Why Your PS4 Won’t Update a Game: Common Issues and Fixes

Having PS4 Problems? Let’s Get You Back in the Game – A Troubleshooting Guide for Every Gamer

Is your PlayStation 4 malfunctioning? Don’t toss your controller yet! We all face this. One moment, you enjoy a game. The next, you see an error screen. Before you give up or talk to someone, let’s cover common PS4 issues. This guide will help you fix them. No tech skills needed, just patience and some gamer creativity.

1. General Troubleshooting: The First Line of Defense

Before diving deeper, let’s check the basics. Think of this like “have you tried turning it off and on again?” Often, that works. These solutions are for when everything feels… off. Your PS4 may be lagging or games crash more than once.

Restarting the PS4: The Magic Reset Button

It may sound simple, but restarting your PS4 is like a caffeine boost. It clears temporary files and closes background processes you didn’t know were there. This gives your console a fresh start. Sony recommends this for update issues. Sometimes, a reboot solves the problem.

How to Restart Your PS4:

• Hold down the PlayStation button on your controller.
• Go to the Power menu.
• Select “Restart.”

That’s all. A good restart is powerful. It’s like a fresh perspective for your console.

Checking the Internet Connection: Are You Really Online?

Today, an internet connection is vital. Many games and updates rely on it. If your internet is weak, your PS4 experience worsens. It’s like trying to play a multiplayer game on dial-up – very frustrating.

Testing the Connection in Settings: The Network Detective

Your PS4 has a network feature that checks your connection. Running a test is easy and reveals if the problem is with your internet. If errors show up, investigation is needed. This is your initial network health check – clean or red flags?

How to Test Your PS4 Internet Connection:

1. Go to Settings (the toolbox icon).
2. Scroll down to Network.
3. Select Test Internet Connection.

The test checks your connection, telling you if online and estimating speeds. Watch for any error messages or warnings – they are clues to your connection problems.

Resetting Router/Modem: The Power Cycle for Your Network

Sometimes, your PS4 isn’t at fault; it’s your internet equipment acting up. Routers and modems can get moody, needing restarts. They are mini-computers needing a reboot to clear out digital dust. Resetting can solve temporary connection issues.

How to Reset Your Router and Modem:

1. Find your router and modem.
2. Unplug their power cables.
3. Wait a couple of minutes to clear their memory.
4. Plug the modem back in first, and wait for it to connect (watch the lights).
5. Then plug in the router.

After this, retest the internet connection on your PS4. You may find the issue resolved.

Ensuring Sufficient Storage Space: Is Your Digital Closet Full?

Your PS4’s storage can fill quickly with large game installs. Low storage leads to problems, stopping new installations or crashing games. It’s like cramming too many shoes in a closet – something will eventually break.

Before new installations, check if you have enough space. The PlayStation Store shows required space for games. This step is crucial for avoiding errors.

How to Check Game Storage Requirements:

1. Go to PlayStation Store.
2. Find the game you want.
3. Check the Details section.
4. Look for Minimum Free Space information.

How to Check Your PS4’s Free Storage Space:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to Storage.

This will show storage usage, detailing free space and what occupies it (games, applications). If low, delete old games or apps, or consider upgrading storage for more space.

Checking for Game Updates: Keeping Your Games Fresh

Game developers often release updates to fix issues and enhance performance. Playing outdated versions can cause errors in multiplayer games. Game updates are vital maintenance – keeping your gaming system running smoothly.

Your PS4 usually downloads updates automatically. Still, manually checking can be wise if there’s a suspected missing update. It’s like confirming your digital oil change.

How to Manually Check for Game Updates:

1. Go to your Library.
2. Select the game icon.
3. Press the Options button.
4. Select Check for Update.

If an update is available, your PS4 will download it. Allow the download to finish before playing for optimal performance.

2. System Software Issues: When the PS4’s Brain Gets Confused

Your PS4’s system software runs everything. Like any operating system, it needs updates to function correctly. Software issues can cause minor glitches or major errors that halt your PS4 working. This section addresses fixing these issues.

Updating System Software: Giving Your PS4 a Brain Boost

Keeping system software updated is crucial for stability and performance. Sony provides updates with bug fixes and new features regularly. Updates are vitamins for your PS4’s brain – keeping it healthy.

It’s wise to keep automatic updates enabled. However, if you face issues or want reassurance, manual updates help.

You can manually check for updates in the latest version. This ensures your system is up-to-date. It’s like getting your digital flu shot – preventative and helpful.

How to Manually Update System Software:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll to System Software Update.
3. Choose System Software Update again.

Your PS4 checks for updates. It will prompt you to download if any are found. Ensure a stable internet connection during this process. Don’t turn off the PS4 while updating – patience matters when handling system software.

System Software Update Failure (Error Code SU-30746-0): The Update Roadblock

Sometimes, updates fail, resulting in error codes like SU-30746-0. This code means the update has failed. It’s like hitting a digital wall. Don’t panic – this happens. Usually, there are ways to fix this issue.

The first solution is to restart your PS4. Try the update again, ideally using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection is stable and less prone to dropouts, vital for a successful update. Think of it as a highway for data versus Wi-Fi’s bumpy backroads.

Troubleshooting Error Code SU-30746-0:

• Restart your PS4: After a reboot, try again.
• Use a Wired Connection: Connect using an Ethernet cable for stability.
• Check PlayStation Network Status: Sometimes, PSN servers fail, which can delay updates. Visit the PlayStation Network Service Status page to check for known issues.
• Safe Mode Update: For persistent failures, try updating in Safe Mode (details on Safe Mode later).

Corrupted System Software: Brain Damage for Your PS4

Corruption can occur in PS4’s system software. Causes include interrupted updates or power outages. Corrupted software leads to errors, crashes, and instability. You may even face the dreaded “Blue Light of Death” (BLOD). It’s like your PS4 has severe digital memory loss – not ideal.

If you suspect corruption, you might need drastic measures, like reinstalling the system software. This process acts like a brain transplant for your PS4 – more involved but necessary for restoration.

Reinstalling System Software: The Digital Brain Transplant

Reinstalling system software is an advanced step to try if other methods fail. This process erases existing software, installing a fresh copy. It often resolves corruption issues. However, proceed carefully; it’s a last resort – akin to major surgery.

Important Note: This action will erase all data on your PS4’s hard drive, including games, saves, and videos. Back up important data to an external USB drive or the PlayStation Network cloud (if you’re a PlayStation Plus member) beforehand. Consider this your digital “organ donor” pact – you give everything up for a fresh start.

Steps to Reinstall PS4 System Software:

1. Prepare a USB Drive: Use one with at least 1GB of free space, formatted FAT32 or exFAT.
2. Download the Reinstallation File: Visit the PlayStation support site and download the PS4 reinstallation file. Ensure it is the “Reinstallation File,” not the regular “Update File.”
3. Create Folders on the USB Drive: Create a folder named “PS4” in uppercase, then an “UPDATE” folder inside it (also uppercase). Place the reinstallation file in the “UPDATE” folder. The names must be exact and in uppercase.
4. Enter Safe Mode on your PS4: Turn off your PS4 fully. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (first upon pressing the button and second after around 7 seconds).
5. Connect the USB Drive: Plug the USB with the reinstallation file into your PS4.
6. Select “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)”: From Safe Mode, choose option 7, confirming you’ll erase all data from your hard drive.
7. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The PS4 will guide you through reinstallation steps. Follow the prompts to finish reinstalling system software.

Once reinstalled, your PS4 is like new – you’ll need to set it up, log back into your PlayStation Network account, and reinstall games. Hopefully, this digital brain transplant resolved your system issues.

Safe Mode: The PS4’s Emergency Room

Safe Mode is a special startup mode that boots your PS4 with minimal functionality. It helps diagnose and fix software-related issues. Think of it as your PS4’s emergency room – a place for serious problems requiring specialized tools.

Booting into Safe Mode allows limited functions, granting access to diagnostic options unavailable in normal mode. It strips your PS4 down to basics to isolate and fix problems.

Entering Safe Mode (Holding Power Button Until Two Beeps)

Accessing Safe Mode differs from regular restart. It involves a button-holding sequence when powering on your PS4 – like a special invite to the emergency room.

How to Enter Safe Mode:

1. Turn off your PS4 completely: Confirm the power light is off. If it’s on, hold the power button to turn it off.
2. Press and hold the power button: Keep pressing until you hear two beeps – one immediately and the second after about 7 seconds. Release after the second beep.
3. Connect Controller via USB: Connect your DualShock 4 controller to the PS4 with a USB cable.
4. Press the PS Button: Press the PS button on your controller for the Safe Mode menu.

You should see the Safe Mode menu with options for troubleshooting your PS4.

Safe Mode Options: The Diagnostic Toolkit

The Safe Mode menu includes options targeting different PS4 issues. These options function as tools in your PS4’s diagnostic toolkit, each made for specific problems.

Common Safe Mode Options and Their Uses:

• 1. Restart PS4: This restarts your PS4 in normal mode, useful for exiting Safe Mode after using other tools.
• 2. Change Resolution: Changes the screen output resolution of your PS4, helpful for display issues with your TV.
• 3. Update System Software: Updates your PS4’s system software through various methods (internet, USB drive, or disc). Helpful for update troubles in normal mode.
• 4. Restore Default Settings: Resets settings to factory defaults without deleting games or personal content, helping resolve issues from corrupted settings.
• 5. Rebuild Database: This option rebuilds your PS4’s database, organizing content on your hard drive and fixing slow loading or corrupted data issues.
• 6. Initialize PS4:This performs a full factory reset of your PS4, deleting all data and settings.
• and games. This should be a last resort. Always back up important data before proceeding.
• 7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software): This option reinstalls system software, erasing the hard drive completely. Use it with caution. It’s the most extreme choice.

Exiting Safe Mode: Normal Operations Return

After using Safe Mode for troubleshooting, exiting is straightforward. It’s like leaving the emergency room after treatment. You just need to return to normal operations.

How to Exit Safe Mode:

• Select option 1, “Restart PS4,” from the Safe Mode menu.

Your PS4 will restart normally. The Safe Mode operations should have fixed the issues.

3. Game-Specific Issues: When Games Malfunction

Sometimes, the issue is with a specific game, not the PS4. Problems can include corrupted game data or disc errors. This section offers targeted solutions for games acting up.

Corrupted Game Data: Game Data Issues

Corrupted game data can lead to errors and crashes. Causes include interrupted downloads or hard drive issues. Think of your game files becoming scrambled — unplayable.

If you suspect corrupted data, deleting and reinstalling the game solves the issue. This gives you a fresh copy of the files. It’s like replacing spoiled food with fresh items.

Deleting and Reinstalling the Game: Remedy for Games

Deleting and reinstalling a game is easy but can take time, especially for large games. Ensure a stable internet connection and enough time for this process. It’s giving your game a digital restart.

How to Delete and Reinstall a Game:

1. Delete the Game:
   • Go to your Library or main PS4 menu.
   • Highlight the game to delete.
   • Press the Options button.
   • Select Delete.
   • Confirm deletion.
2. Reinstall the Game:
   • If digitally purchased, go to your Library, find it, and download.
   • If on disc, insert it into your PS4 to start installation.

After reinstalling, launch the game to check if the issues have cleared. This fresh start should have resolved corrupted data problems.

Corrupted Download Files: Errors in Downloads

When downloading games or updates, interruptions can lead to corrupted files. These can cause errors or crashes. It’s receiving a damaged package – the contents may be unusable.

If you suspect corrupted files, delete them and download again. Your PS4 tracks downloads in Notifications. It’s like returning damaged goods for replacement.

How to Delete Corrupted Downloads:

1. Go to Notifications from the main menu (bell icon).
2. Select Downloads.
3. Highlight the corrupted file.
4. Press the Options button.
5. Select Delete.

After deleting, try to download again from the PlayStation Store or Library.

Disc Reading Issues: Problems with Physical Discs

If you play physical games, you may face disc reading issues. These range from your PS4 not recognizing the disc to errors during gameplay. It’s like a scratched record or dirty DVD.

These issues can stem from dirty discs, problems with the disc drive, or software glitches. Troubleshooting involves several steps, beginning with simpler solutions.

Troubleshooting PS4 Console Disc Reading Issues

Here’s how to troubleshoot disc reading issues from basic to advanced:

Cleaning the Disc: Remove Dirt

The simplest solution is cleaning the disc. Dust or smudges can interfere with reading data. Clean your glasses – sometimes you just need a clear view.

How to Clean a Disc:

• Use a soft, clean cloth (like microfiber).
• Wipe from center outward in straight lines. Avoid circular motions to prevent scratches.
• Inspect for scratches or damage. Severely scratched discs may need replacement.

After cleaning, try inserting the disc into your PS4 again.

Try Another Disc: Testing Different Media

To isolate the issue, insert different discs into your PS4. Try another game disc or a Blu-ray. This helps determine if the problem lies within one disc or the system itself.

If your PS4 reads some discs but not others, it may indicate a problem with the unreadable disc. If it does not read any discs, there’s likely a disc drive issue.

Rebuilding Database (Safe Mode): Refreshing Disc Drive Info

The database keeping track of installed games may become corrupted, leading to reading issues. Rebuilding it in Safe Mode refreshes this information. It cleans up your PS4’s catalog.

How to Rebuild Database in Safe Mode:

1. Enter Safe Mode on your PS4.
2. Select option 5, “Rebuild Database.”
3. Wait for the process to complete; it might take time.

After rebuilding, restart your PS4 and insert the disc again.

4. Network Connectivity: Connecting to the Online World

We discussed network connectivity in troubleshooting, but it warrants its section. A reliable internet connection is essential for games, updates, and online services. It’s your link to online gaming—without it, you’re stranded.

Network problems can show as slow downloads, lagging games, disconnects, or access errors. Troubleshooting can be tricky as issues may lie with your PS4, home network, ISP, or PlayStation servers. It’s like tracing a phone line—the issue could be anywhere.

Key Considerations for Network Connectivity:

• Stable Connection: Ensure a consistent internet connection for your PS4. Weak connections cause various issues.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Wired connections are generally faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. If possible, use wired connections for gaming and large downloads.
• Router and Modem Health: Your router and modem play crucial roles. Ensure they function correctly and restart them regularly to fix glitches.
• PlayStation Network Status: Sometimes, [the PlayStation…
• The network may have outages or maintenance. This can affect online services. Check the PlayStation Network Service Status page for known issues.

5. Rest Mode Update Problems: Sleep Mode Surprises

Rest Mode is a PS4 feature. It puts the console in a low-power state. It allows downloads to happen in the background. Sometimes, problems can occur with automatic downloads, especially updates. Think of it as the PS4 taking a nap. Sometimes it wakes up in a bad mood.

For automatic downloads to work, a key setting must be on: “Download in Rest Mode.” If this setting is off, your PS4 will not download updates or games. It is like telling your PS4 to do nothing while sleeping. Nothing will happen.

Ensuring “Download in Rest Mode” is Enabled:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to Power Save Settings.
3. Select Set Functions Available in Rest Mode.
4. Ensure the box next to Stay Connected to the Internet is ticked.
5. Tick the box next to Enable Turning On PS4 from Network.
6. Ensure the box next to Supply Power to USB Ports is set to “Always” or “2 Hours.”