A console turning itself on can certainly be a bit disconcerting. If you’re on the superstitious side, you might even suspect that your PS4 is possessed or haunted. We’re pleased to let you know that’s probably not the case.
Your PlayStation 4 is likely turning on due to HDMI Device Link, which allows your PS4 and TV to communicate, so when you turn one on, they both activate. This can typically be disabled on the TV. If that’s not the cause, your PS4 probably needs a restart or software update.
HDMI Device Link is the likely culprit behind your mysteriously active PS4. However, if that isn’t the issue you’re having, you may need to troubleshoot a bit further or contact PlayStation Support for assistance. Let’s look at why this problem occurs and some of the possible ways to fix it.
Why Does My PS4 Automatically Turn On?
A PS4 turning on by itself can be an annoying — and slightly concerning — situation. But chances are that your PlayStation 4 is completely fine and just needs a quick fix.
The most likely reason your PlayStation 4 is turning on by itself is due to a feature called the HDMI Device Link. This feature allows your PS4 and TV to interact, so that when you turn on the PS4, the TV will turn on, and vice versa. Luckily, the feature can be toggled on and off quite easily.
However, if turning off the HDMI Device Link isn’t helping, you may be experiencing glitches and bugs for other reasons. Here are a few more common reasons why the PS4 might automatically turn on:
- Hardware Issues
- Software Bugs
- Compatibility Problems
How to Fix a PS4 That Turns On By Itself
Here are some potential fixes to try on your PS4 if it’s turning itself on:
Disable HDMI Device Link
Disabling HDMI Device Link should solve your issue. However, you’ll have to disable this feature on both your PlayStation 4 and the television. Each TV has different ways to do this, so consult your manufacturer, owner’s manual, or Google.
In the meantime, here’s how to disable HDMI Device Link on the PlayStation 4:
- From the PS4 home screen, go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Scroll until you see Enable HDMI Device Link; ensure the box is unchecked and disabled.
- Restart your console.
Again, you’ll probably have to disable this feature on your TV as well. Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s support website or owner’s manual for the best way to do so. If this process didn’t resolve your issue, follow the troubleshooting methods below.
Restart Your Console
Have you tried turning it on and off again? This may seem like an obvious option, but if you haven’t tried already, restart your console. Many users report that this solves the problem for them.
- Turn off your PS4 by pressing and holding the power button for 30 seconds until you hear two beeps.
- Unplug the power cables, HDMI cables, and any other cords.
- Wait 3-5 minutes, plug the console back in, and reboot.
If your PS4 has stopped turning on automatically, you’re all set. If not, continue on to the other options below.
Check for a Software Update
Installing the latest system software update may or may not resolve your issue. However, this is a necessary part of the troubleshooting process. Here are the steps to update your system software on the PS4:
- Select Settings from the home menu using your PS4 controller.
- Choose System Software Update.
- Select the option Update Now.
- Follow the prompts provided, choose Next, and wait for the download to complete. You’ll see the license agreement when the download is finished.
- Accept the software update.
- The software update should begin to install. Your PS4 may restart during the update.
Check Your Outlets and HDMI Ports
Checking your outlets and HDMI Ports is another way to troubleshoot the issue. Make sure your wall outlets are working correctly by comparing other devices.
Check all of your PS4 cables and ports for any damage or problems. You can even use an air duster to clean out any dust or debris at this point.
Restore Your PS4 to the Default Factory Settings
Another way you can troubleshoot this issue is by restoring your PS4 to the default factory settings in safe mode. Follow the steps below to begin.
- Hold down the Power button until your PS4 turns off.
- Keep holding the Power button down until your PS4 enters Safe Mode. You’ll know you’ve entered Safe Mode after hearing a beep.
- Press the PS button on your controller.
- You’ll see the options Change Resolution, Rebuild Database, and Restore Default Settings.
- Select either Rebuild Database or Restore Default Settings.
- Select Restart.
Rebuild Database won’t delete anything unless there’s a corrupted game file. Restore Default Settings will delete all data not backed up on the Cloud, so use this solution only as a last-ditch effort to fix your PS4.
“Initialize” Your PS4
If none of the solutions above resolves your issue, you may want to initialize your PS4 and re-install the system software from scratch. Keep in mind that this process will completely wipe your console clean and delete any data that isn’t backed up.
To do so, follow the steps above but instead of choosing Rebuild Database, select Initialize PS4.
Turn Off Nightly Updates
One possible reason why your PS4 is turning itself on is to conduct nightly updates. This is a feature that allows the machine to automatically download updates at night. To turn it off, proceed as follows:
- Go to your PlayStation 4 Settings.
- Choose the option System.
- Disable the Automatic Downloads option.
Check Your Input Settings
Signal and input issues can cause odd malfunctions, so it’s worth it to check these out as well.
Try switching the input channels on your display and then changing it back. For example, you may need to switch from the HDMI 1 port to the HDMI 2 port and then back to HDMI 1. Afterward, you can restart your game, console, and monitor to see if the problem is resolved.
If you aren’t sure how to access the input settings on your monitor, consult the instruction manual or the manufacturer’s website. You may also need to purchase new cables if yours are damaged. Luckily, you can find HDMI cables (on Amazon) at affordable prices.
Check the Hard Drive
Loose hardware and shifting hard drives can cause your PS4 to malfunction. If you have some tech experience, you can see if your PS4 hard drive is seated correctly. Keep in mind that this can void your warranty, so proceed with caution.
- First, hold down the power button until your PS4 turns off.
- Disconnect all the PS4 cables.
- Remove the hard disk drive cover and check the alignment.
- If you notice the alignment is off, you can unfasten the hard drive screw and realign the hard drive.
- Afterward, fasten the screw and put the hard disk drive cover back on.
- Plug all the cables in, turn your PS4 on, and see if it boots as expected.
What You Can Do if Nothing Else Works
If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting methods and you’re still experiencing issues, don’t panic. Although automatic start-ups can be annoying, you still have a few options available to you to resolve the issue.
Disconnect Any Accessories
Different third-party devices and accessories can cause issues. Be sure to disconnect any gadgets or accessories. Accessories and devices can include headphones, adapters, microphones, etc. If you have multiple accessories, unplug them one at a time to determine if a specific device is causing the issue.
Contact PlayStation
If your PlayStation 4 is still acting up, you should consider contacting PlayStation Support. You can visit the official PlayStation Support page to find similar issues or speak with an agent.
Alternatively, you can call them directly at 1-800-345-7669. If your console is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a refund or professional service.
Check the Hardware
Be sure to check the buttons on your controller and on the console itself. Sometimes sticky buttons can cause the PlayStation 4 to act up or malfunction. Try cleaning between the buttons to remove any dirt, dust, debris, or other gooey bits.
Regularly Update and Configure Your Software
Ensuring your console is using the latest software update can help you avoid malfunctions and problems in the future. If you don’t have your PS4 set to automatic updates, either update the software manually or enable the feature.
If you get a new peripheral or device, configure it in the settings to ensure it’s working correctly.