Have you been experiencing goosebumps caused by your PS4 turning on all by itself? Sounds really creepy, but the good news is this is a common issue and is not isolated; best of all, there are timely hacks you can do to keep your console in check.
A PS4 turning on by itself can be fixed by performing a restart process, rebuilding its database, restoring its default settings, updating its software, or initializing it. You can also turn off its HDMI Device Link and Automatic Downloads features.
Don’t worry about the details. In this post, we’ll lay them all out for you; specifically, we’re showing all the steps you need to factor in nine of the most effective solutions for a PS4 console that turns on by itself, so we recommend you read up.
Why does the PS4 turn on by itself?
Come to think of it, it’s safe to conclude no ghost is taking over your console. With that said, below are some of the most common causes of this electronics issue; studying them should be half the battle.
1. Power Issues
Power-related issues are a common cause of various issues on the PS4 console, so it isn’t surprising if it’s the culprit behind your current predicament. Regarding power issues, the usual suspects are the power cable and outlet you’re using.
If one of them is faulty, that will cause your PS4 console not to receive sufficient power to work as intended. Thus, checking for power issues on your console is a good first step when troubleshooting the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue.
2. Problematic Hardware
Sometimes, your PS4 activates itself due to faulty hardware, which can cause further damage if left unattended. In particular, circuit failure in the APU inside your console’s CPU is a common cause of auto-startup issues.
It’s more reason to avoid power-related issues on your PS4, as it usually causes hardware damage to emerge. Depending on the severity of the hardware damage, your PS4 console may or may not be repairable.
3. WiFi Connectivity Issues
Faulty WiFi connectivity can also cause various self-running issues on your PS4, making it the less ideal connection option. It’s why using a wired connection via an ethernet cable is the best way to connect to the internet.
Unless a wireless connection is your only option, it’s always best to ditch it in favor of a wired connection. This way, you get better speed and reliability, which translates to fewer issues to deal with.
4. Overheating and Memory Shortage
Letting your PS4 console overheat and run low on storage space will inevitably cause it to shut down and turn on by itself during use suddenly. As such, you must constantly monitor the temperature and remaining memory of your PS4 console.
There’s a reason Sony recommends placing your PS4 in a room with proper ventilation as it helps dissipate heat better. Lest you forget, room temperature affects your console whether you like it or not.
5. HDMI-CEC
The HDMI-CEC feature is available on most devices that have HDMI capabilities, which includes your PS4 console and the TV it’s plugged into. This feature is handy as it lets you control your PS4 console using a TV remote.
It only becomes a problem when the TV remote turns on the PS4 console when you don’t intend to. As such, HDMI-CEC has its downside, even though it’s a good feature to have in general.
6. Automatic Update Checks
Believe it or not, you can configure your PS4 to check for updates even when it’s not in use, granted that you left it in rest mode. It’s made possible by the console’s Automatic Downloads feature, which checks for updates from the internet.
During the update check, your PS4 console will turn on itself even when left unattended, making this the likely cause of your problem. In a sense, it’s another way you could get goosebumps if you’re not careful.
How to Fix PlayStation Turns on by Itself
Below are the most potent fixes we’ve prepared for you to try and troubleshoot your problematic PS4 console.
FIX 1. Restart your PS4
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 1 minute and 10 seconds |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controllerA working power/wall outlet |
Since minor errors can cause the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue, a simple solution you can do is restart your console. This action is a good way of shutting down all apps, games, and programs running on your PS4 console.
The idea behind this solution is to reset your PS4 console’s system, which will refresh its system memory at the same time. It allows the console to correct any minor errors while simultaneously improving its overall performance.
However, we don’t recommend using the restart function on your PS4’s quick menu since it’s usually better to perform it manually. What we mean by a manual restart is turning your PS4 console off and on by shutting it down and powering it like normal.
With this, you can unplug the power cable of your PS4 from the power outlet and the console itself. This extra step will count as a power cycle and help drain some of your PS4 console’s residual electrical charges, which causes various minor errors.
Step 1: Press and hold the PS button on your PS4 controller while on the console’s home screen to open its Quick Menu. |
Step 2: Scroll down and click Turn Off PS4 to shut down the console. |
Step 3: Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and the back of your PS4 console. |
Step 4: Keep the PS4 console unplugged for at least 60 seconds and press its power button to turn it back on. |
FIX 2. Turn off HDMI Device Link on your PS4
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 20 seconds |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controller |
The HDMI Device Link feature on your PS4 allows the console to connect with other HDMI-CEC capable devices like your smart TV and use its remote control. It allows you to operate your smart TV and PS4 console with a single remote control.
After all, HDMI-CEC gives the connected HDMI devices partial control over each other. Because of this feature, you get more remote control options for your console since you can operate them with either the TV remote or the PS4 controller.
It means you can turn on your TV using the PS4 controller or turn on your PS4 using the TV remote. Unfortunately, the convenience factor that HDMI-CEC offers may also be the root cause of the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue you’re experiencing now.
Since it allows your TV remote to turn on your PS4 console, it’s possible to do this by accident when watching a show or movie. As such, it might be better to turn off this feature, especially when you plan on not using your PS4 console for a while.
Step 1: Scroll up the PS4 home screen to open its control panel and scroll right to open Settings. |
Step 2: Scroll down the console’s settings menu and select System. |
Step 3: Scroll down the system settings and click Enable HDMI Device Link to uncheck the box beside it. |
Once this feature is disabled on your PS4 console, we also recommend turning off HDMI-CEC on your smart TV. Please note that the process of doing this and the name of the HDMI-CEC feature will vary between TV models and brands.
You can check the support page for your smart TV model or its user manual to find out how to disable its HDMI-CEC feature. In the meantime, below is an example of how to turn this feature off on an Amazon Firestick/Fire TV.
Turn off HDMI-CEC on the TV that’s connected to your PS4
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 20 seconds |
| Things Needed | A TV remote control |
Step 1: Go to your TV’s Settings menu. |
Step 2: Scroll right and select the Display & Sounds tile. |
Step 3: Scroll down and click HDMI-CEC Device Control. |
Step 4: Scroll down to Power Control and turn it off to prevent the TV from turning on your PS4 console when they’re connected. |
FIX 3. Disable your PS4’s auto-update feature
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 20 seconds |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controllerA working power outlet |
PS4 consoles have an auto-update feature that allows them to check and download software updates. When enabled, your PS4 turns on by itself every night without your input to conduct its regular software update check schedule.
Aside from software updates, your PS4 will also check for game and app updates using this auto-update feature. However, this only works if you keep your console plugged into a power source and in rest mode while it’s not in use.
Your PS4 console must also be set to remain connected to the Internet whenever it’s in rest mode. It’s also possible for the PS4 console to turn on by itself through remote connections with the PS4 Link app, PS Vita, PS TV, and mobile devices.
If your PS4 console isn’t configured to do all of those, then there shouldn’t be any cause for concern from them causing it to turn on by itself. Turn off automatic downloads on your PS4 console so you don’t leave any stones unturned.
Step 1: Scroll up the PS4 home screen to open its control panel and scroll right to open Settings. |
Step 2: Scroll down the console’s settings menu and select System. |
Step 3: Scroll down and click Automatic Downloads. |
Step 4: Click Feature Content, System Software Update Files, and Application Update Files to uncheck the boxes beside them. |
FIX 4. Inspect the power outlet and HDMI port
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 1 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | A multimeter or voltmeterA surge protectorA cotton swabA can of compressed air |
A faulty power outlet is a common cause of power issues on your PS4 console, making it turn on by itself. Voltage fluctuation from your power outlet might cause the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue to occur if the console is always kept plugged in.
We recommend using a multimeter or voltmeter to check the voltage on your power outlets to make sure that they’re safe for your PS4 console. If your area is prone to power surges, it might not be a good idea to plug the console directly into an outlet.
Instead, we suggest plugging your PS4 console into a surge protector that connects to the power outlet. Doing so will protect your PS4 console from any power surges and voltage fluctuations, saving it from the risk of getting hardware damage.
It’s also advisable to check the HDMI ports on your PS4 console and TV to ensure there isn’t any dirt or dust buildup that can cause an error in the connection. You can clean these HDMI ports using a cotton swab or a can of compressed air.
If cleaning the HDMI ports doesn’t help in fixing the problem, we suggest switching between all available ports until you find one that’s working without any issues. You can also try different HDMI cables in case the one you’re using is damaged or faulty.
FIX 5. Check for a PS4 software update
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 5 minutes |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controllerA working internet connection |
Keeping your PS4 console updated to the latest system software version helps reduce the likelihood of experiencing errors. It’s because software updates usually bring in bug fixes and performance upgrades for the PS4 console.
If “turning on by itself” has been a recurring issue for your PS4 console, we think that the software update has a good chance of finally fixing it. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Scroll up the PS4 home screen to open its control panel and scroll right to open Settings. |
Step 2: Scroll down the settings menu and click System Software Update. |
Step 3: Click Next and continue the software update. |
Step 4: Click Update to allow your console to download the software update. |
Step 5: Wait while your PS4 downloads the software update. |
Step 6: Wait again while your PS4 installs the downloaded software update. |
Step 7: Wait again while your PS4 restarts and loads its new system software. |
FIX 6. Set up a wired connection
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | An ethernet cable |
Since WiFi connectivity is a possible cause of the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue, it only makes sense to switch to a wired connection. Doing so allows you to avoid the problems that are tied to using a wireless internet connection.
Plus, a wired connection has various advantages over a WiFi connection, providing you with a faster and more stable internet connection.
You’re also not prone to disconnection issues due to signal interference since a wired connection doesn’t rely on signal strength.
Step 1: Plug an ethernet cable into a WiFi router. |
Step 2: Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into the PS4 console. |
Step 3: Scroll up the PS4 home screen to open its control panel and scroll right to open Settings. |
Step 4: Scroll down the settings menu and click Network. |
Step 5: Scroll down the network menu and click Set Up Internet Connection. |
Step 6: Click Use a LAN Cable. |
Step 7: Click the Easy option. |
Step 8: Wait while your PS4 updates its network settings and click Test Internet Connection to check if the console can connect to the Internet. |
FIX 7. Rebuild the PS4’s database
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 10 to 30 minutes |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controllerA Micro USB to USB Type-A cable |
If your PS4 is shutting down and turning on by itself due to memory shortage, you can rebuild its database to delete its cached memory. This action is a good alternative if you don’t want to delete games and game data files on your PS4 console’s storage.
Plus, rebuilding the PS4’s database will also eliminate any corrupt data from the console’s system. You’ll find this helpful since corrupt data can cause various errors and malfunctions on the console, including the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue.
Since corrupt data is also known to affect your PS4’s WiFi connectivity, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone using this method. We think all of that makes rebuilding your PS4’s database an overall effective and efficient solution to use.
Step 1: Connect the PS4 console and its controller via a USB cable. Note: Your PS4 console must be turned off. |
Step 2: Press and hold the PS4’s power button for 7 seconds or until you hear 2 beeps. |
Step 3: Press the PS button on the controller to enter the console’s Safe Mode. Note: If that didn’t enter you into Safe Mode, we recommend switching to a different controller or USB cable. |
Step 4: Scroll down and select 5. Rebuild Database. |
Step 5: Click OK to begin. Note: This process only takes several minutes to finish even though the console warns that it might take some time. |
| Step 6: Wait while your PS4 rebuilds its database. |
FIX 8. Restore the PS4’s default settings
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | A PS4 controllerA Micro USB to USB Type-A cable |
We also recommend restoring the default settings of your console if none of the solutions above worked for you. This action will delete the settings configuration on your PS4 console and revert it to its initial values.
It’s an effective way of fixing various PS4 issues that are caused by system malfunctions and errors. Plus, it’s easier to perform compared to reconfiguring the settings on your PS4 console one at a time.
You also don’t lose the games and apps installed on your PS4 console with this method so there’s not much to lose for you. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that you’ll lose some progress on your achievements and trophies, although very rarely.
| Step 1: Connect the PS4 console and its controller via a USB cable. Note: Your PS4 console must be turned off. |
| Step 2: Press and hold the PS4’s power button for 7 seconds or until you hear 2 beeps. |
Step 3: Press the PS button on the controller to enter the console’s Safe Mode. Note: If that didn’t enter you into Safe Mode, we recommend switching to a different controller or USB cable. |
Step 4: Scroll down and select 4. Restore Default Settings. |
Step 5: Click Yes to begin. |
Step 6: Wait while your PS4 console initializes and restarts afterward. |
Step 7: Follow the instructions on the display screen and set up your PS4 console again. |
FIX 9. Initialize your PS4.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | A working PS4 controller |
The last thing we suggest you try is initializing your PS4 console if rebuilding its database or restoring its default settings didn’t fix the issue. This method is a last resort option that will wipe your PS4 console clean like it’s a brand-new device.
Do note that you can restore the deleted content if you perform a backup process before initializing your PS4 console. After the initialization, you also need to set up and reconfigure your PS4 console.
| Step 1: Connect the PS4 console and its controller via a USB cable. Note: Your PS4 console must be turned off. |
| Step 2: Press and hold the PS4’s power button for 7 seconds or until you hear 2 beeps. |
| Step 3: Press the PS button on the controller to enter the console’s Safe Mode. Note: If that didn’t enter you into Safe Mode, we recommend switching to a different controller or USB cable. |
Step 4: Scroll down and select 6. Initialize PS4. |
Step 5: Click OK to begin. |
| Step 6: Wait while your PS4 initializes so you can set it up again afterward. |
What You Can Do if Nothing Else Works
If none of the solutions above were able to fix the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue, there are a few remaining options that you can still try.
1. Keep your PS4 unplugged
Instead of troubleshooting your PS4 console, keeping it unplugged when not in use is a surefire way to prevent it from turning on by itself. Without power, your console will not turn on even with Automatic Downloads and HDMI-CEC features enabled.
Unless, of course, you really have a ghost in the house.
2. Have your PS4 checked for faulty APU or CPU
Bringing your PS4 console to your local repair or electronics shop is a good way to get its hardware checked for damage. You can also do this with your nearest PlayStation store but you have to contact them to make sure they do consultations.
During the consultation, you want a technician to look into your PS4’s APU or CPU to ensure that they’re working like normal. If those components aren’t the cause of the problem, they can help you identify and address the actual cause of the problem.
3. Avoid using third-party peripherals and accessories
If you’re using some third-party peripherals and accessories on your PS4, we suggest stopping now before they cause further damage to your console. Most third-party cheaper devices don’t comply with global safety standards.
There are third-party accessories that are safe to use on your PS4 console but you need to exercise caution when using them. We suggest observing your due diligence and doing extensive research before buying and using such devices on your PS4.
4. Contact PlayStation support
Another thing you can try to do is visit PlayStation’s support page so you can ask their agents for further assistance. You can do this to engage in a live chat with a PS customer service agent so they can help address the problem with your console.
Please note that a PC or smartphone that’s connected to the Internet is needed to perform this task. You also need to log in to your PlayStation account before you can send your inquiries to their customer support.
5. Buy a new PS4 or PS5 console
The most expensive solution for the “PS4 turns on by itself” issue is to just buy a new console. If you’ve had your PS4 for a long time already, the recurring issues you’re experiencing on it might be a sign that you’re in dire need of an upgrade.
If you are able, we suggest getting a new PS5 console since it’s future-proof and it has backward compatibility so you can continue to enjoy your PS4 games on it.
Otherwise, getting a new PS4 in 2023 also isn’t a bad idea, with its massive library of games.
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