How to Fix Update Issues on a PlayStation 4

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Keeping your Playstation 4 up-to-date is important; not only will it provide the best performance form your games, but keep you safe online. It can be frustrating when the update fails, though.

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting the update process.

2. Check System Software Version

Before starting, it's always a good idea to be certain an update is required for your PlayStation, First.

On Your Computer or Smartphone

1. Open your preferred browser, and visit https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/ps4/.
2. Right at the top, you'll see the latest version of the PlayStation 4 System Software.
   

On Your PlayStation 4

1. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Push Up on your controller to access the Function menu.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System Software Update.
   

1. Here you'll see the version of the System Software your PlayStation 4 is running. Compare this to the number you saw on the PlayStation website on your phone or computer.

3. Update Method

There are 2 ways to update your PlayStation 4.

• Updating online over the Internet.
• Updating using a USB drive to download the update file on your computer, then connecting it to your PlayStation.

4. Check Internet Connection

1. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Push Up on your controller to access the Function menu.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Network.
   

1. Select Test Internet Connection.
   

1. The test should only take a few moments. The first 3 lines are the most important, Obtain IP Address, Internet Connection, and PlayStation Network Sign-in. Make sure all 3 say Successful.
   

5. Manual Update

The console must have an Internet connection (wired or wireless) before proceeding.

1. From the function screen, select Settings.
   

1. Select System Software Update.
   

1. The system will now check for an update over the internet.
2. If no update is available, you will get the message "The latest version of the system software is already installed."
3. If an update is found, you may be prompted to press Next and/or Update to begin download.
4. You may now back out of this screen and use your PlayStation.
5. When the download is complete, a notification message is displayed in the upper left corner of the function screen.
6. Select Notifications.
   

1. Select Downloads.
   

1. 
   
2. Once downloaded, select the System Software update to perform the installation.
3. Follow any on screen prompts.
4. The system may reboot to complete the install.

6. Try USB Update

Sometimes, it's easier to perform the update when it's already downloaded. You can use your computer and a USB drive to download the update, then update your PlayStation 4 that way.

7. USB Update

On Your Computer

1. Connect your USB drive to your computer.
   

1. Open your preferred browser, and visit https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/ps4/.
2. Select Download Update.
   

1. If you are given the option, save this file directly to your USB drive. Otherwise, copy it to your USB drive after it is finished downloading.

On your PlayStation 4

1. Insert the USB drive with the update file you just downloaded into your PlayStation 4.
   

1. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Push Up on your controller to access the Function menu.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System Software Update.
   

1. Your PlayStation should recognize the update, and offer to update. Select Next.
   

1. Read the displayed software licence agreement, then select Accept to continue.
   

1. The update will progress automatically.Your PlayStation may reboot during the update.
2. Do not shut off or unplug your PlayStation during an update. It can cause severe problems with the system, requiring sending it to Sony for repair.

8. Safe Mode Update

1. Press and hold the Power button on the front of your PlayStation for 7 to 10 seconds. You will hear a second beep, letting you know it's safe to release the button.
   

1. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Push and hold the Power button for 7-10 seconds. You will hear a second beep indicating the PlayStation 4 is booting in safe mode.
3. Your controller will not work in Wireless mode in Safe Mode. Connect your controller using the included USB cable.
4. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Select Update System Software.
   

1. Select Update from USB Storage Device.
   

1. Connect the USB disk with the update to the 2nd USB port on your PlayStation, then select OK.
   

1. Once your PlayStation recognizes the update, select Next.
   

1. The update will be copied to your PlayStation 4.
   

1. Read the displayed software licence agreement, then select Accept to continue.
   

1. Select Update to begin the update process.
   

1. The update will progress automatically.Your PlayStation may reboot during the update.
2. Do not shut off or unplug your PlayStation during an update. It can cause severe problems with the system, requiring sending it to Sony for repair.

9. What's next?

10. What's next?

11. Connect your PlayStation 4 to Wi-Fi

If your PlayStation 4 isn't online, you will not be able to use the Online Update services.

Once you've reconnected your PlayStation 4 to the Internet, you will be able to update without trouble.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.