The PlayStation 4’s rest mode is designed to keep your PS4 in a low-power state while allowing features like charging controllers, automatic game patches and downloads, supplying power to USB ports, and keeping network connections alive. This can be very convenient, allowing you to instantly resume games or applications right where you left off when you turn your PS4 back on. However, sometimes rest mode doesn’t work as intended and the PS4 freezes up instead of entering rest mode as it should. This can be annoying when you expect to be able to jump right back into a game but instead have to reboot your system. Here are some tips on what to do if your PS4 freezes in rest mode.
Check rest mode settings
The first thing to check is your PS4’s rest mode settings. On your PS4 go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Functions Available in Rest Mode and make sure the settings are enabled for the features you want to use. For example, make sure ‘Stay Connected to the Internet’ is enabled if you want your PS4 to download updates and games. If you have disabled certain rest mode functions like USB power supply, this could potentially be a factor in your PS4 freezing up instead of entering rest mode properly.
Restart your PS4
If your PS4 is completely frozen in rest mode, you will likely need to restart it to get it working again.
- Hold down the PS button on your Dualshock 4 controller for at least 10 seconds until your PS4 beeps and powers off
- Once powered off, wait 30 seconds
- Turn your PS4 back on and let it reboot completely
Restarting your PS4 will clear any software errors that could be preventing it from entering rest mode and should allow rest mode to start working again as expected.
Check for overheating issues
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for game consoles like the PS4 freezing up. If your PS4 is placed in a confined space or in an entertainment center without proper ventilation, it may overheat in rest mode and cause freezing.
- Make sure your PS4 has at least 10-15 cm clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
- Open your entertainment center doors when PS4 is on to allow heat to escape.
- Clean dust buildup out of your PS4 with compressed air.
- Make sure vents are not obstructed by dust and debris.
Keeping your PS4 cool will help prevent rest mode freezing issues. You can also manually check for overheating by feeling along the rear vents after it freezes to see if they are abnormally hot.
Check HDMI device link settings
The HDMI device link feature can sometimes cause problems with rest mode if you have devices that aren’t fully compatible. Try disabling HDMI device link in your PS4 system settings to see if that fixes your freezing issue. This prevents the PS4 from sending device control signals over HDMI.
Initialize PS4 system software
Reinitializing the PS4 system software will wipe your PS4 back to factory default settings. This should clear out any corrupted data or software errors that could be interfering with rest mode. Back up any important game data you want to keep before initializing.
- Power on PS4 into Safe Mode by holding down power button for 7 seconds.
- Connect PS4 controller with USB and select Initialize PS4.
- Follow on-screen prompts to install system software.
Initializing your PS4 will wipe all data so use this fix as a last resort if nothing else has resolved your rest mode freezing issues.
Replace internal hard drive
In some cases, an old or faulty hard drive can cause PS4 freezing in rest mode. Hard drives can develop bad sectors over time that lead to software errors and crashes.
- Back up data and initialize PS4 software after replacing hard drive
- Replace with a SSD for maximum performance
- Swap in a new 2.5″ internal SATA hard drive. Must be a 5400RPM or 7200RPM drive.
If your PS4 is having widespread freezing or crashing issues, replacing the internal hard drive could resolve your rest mode problems.
Send in for Sony repair
For any freezing or crashing issues that you can’t resolve on your own, your last option is to contact Sony support and send in your PS4 for official repair service. Sony can do advanced diagnostic testing and repairs to fix any underlying hardware or software issues causing your rest mode problems. This will likely involve a factory reset of your console. Costs vary but are typically $100-$150 for out of warranty repair service.
Conclusion
Rest mode freezing can be frustrating but is usually fixable. Make sure rest mode settings are properly configured. Check for overheating, ventilation issues or HDMI conflicts. Reinitializing system software or replacing the internal hard drive may be necessary if your PS4 has underlying hardware or software damage. Lastly, Sony repair is available if you can’t get your PS4 working right again on your own. With some troubleshooting, you’ll be able to use rest mode reliably again so your PS4 gaming experience is seamless.