Consoles are built so that users can operate them easily and enjoy their favorite games without having to be technical. However, like all electronic products, PlayStation 4 (PS4) can face issues. A common issue is the “white light of death” which shows on the PS4 and means the PS4 cannot operate like normal. This article will explain what the white light of death with no display is caused by, and how this issue can be resolved.
What causes the PS4 white light of death?
The PS4 white light of death can be identified by a blinking or solid white light on the PS4 console with no display at all. It should normally blink blue light and then turn to static white, and you can see the PlayStation logo on the screen when the PS4 is functioning correctly. There are many reasons the PS4 could be displaying the white light of death, such as:
- Not enough power being supplied to the PS4
- A build-up of dust inside the PS4 (this is common if you have had the console for many years, or keep it in a dusty place)
- Poor HDMI connection from the PS4 to the display
- Electrical surge due to lightning strike
This article will elaborate on the steps you can take to get rid of the white light of death on your PS4.
Fixing the PS4 white light of death
In this part, we will introduce 4 methods to fix PS4 white light of death.
Method 1: Reboot PS4
The easiest solution you can attempt is to try and reboot your PS4. A software error may have resulted in the white light of death. Often, software errors can be resolved by rebooting a console because the software is shut down, and then reloaded onto the console. To reboot the PS4, press and hold the power button until the console turns off. You can then press the power button on the console to power on the PS4 after a few seconds.
Method 2: Check HDMI Connection
HDMI connection could be the problem that leads to PS4 white light of death. A few things could be causing a weak HDMI connection between the PS4 and the display. It could be a faulty cable, a cable that is not inserted completely, or the port of the PS4 or display is faulty. You can run a few tests to diagnose what is responsible for the problem. The first test is to check the HDMI cable to see if it is inserted into the ports correctly. You can disconnect the HDMI cable from the PS4 and the display, and then re-insert it before attempting to power on the PS4.
If that test does not resolve the PS4 white light of death, you can try to use a different HDMI cable. This will tell you if the cable is faulty. If the cable is not faulty, you can connect a different device, such as a laptop, to your display with a functional HDMI cable. If the laptop shows on your display, that means the problem is with the PS4.
One problem with the PS4 could be a build-up of dust in the PS4 port. Over time, as the HDMI cable is connected and disconnected, dust can build up in the port until it impacts the connection of the PS4 to the display via the HDMI cable. You can use a torch to investigate the HDMI port of the PS4 and if there is a build-up of dust, use a wooden toothpick to gently and slowly remove the dirt. If you have access to compressed air, you can also use that once you have removed most of the dirt from the PS4 to remove the finer particles. If this method does not resolve the PS4 white light of death, move on to the next method.
Method 3: Examine the PS4 console
If the above methods don’t resolve the PS4 white light of death, you need to examine the PS4 console by looking for any damage to the console. This could be cracks in the outer casing or deep dents that could have caused damage to internal components of the PS4, causing the white light of death. If there is physical damage, you will need to take the PS4 to a repair shop so that the console can be repaired by an experienced technician once it has been diagnosed completely.
If there is no visible damage, you can remove the outer cover of the PS4. There are many tutorials on how to do this, and the tools that are required to do so on Google. After removing the outer casing, you can inspect the PS4 for any internal damage, such as water damage. You can also gently remove the dust from the inside of the PS4. Close the PS4 by securing the external casing, and try to start the PS4 again.
Method 4: Safe Mode
If the PS4 is still showing the white light of death, you can try to put the PS4 into safe mode. If the PS4 enters safe mode, it is likely that there is a software issue and a full factory reset will resolve the issue. However, if the PS4 does not enter safe mode, it will likely be caused by physical damage to the HDMI port of the PS4. This will have to be replaced by a technician at a repair center because this requires soldering on a circuit board. To put the PS4 in safe mode:
- Turn off the PS4.
- Hold down the power button on the PS4 until you hear a second beep.
- Connect the PS4 controller to the PS4 via a USB cable.
- Hold the PS button (round button located between the joysticks) until the PS4 enters safe mode.
- Factory reset the PS4 by following the menu on the screen.
If the PS4 is not turning on due to the white light of death after you have tried the methods outlined above, you will have to take the console to an experienced PS4 technician at a repair shop so that they can diagnose the PS4 and repair it.
Conclusion
There are many causes of the PS4 white light of death, which is why you will need to perform some diagnostic tests before you can identify the issue. However, we hope this article has helped you fix the white light of death on your PlayStation 4 console and has allowed you to enjoy your favorite games.
