The PlayStation 4 uses a variety of beep codes to indicate that the device is malfunctioning in some way or that it’s working properly. The beep codes are used to identify and troubleshoot issues within the console. So why does your PS4 seemingly beep randomly or when it’s turned off?
The PS4 beeps for a variety of reasons. Most are standard occurrences, but some beep codes indicate major issues. Typically, a PS4 will beep when detecting hardware issues like faulty connections and loose screws. A console may also beep to warn you that it’s overheating.
Although beeping can indicate a serious issue, there’s no need to panic. Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to determine the problem. With proper troubleshooting, you can resolve your issue and get your console working again.
9 Reasons Why the PS4 Beeps
There are various reasons why your PS4 might be beeping. It could be a major hardware issue like faulty connections or loose screws. It might also be because the console is overheating.
Here are some other situations that might cause the console to beep:
- Wake up using the controller (“Keep Application Suspended” disabled).
- Wake up using the controller while a game is suspended.
- Wake up using the power button (“Keep Application Suspended” disabled).
- Wake up using the power button while a game is suspended.
- Wake up by putting a disk in the disk tray (PS4 won’t take the disk for the first couple of seconds after waking up).
- Put in Rest Mode using the power button.
- Eject disk using the eject button.
- Pressing the eject button while no disk is present (PS4 beeps twice).
- Improper shut down due to PS4 crashing (PS4 beeps multiple times).
Additionally, experiencing three beeps at start-up indicates errors in the base memory or RAM, or that the motherboard timer isn’t working properly. Like other RAM and motherboard issues, this isn’t something you’ll be able to fix on your own. You’ll have to consult an experienced technician to handle the three beep error codes.
What Does the Beeping Sound Mean?
The PlayStation 4 runs a Power-On Self Test (POST) when it’s turned on. The PS4 runs this test to see if the hardware components are working properly.
The test runs before the system displays anything on the monitor, so if any problems are detected, the console won’t boot.
How to Fix PS4 Beeping
Beeping sounds can be a normal occurrence or an indicator of a major issue. Thankfully, there are troubleshooting options available to you. Follow along to identify your problem and resolve the issue.
Try Restarting Your PS4
Have you tried turning the console on and off again? This may be an obvious question and first instinct, but if you haven’t, restart your console. Many users have reported this solves the problem or mitigates the issue.
- 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 five minutes, plug the console back in, and reboot.
- If your PS4 has stopped beeping, congratulations! If not, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Update to the Latest Firmware
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.
Disassemble the PS4 and Clean the Inside
Overheating can cause your PS4 to malfunction, resulting in annoying beeping sounds. Cleaning any dust and debris is one way to prevent your PS4 from beeping.
You can fully disassemble your console by removing the screws on the outer shell. From there, you can use a can of compressed air to spray away any dust or debris. You can also use a low-powered vacuum on the vents to suck up any particles.
Keep in mind that disassembling your PS4 may result in a voided warranty.
Contact PlayStation
Contacting PlayStation Support is another way to troubleshoot any beeping issues. First, you can search through their site to see if your issue has already been resolved.
Otherwise, you can contact them directly in hopes of a solution, refund, or professional help. If you have a warranty, it may be best to contact them before taking anything apart.
Cover the Eject Button
Many users have solved the PS4 beeping problem by covering the eject button sensor. The eject button can cause issues if the screws are loose, resulting in ejected discs and beeping sounds.
However, this solution will void your warranty. You’re better off using a different solution if you don’t want to void your warranty.
- Turn off your PS4 and remove all cables.
- Remove the seals and screws from the front fuselage shell with the Sony logo. From there, remove the faceplate revealing the panel underneath.
- Clean the dust from these panels using a can of air duster(on Amazon). Be sure to angle the air duster properly to avoid any damage.
- Afterward, you’ll need to remove the outer shell of the PS4 to access the sensor. To do this, flip the console around. You should notice three screws. Remove these screws.
- You should now have your PS4 cover removed, exposing the fan, hard drive, and a bit of the motherboard.
- Spray the cover and exposed components with the air duster. Be careful to avoid damaging any parts.
- You’ll notice a bit of exposed green motherboard near the fan of your PS4. You’ll see a shiny metal rectangle on the exposed motherboard. This is the PS4 eject sensor.
- You can use either electrical tape or scotch tape over this sensor. This prevents the sensor from activating, meaning your PS4 should stop ejecting disks randomly.
- From there, put the PS4 cover back on as usual, along with the three screws.
- Finally, plug in your PS4 and all cables. Turn the console back on to see if the issue is resolved.
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, unplug them one at a time to determine if a specific device is causing the beeping issue.
Check Your Outlets and HDMI Ports
Checking your outlets and HDMI Ports are other ways to troubleshoot the beeping 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.
Clean the Game Disk
Cleaning the disk itself is never a bad idea. Be sure to use a lint-free cleaning cloth designed explicitly for Blu-ray Discs or DVDs, like the Allsop FastWipes (on Amazon). Using other fabrics such as T-shirts, paper towels, or washcloths can be too abrasive and cause more damage.
Rebuild the PS4 Database
If you experience random beeping sounds, your database might be corrupted. Rebuilding your console’s database is a crucial step to resolving random errors and glitches. Here’s how you can rebuild the PS4 database.
- 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.
What If My PS4 Won’t Stop Beeping?
Unfortunately, you may need to seek out professional services if your PS4 is suffering from three beeps or the troubleshooting solutions above haven’t solved your issue. Three beeps can indicate motherboard, RAM, CPU, and hard drive malfunctions.
You should start by contacting PlayStation support to begin troubleshooting these issues.