So your once sleek and fast PS4 now boots slowly and freezes during gameplay. Normally, The PlayStation 4 takes about 25 seconds to boot. If you did not properly switch off the console, booting time could take over one and a half minutes, but usually less than 2 minutes. This is because your console will first do a system scan before start up.
Cause of a slow booting PS4.
When your console takes more than 2 minutes or forever to boot, there is a problem. Also you may notice that screen freezes during gameplay or the game stops abruptly. Don’t be scared, the problem is usually a software issue and can be fixed by starting the console in safe mode.
The major culprit or cause of a PlayStation 4 that boots slowly is errors withing the software or operating system of your console as a result of sudden power cuts .
Your console is in danger if:
- Electricity is suddenly cut off during gameplay.
- You are in the habit of not switching off your console first before upluging from power outlet.
- You live in an area with frequent power outages.
- Your PS4 power cable is faulty.
- You use a faulty or substandard electric generator to power your console.
- Your plug your console into faulty electric sockets.
How to fix a slow booting PS4.
You can fix this problem yourself by starting the PS4 in safe mode and then following the prompt or instructions shown on screen.
To start the PS4 in safe mode, press and hold the power button of your console for 8 seconds or until you hear a second beep. At this point, and by looking at the connected TV screen, you will be instructed to connect a PS4 controller to the console using a USB cable and then press the, PS button, on the controller.
On doing that, you will be taking to safe mode where you will be presented with seven options.to fix issue. For a slow booting PS4, you can start from option3, then down to option 7.
Note that if an option doesn’t work, you will need to activate safe mode again to select the next option.
Now let’s take a quick look at some of the options;
For option 3; “update system software”, on selecting it, you will be given 3 options to update software.It is easier updating using the internet. So have your PS4 already connected to the internet before attempting this option.
Selecting option 4 will restore your console settings to their default values.
Selecting option 5 will rebuild the database of your console, the process may take time to complete. Your data will not be deleted. However this option may solve the issue of your slow booting PS4.
Option 6 will initialize your console, that is, reset your PS4, you will be warned that all user account and data will be deleted including downloaded games.
The last option is an advanced reset of your console all data will be lost and PS4 returned to initial state when it was purchased. You will need the system software properly copied to a USB stick and inserted into your console to continue.
