safe mode. This can help fix most of the errors that you may encounter while trying to update your PS system software.

In order to start PS in safe mode, follow the steps below:

• Turn off your PS4 completely by pressing and holding the power button for about 30 seconds.
• Once it’s turned off, connect your PS4 controller to the console via USB cable.
• Press and hold the PS button on your DualShock 4 until you see the Safe Mode menu on your screen.
• Select Options. There are several options available in safe mode, but for now, we’re only interested in updating the PS4 system software. So, select “Update System Software” and press X.
• The PS4 system will now look for an update file on either a connected USB storage device or your PS4 console’s hard drive.
• If it finds an update file, select “Update” and press X to start installing the system software update.

Once the installation is finished, your PS4 will restart automatically and you can now try to install the system software update again without encountering PS4 Error (SU-42481-9).

Update PS4 System Software Manually

If the methods mentioned above don’t work for you, then you can try to update your PS4 system software manually. But before you do that, make sure you have a USB storage device that’s formatted as FAT32 and has enough free space (Minimum 400 MB).

You can format your USB storage device by going to “Settings” > “Devices” > “USB Storage Devices” on your PS4 console.

Once you have a USB storage device ready, follow the steps below to update your PS4 system software manually:

• Go to Sony’s website and download the latest PS4 system software update file.
• Save the downloaded file in the “UPDATE” folder on your USB storage device.
• Connect the USB storage device to your PS4 console and turn it on.
• Press and hold the PS button on your controller to access the Quick Menu.
• Go to “Settings” > “System Software Update” and press X.
• The PS4 will now look for an update file on your connected USB storage device.
• If it finds an update file, select “Update” and press X to start installing the system software update.

Once the installation is finished, your PS4 will restart automatically and you can now try to install the system software update again without encountering Error (SU-42481-9).

Redownload the PS4 System Software Update File

In case you encounter Error (SU-42481-9) while trying to manually update the PS4 system software, you need to get rid of the update file that caused the problem.

Simply, delete that file from your USB storage device, and redownload it. It’s preferred that you first download it on your computer’s hard drive and then copy it to your USB storage device, in case there’s an issue with your USB connection or USB storage device.

Change your USB storage device

Your USB storage device might undergo some performance issues, and accordingly, the files you store on it may get corrupted. The best thing to do at this point is to replace it with a working and healthy USB storage device and try again.

Initialize PS4

If nothing has worked for you, that means the currently-installed PS4 system software might have core file issues that prevent your console from updating. In this case, the only way to solve the PS4 update error (SU-42481-0) is to initialize your PS4 console.

Doing so will delete all data from your PS4, including games and saved progress, so ensure you’ve backed everything up before proceeding.

To initialize your PS4:

1. Enter Safe Mode by pressing and holding the power button for about seven seconds until you hear two beeps.
2. Then, connect your PS$ controller to the console using a USB cable and select “Initialize PS4.”

Once the process is complete, you can try updating your PS4 again.

Conclusion

PS4 system software updates are released to fix bugs and improve the overall stability and security of your console. However, while trying to install these updates, you may sometimes encounter a PS4 update error (SU-42481-9).

The good news is that there are a few ways you can fix this problem. You can either try updating your PS4 system software in Safe Mode, manually update it, or redownload the system software update file.

If none of these methods work for you, you can try initializing your PS4. However, note that this will delete all data from your console.

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PS4 Error (SU-42481-9) FAQ

How do you fix a PS4 update error?

Fixing PS4 update errors can be done in several ways, including deleting the update file and downloading it again, verifying the health of your PS4 internal hard drive and the stability of your internet connection, keeping your PS4 away from overheating or power surges, and finally initializing the PS4 and reset it to factory settings.

Why the PS4 system is not updating?

When your Ps4 system is not updating, that means there's an error in your internet connection, USB storage device on where the update file is stored, or even the update file itself might be corrupted.

Why My PS4 Can't update from USB

When you try to update your PS4 via USB and it fails, it means either your USB storage device is corrupted, your USB connection is malfunctioning, or the PS4 system itself is corrupted and must be reinstalled.