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PlayStation 4 Error Code Troubleshooting Guide

Written by: Vineet Gaikwad
PS4 Error Codes

They must be annoying when they happen, but PlayStation 4 error codes are essential for troubleshooting the console. Without them you can’t know for sure what broke and what needs to be fixed. This methodology for troubleshooting wasn’t implemented in the first few versions of the console, but it started properly with the PS3 series, continued on the PSP and PS4, as well as on the newly released PS5, we wrote about them here: PS5 error codes. Now, as with every problem out there, in most cases there’s a simple solution behind it, which is the reason why we’re going to start off with the most common steps towards solving your error, from cable to updates and restarts. Let’s jump in:


What Are the First Steps Towards Solving Most PS4 Issues?

The first step towards troubleshooting your PS4 that can help you resolve many of the common PS4 error codes are –

  1. If your console isn’t turning on properly, check your cables – The most important cables you need to know about are the Power, HDMI and LAN cables. If your console is giving you trouble with power output, display or internet connections, this is where you start. First check your cables to ensure they aren’t physically damaged or loose in their sockets – something HDMI cables are infamous for. If you spot a damaged cable, replace it as soon as you can.
  2. If your console keeps giving you errors, get familiar with the safe mode – Many error codes are fixed through the options listed in the safe mode so if you haven’t already, getting familiar with it will serve you a long way. Accessing the safe mode is easy. Just ensure your console is powered off, hold the power button until you hear the second beep and connect your controller using the USB cable to select from a number of options. The Safe Mode allows you to restart your PS4, change resolution, update firmware, restore your settings to default, factory reset all data, and turn on HDCP mode.
  3. For an easy fix, try restarting your PS4/PS4 Pro. This might seem rudimentary to most of us, but many people often forget the simplest of things in a state of panic when they face a PS4 error code for the first time. Regardless, restarting your PlayStation can be a simple fix for many of the errors out there. Simply power off your console for a few minutes and then turn it back on to see if your issue has been fixed.
  4. If your console is outdated, update the firmware. Some bugs or game error codes are connected to outdated versions of your firmware, so a good idea is to update it to the newest version. There are three ways to do this –
    1. Update through settings – Simply go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and launch the update. PS4 will download the update and install it by itself – just follow any instructions that pop up on the screen.
    2. Update through safe mode – If, for any reason, you can’t access your Settings menu then you can easily start an update using safe mode. Access safe mode as we explained in the steps above and select option no.3 to ‘Update System Software’. Your PS4 should start automatically downloading an update from the internet.
    3. Update through USB drive – If your PS4 can’t access the internet and you want to update your console offline, consider using a USB drive to update your console. To do this, go to the official PlayStation 4 update page and download the update file onto your PC. Now, ensure that your USB drive is in the FAT32 format and create a folder named ‘PS4’ on it with another folder inside it named ‘Update’. Copy the downloaded file and save it into the Update folder as ‘PS4UPDATE.PUP’ with the exact same characters. Plug the USB in your console, start it in safe mode and select option no.3. This time, select Update from USB Storage Device > OK from the popup that appears.
  5. If you are facing connection issues, check if the server is down. The PSN (PlayStation Network) goes under maintenance every two months or so. If you are suddenly facing connection issues out of the blue, visit the PSN status page to ensure that it’s not the servers causing the problem. If you do find out the servers are under maintenance, simply wait it out for about 8-12 hours by which the maintenance should get over.
  6. If you are facing stuttering or freezing, power cycle your PS4 – This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to fixing the performance on console titles and is commonly used for both Xbox and PS devices. Power cycling is very similar to a restart, only more drastic and effective in nature. To do this, turn off your console and plug out its power cord from the socket. Click the power button and see if it lights up – if it does, hold it until it doesn’t light up anymore. Wait for a minute or two and then power on your console to see if it fixed the issue.
  7. If you are getting payment errors, check your payment information – Just like any other major corporation, Sony takes their money very seriously. If you have an active subscription of any of their PS services, such as the PS Now, make sure to check your payment information from time to time. You can do this by going into Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Select Wallet > Payment Methods. Having an expired credit card or an inactive bank account as your active payment method will bite you down the road and can lead to accessibility limitations and account suspensions – a mess that you absolutely do not want to deal with.

PlayStation 4 Networking Related Error Codes

The PS4 is a decade old console and it can have trouble keeping up with modern routers and modems with their ever-increasing bandwidths. Since the network system is a little outdated for its time, you can occasionally see networking issues during normal gameplay that disable you from accessing the PSN and online features. This section will help you navigate those issues and get you back online again.

Error Code WC-40383-8

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Network

WC-40383-8 Error Explained: This error code indicates the PlayStation Network (PSN) is under maintenance or that your connection is unstable.

How to solve WC-40383-8: First, visit the PSN status page to check if the servers are under maintenance. If the servers aren’t down, check if your own internet is working properly with another device. If it is, turn off your PS4 and unplug both the console and your modem for at least five minutes. This will reset your connection and hopefully any other errors attached to them. Turn your router on first and then your PS4 to see if it fixes the issue. If it doesn’t, reset your PS4’s network settings and try connecting again.

If the issue persists: Update your console through offline means through an USB drive containing the new update.

Error Code NP-34957-8

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Network

NP-34957-8 Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunction within the server communication.

How to solve NP-34957-8: Check the PSN status page to see if servers are under maintenance. If you have an Ethernet cable, try using a wired connection to your console from the router. If even that doesn’t fix the issue, unplug your PS4 and console, power-cycle it and turn it on again after you are done.

Error Code CE-32894-6

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Network

CE-32894-6 Error Explained: This error code indicates a lost connection to the server. It can be either a problem connecting to the network or a temporarily busy server.

How to solve CE-32894-6: Verify that the servers aren’t under maintenance by checking the PSN status page. If they are fine, check the connection status of the console in Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. If the issue lies in your own network, reset your local connection by restarting your router or modem. You can also try using a wired connection to see if it fixes the issue.

If the issue persists: Contact your Internet Service Provider to help you open the following ports:

TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480

UDP: 3478, 3479.

Alternatively, wait and reconnect later, as the server might be under heavy traffic.

Error Code WS-37469-9

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Network

WS-37469-9 Error Explained: This error code indicates a failed server connection.

How to solve WS-37469-9:  As always, check the server status on the PSN status page. Reset your console and router. Let them power off for about 10 minutes before turning them back on again, with the router starting first and the console starting later. If that doesn’t help, reset PS4’s internal network settings and try connecting again.

If the issue persists: Contact PlayStation Support for further help.

Error Code WS-37505-0

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Network

WS-37505-0 Error Explained: This error code indicates a misconnection to the server due to a problem with the network or a busy server.

How to solve WS-37505-0: Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection to check the connection status of the console and ensure that it’s not your own internet causing the issue.  If your network is malfunctioning, try powering off your modem for five minutes to reset the connection.

If the issue persists: Attempt opening these ports with your Internet Service Provider’s help:

TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480

UDP: 3478, 3479.

If even that doesn’t work, try waiting for a few hours before trying to reconnect, as high traffic on the server is always a possibility.

PlayStation 4 Software Related Error Codes

Majority of the common PS4 software related error codes occur when running a firmware update or a new application on your console. While easy to fix, the steps are tricky. Solving the errors requires keen dexterity on your part, and detailed guidance on ours – hopefully, this section will help you get both.

Error Code CE-34878-0

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Software

CE-34878-0 Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunction within an application.

How to solve CE-34878-0: The simplest solution to this problem is to close the application and then install the latest system software and game updates.Then just restart the console and you’ll be good to go. If you’ve recently upgraded your HDD, plug in the old one back again and the application should start running fine.

If the issue persists: Backup your saved data, and then go to Settings > Initialization, where you’ll find the option ‘Initialize PS4’. If you are still getting the error, contact PlayStation Support for further help.

Error Code CE-36329-3

  • Severity: Severe
  • Problem Category: Software

CE-36329-3 Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunction within the system’s software.

How to solve CE-36329-3: First, make sure you’re running the latest version of the firmware on your console by selecting Settings > System Software Update. This will cause your system to restart. In case you’re unable to access Settings, update the system software via Safe Mode by selecting option 3.

If the issue persists: Back your saved data and initialize the console’s system by going to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 or going into Safe Mode and selecting option 6. If the error still remains persistent, contact PlayStation Support for further help.

Error Code SU-30746-0

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Software

SU-30746-0 Error Explained: This error code indicates a failed system software update.

How to solve SU-30746-0: First, you should restart your console and attempt a system update via a wired Internet connection if possible using an Ethernet cable. Go into Notifications from the console’s function area, select the update file, and delete it by going into Options > Delete. Then go into Settings > System Software Update and try starting the update again.

If the issue persists: Update the PS4 system software using a USB.

Error Code CE-34788-0

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Software

CE-34788-0 Error Explained: This error code indicates the existence of an unusable update file.

How to solve CE-34788-0: Just like how we did in the previous error, check your console’s update file by navigating through notifications and verifying if the file name is all in single-byte capital letters. An ideal file name should look like this – PS4UPDATE and if yours has any other characters beside it such as ‘PS4UPDATE(3)’ or ‘PS4UPDATE.’ then simply remove the excess characters and see if it works. If that doesn’t work, simply power off your console for 5 minutes and turn it on again.

If the issue persists: Update the console manually through safe mode using option 3. Alternatively, install the software update using a USB drive – the exact way to do it is in our ‘First steps’ section. Even if that doesn’t work, reinstall PS4 system software entirely by following the instructions on this page – this is also known as a hard reset and will delete all your data.

Error Code SU-41350-3

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Software

SU-41350-3 Error Explained: This error code indicates your console is failing to recognize an update file.

How to solve SU-41350-3: Follow the same instructions from error SU-30746-0 for finding and deleting your update file. Make sure that you go into your settings and manually start a system update. If that doesn’t work, restart your console in Safe Mode and launch the update using a USB drive containing the latest firmware.

Error Code WS-37403-7

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Software/Network

WS-37403-7 Error Explained: The error occurs when you can’t log into your account and generally roots from a maintenance break, incomplete update or an incorrect DNS configuration.

How to solve WS-37403-7: First check the PSN status page to see if the servers are up and running. If they aren’t, simply wait for a few minutes for the maintenance to get over. If they are, go into your settings from the main menu and head into ‘Network’. Click on ‘Test Network Connection’ and wait for the results.

After the test is over, go back and head into ‘Set up Internet connection’ and select the ‘Custom’ option. From there, simply select ‘Automatic’ for IP Address settings and ‘Do Not Specify’ for DHCP Host Name. Select manual for DNS settings and for the upcoming primary and secondary address options, put ‘1.1.1.1’ and ‘1.0.0.1’ respectively.

If the issue persists: Power off your console and then power it on again, this time entering Safe Mode. Connect your controller to the console using an USB cable and select option no.3 ‘Update System Software’ and then select the ‘Update over internet’ button. Let the update install and then restart your PS4 once it’s done.

Error Code SU-42481-9

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Software

SU-42481-9 Error Explained: This error code indicates an error when attempting to update the system software.

How to solve SU-42481-9: The first thing you should try is power-cycling your PS4 to see if it fixes the issue. We have put up a detailed way to do this in our ‘First steps’ section that you can check out for yourself. If that doesn’t work, enter Safe Mode and select option 3. If even that doesn’t work, use an USB drive to manually install the update.

PlayStation 4 Hardware Related Error Codes

The PlayStation 4 has great hardware inside it that is still capable of running modern AAA titles at a decent 1080P30FPS. That being said, over a decade of continuous usage can certainly start to show its colors and give rise to a number of hardware error codes. Fortunately, there aren’t many of these errors that occur commonly and those that do have been covered in detail in this section.

Error Code CE-30005-8

  • Severity: Moderate to Severe
  • Problem Category: Hardware

CE-30005-8 Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunction when accessing the hard disk drive (HDD) or Blu-ray drive.

How to solve CE-30005-8: If your console is struggling to read game data through the Blu-Ray drive, use another game disc to ensure that it’s not the CD’s fault. If it is, a simple clean with a dry cloth would fix the issue. On the other hand, if your Blu-ray drive can’t read data from any game discs or if you are getting the error from a game on your hard drive, go into safe mode and select option no.5 ‘Rebuild Database’. You can find the detailed way to do this in our ‘first steps’ section.

If the issue persists: It is possible that your console may be faulty and in need of service, making it the source of the problem. We recommend contacting PlayStation Support.

Error Code CE-34335-8

  • Severity: Severe
  • Problem Category: Hardware

CE-34335-8 Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunction when recognizing the hard disk drive (HDD) unit.

How to solve CE-34335-8: Turn off your PS4, unplug the power cord, and get ready to partially disassemble your PS4. You’ll need a screwdriver and this handy IGN guide that tells you exactly how you can go about removing your PS4’s covers. For now, only follow steps six to nine. Once you’ve removed the hard drive, use a hairdryer or, well, your mouth, to blow out any debris or dust from the connectors that may be disrupting the hard drive’s signal. When you’re done, shove the HDD back inside again and make sure it fits properly and then assemble your PS4 back up again.

If the issue persists: It might mean your hard drive is faulty. Now, you can either replace it yourself or do it through a repair shop. You can also contact PlayStation Support if your console is still under warranty.

Error Code SU-42118-6

  • Severity: Moderate to Severe
  • Problem Category: Hardware

SU-42118-6 Error Explained: This error code indicates your hard disk drive (HDD) might be failing.

How to solve SU-42118-6: It could be either a bug on the HDD or a faulty ribbon cable between your PS4’s motherboard and its disc drive. To ensure it isn’t the latter, uncover your PS4’s top cover and see if the cable has any cuts or if it’s in a bad condition. If it is, you can order one online and replace it yourself. If it isn’t the cable, then it’s really your hard drive in which case you should remove it and replace as explained in the previous step to see if it works.

If the issue persists: We recommend contacting PlayStation Support or taking your PlayStation to a local console repair shop.

PlayStation 4 General Error Codes

Apart from the myriad software and hardware error codes, the PS4 is infamous for its general error codes that are notoriously difficult to resolve. This section focuses on these extra-hard errors and their equally lengthy solutions that are bound to resolve your problem one way or the other, starting off with the error code NP-36006-5 –

Error Code NP-36006-5

  • Severity: Moderate
  • Problem Category: Miscellaneous

NP-36006-5 Error Explained: This error code indicates corruption on your trophy data.

How to solve NP-36006-5: A YouTuber named ‘Around the Home’ came up with an intuitive solution that is much simpler and convenient than Sony’s own official fix. First, turn on your PS4 and log into the user account that has the trophy sync error. Open the user’s trophy list and select a game that you don’t have any trophies on i.e. 0% completion. If you don’t have one, just get any free game from the PlayStation Store and launch it – make sure that you don’t earn any trophies or the fix won’t work. Back in the trophy list, select the game with 0 trophies, select options and choose Delete. This should force the system to sync the user’s trophies.

If the issue persists: Try Sony’s official fix. Back up any preexistent data with a USB device and delete the local user with the trophy sync error. Once you create a new user and sign in to your PSN account, you shouldn’t see this error again. But in case the error does pop up again, try restarting your system in Safe Mode and select option 6, or, option 7 if the first one doesn’t work. Important – Safe Mode option 6 and 7 are factory resets. The first one deletes all your user data and the second deletes your user data and the system firmware. If you are going down this road, make sure that you backup everything you can including save games, game data and trophy data.

Error Code WS-43709-3

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Payment

WS-43709-3 Error Explained: This error code indicates the credit card you registered to your account may have expired.

How to solve WS-43709-3: You’ll need to verify your credit card status in Settings > Account management > Account information > Wallet > Payment methods. Once there, check your card’s expiration date, and if due, register a new, valid credit card. However, if the date is not the issue, make sure the information on the console is correct. You can also delete the card on file and re-register it.

If the issue persists: Try using another payment method, as this might be a temporary problem. Please note that online features will be unavailable for 24 hours if you delete and re-register your credit card multiple times in a short period.

Error Code WS-37337-3

  • Severity: Severe
  • Problem Category: Miscellaneous

WS-37337-3 Error Explained: This error code indicates a suspended PlayStation Network account, so your console will not allow access to the service.

How to solve WS-37337-3: If you get this error, it means your account has been suspended by Sony for 3 reasons – a) Violation of Sony’s Terms of Service or Code of Conduct, b) Fraud or unusual transactions or c) Incomplete transactions which is the most common cause. Your first line of action should be checking your email to see why Sony banned you since they usually send an email containing all the information about the reason and duration behind your suspension.

If the reason is related to payments – check your payment account’s recent activity for any failed transactions and work on resolving the issue with the PlayStation Support by giving them new account details for completing the transaction. If the reason is fraud – contact PlayStation’s Support team as soon as possible. If the issue is a breach of ToS or CoC, note down the reason and ensure to not repeat it in the future – you can also try sending a plea to the aforementioned support team to reduce or lift the suspension.

Error Code WS-37368-7

  • Severity: Severe
  • Problem Category: Payment

WS-37368-7 Error Explained: This error code indicates a charge reversed on a PlayStation Store purchase, resulting in your account being unable to access PlayStation Network (PSN).

How to solve WS-37368-7: To avoid any kind of suspensions, make sure your bank didn’t reverse changes on any purchases or subscriptions made on PSN. If you need help restoring access to your account suspended due to a chargeback, you’ll need to pay the balance and fill out this form.

If the issue persists: Contact PlayStation Support for further help.

Error Code WS-43689-0

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Payment

WS-43689-0 Error Explained: This code indicates an error occurred within the credit card payment.

How to solve WS-43689-0: Check if your credit card information is correct as mentioned in our first steps section shown above. Then, re-register your credit card, or try a different one, as this may be a temporary issue. Additionally, consider adding a PlayStation Store card to your wallet.

If the issue persists: Remember that changing your credit card information multiple times in a short period might temporarily prevent you from making a purchase. If it happens, try again 24 hours later.

Error Code WC-40382-7

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Payment

WC-40382-7 Error Explained: This code indicates an invalid credit or debit card on file.

How to solve WC-40382-7: Similar to the error above, recheck your credit or debit card information by referring to Step no.7 in the ‘First steps’ section above. Remember the address information on your account must be the same as the one stated by your card issuer. If unsuccessful, try updating your card information via Account Management on a web browser.

Error Code E-8210604A

  • Severity: Minor
  • Problem Category: Miscellaneous

E-8210604A Error Explained: This error code indicates a malfunctioning credit card while making a purchase.

How to solve E-8210604A: Again, verify your payment information and check our ‘First Steps’ section if you don’t know how to do so. You can then try another credit card or even re-register the current one, as the issue might not last long. If you’re thinking about using a different payment method, you can always top up your wallet with a PlayStation Store card.

If the issue persists: Note that updating your card information on several occasions in a short period will temporarily refrain you from making operations. Try again after 24 hours.

Conclusion

Every good console has its fair share of errors and the troubleshooting that needs to be done to resolve them – and the PS4 is no exception. We hope this guide helped you to identify these errors and resolve them without any difficulty, and in case you’re having issues with any of the previous generations of PlayStation consoles, check out my other guides in our Troubleshooting Section.