PS4 Tips, Tricks and Fixes

[Mavrick]

PS4: Safe Mode

If you are having trouble starting your PlayStation®4, Safe Mode allows you to start the PS4™ with the minimum required functionality. Once in Safe Mode, there several menu options that may help you correct issues and allow your PlayStation 4 to start normally.

Sony does not recommend using the options in Safe Mode unless you are experiencing issues with the PlayStation 4. Some of these options could result in loss of data.

Starting the PS4 in Safe Mode

1. Turn off the PlayStation 4 by pressing the power button on the front panel. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
2. Once the PlayStation 4 is off, press and hold the power button. Release it after you've heard two beeps: one when you initially press, and another 7 seconds later.
3. Connect the DualShock 4 controller with the provided USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.

Safe Mode Options

The following options are available in Safe Mode:

1. Restart System - Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PlayStation 4 normally.
2. Change Resolution - Changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PlayStation 4 is restarted.
3. Update System Software - Allows the PlayStation 4 to update the system software via Internet, USB Drive, or Disc.
4. Restore Default Settings - Restores the PlayStation 4 to the default factory settings.
5. Rebuild Database - Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
6. Initialize PS4 - IMPORTANT: All data and settings will be lost by performing this step. Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 to as if it just came out of the box. This option is the same as [Initialize PS4 ] in the (Settings) menu. System software (firmware) is not deleted.
7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) - IMPORTANT: Deletes all information on the HDD, including the System Software. A message that states a USB storage device containing the System Software must be connected, is displayed. Then you can confirm the selection.

PS4: Mannually Eject a Stuck Disc

In the unlikely event a disc (game, Blu-ray, or DVD) becomes stuck in your PlayStation®4, follow the process below to manually eject it.


What you will need:

• PlayStation 4 with a stuck disc inside
• A well-lit room with a table to work on
• A slender Phillips-head screwdriver (jeweler's screwdrivers work best)
• A small flashlight (optional)

Step 1: Remove the glossy section of the cover

1. Turn off the PS4.
2. Unplug the power, HDMI, and any other cables from the back of your PS4 system.
3. On a clean, flat, surface place the PS4 in front of you so the front of the system is on the left. (The PS logo on the top of the PS4 should be right side up.)
   
   
   
4. Place you palms on the glossy panel and let your fingers rest on the far side of the console.
   
   
   
5. Apply moderate, even pressure near the seam with your palms, and using your fingers as leverage, slide the glossy panel away from you.
   
   
   
6. A click will be heard, and the panel will move about 1/4". Lift the panel off starting from the left side.

Step 2: Locate the manual eject screw & remove the disc

1. With the glossy panel removed, you will see two sets of vents lining the outer left edge. Follow the slot from the front locate the first "single" slot (it's the slot not grouped with any other slots) in the vent.
   
   
   
2. Shine a light down through this slot to locate the manual eject screw
   
   
   
3. Slide the small screw driver into the vent slot and turn the screw counter-clockwise until the disc can be seen peeking out of the disc slot. This may take 3-6 rotations of the screw. Very little effort is required to turn the screw.
   
   
   
4. Grab the disc by hand, and pull it out of the slot.

Step 3: Put everything back together

1. Replace the glossy panel. Place it over the exposed section of the PS4, about 1/4 of inch away from the seam. Then, slide the panel towards seam until it clicks into place.
   
   
   
2. Connect the HDMI, power, and any other cables that were disconnected in Step 1.
3. Power on the PS4 to make sure everything is functioning properly.

That's it, you are done!

Upgrade PS4 HDD

Overview

There are four main steps to replacing a hard disk drive. Each of these is explained in detail in this article.

1. Back up your data.
2. Replace the hard disk drive.
3. Reinstall the system software.
4. Restore data that has been backed up.

Back up saved data for games

You can copy saved data that is stored on the PS4™ system to a USB storage device. You can also copy saved games to the cloud if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber.

1. Connect a USB storage device to the system.
2. Select (Settings) from the function screen.
3. Select [Application Saved Data Management] > [Saved Data in System Storage] > [Copy to USB Storage Device].
4. Select a title.
5. Press X to add a checkmark in the checkbox for the saved data you want to copy, and then select [Copy].

To back up saved data, you must update the system software and be signed in to PSN.

Replace the hard disk drive

1. Make sure the PS4 it turned completely off. When the power indicator is off, the system is completely off. If the power indicator is lit up in orange, the system is in standby mode. Exit standby mode.
2. Unplug the AC power cord, and then disconnect the other cables from the system.
3. For safety reasons, remove the plug for AC power cord from the electrical outlet, and then detach the other cables.
4. Slide the HDD bay cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it.
   
   
   
5. Remove the HDD.
   • Remove the screw.
   • Pull the HDD toward the front of the system to remove it.
   
   
   
6. Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the screws (four places). Do not remove the rubber inserts from the screw holes.
   
   
   
7. Place the replacement HDD on the mounting bracket for the PS4™ system's HDD, and then attach using the screws (four places). Do not over-tighten the screws.
8. Attach the HDD to the system using the screw. Be sure to fully insert the HDD in the HDD bay.

If you lose the HDD bay cover, screws, mounting bracket, or any other parts, contact technical support for assistance.

Install the system software

After the HDD has been replaced, the system software must be reinstalled. Using a computer, save a system software update file for reinstallation to a USB storage device. (1GB free space)

Click here for instructions regarding downloading and performing the reinstallation update.

Copying backed up saved data for games to the PS4™ system

You can copy saved data from a USB storage device to the PS4™ system by performing the following steps.

1. Connect a USB storage device to the system.
2. Select (Settings) from the function screen.
3. Select [Application Saved Data Management] > [Saved Data on USB Storage Device] > [Copy to System Storage].
4. Select a title.
5. Press X to add a checkmark in the checkbox for the saved data you want to copy, and then select [Copy].

You must be signed in with the same PSNSM account used when you first copied the saved data.

If you backed up your saved games to the cloud using PlayStation Plus, you can safely restore them now.