If you’ve owned a Sony PlayStation 4 or its predecessors since the system came out in 2013, you probably know about one annoying sound problem: the jet engine. It doesn’t matter if your console is plugged into an external speaker, or if you play games with headphones on—the PS4 makes that annoying humming noise that gives it away every time. While there are many reasons why Sony could have designed the console to make it produce noises like an engine, any logical explanation falls short of solving this annoying issue. So what is really going on? Why does the PS4 hum like a jet engine? Let’s take a look at the possible causes and solutions.
10 Reasons Why Does My PS4 Sound Like A Jet Engine?
1. Insufficient ventilation or poor thermal management:
Your PS4 can sound like a jet engine if it is not getting enough airflow to cool its internal parts. If the console has been placed in an enclosed space, such as an entertainment center, this could be causing the loud noise.
2. Dust accumulation on cooling components:
Over time, dust can accumulate on the internal cooling components, like fans, of your PS4. This can cause the fans to struggle to spin freely, leading to loud and inconsistent noise from your console.
3. Obstructed or damaged fan blades:
If the fan blades become obstructed or damaged, it can lead to excessive strain on the motor and cause a jet engine-like sound.
4. Faulty power supply unit:
The power supply unit (PSU) of the PS4 is responsible for providing the necessary voltage to its internal components. If it is faulty, then this could lead to a loud and unpleasant noise from the console.
5. Overheating:
Your PS4 can become too hot, leading to loud and inconsistent noise from the console. This is usually due to inadequate cooling or a build-up of dust inside the device.
6. Defective disc drive:
The disc drive may also be the cause of a jet engine sound if it’s not functioning correctly. A faulty disc drive can produce a loud noise when attempting to read discs.
7. Faulty hard drive:
A faulty hard drive can also produce a loud and unpleasant noise from the PS4. If the hard drive is no longer functioning, then it could cause excessive strain on other components, resulting in loud noises from the console.
8. Loose or damaged internal cables:
Internal cables can become loose or damaged over time, leading to loud noises from the console.
9. Faulty power button:
The power button is responsible for providing power to all components of your PS4. If it is not working properly, then this could lead to a jet engine-like sound due to excessive strain on internal components.
10. Firmware issues:
Firmware can become corrupted or outdated, leading to loud noises from the console. This is especially true if a firmware update has been installed incorrectly, or hasn’t been updated in a while. In these cases, it is best to reset the PS4’s firmware settings in order to fix any potential issues.
How To Fix The PS4 Sound Problem
Check your audio settings
The first thing you should do if you’re having sound issues with your PS4 is to check your audio settings. Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings and make sure that the Output to Headphones is set to Chat Audio.
Check your controller’s audio settings
If you’re still not getting any sound, go to Settings > Devices > Controllers and check the audio settings for your controller. Make sure that the Volume Control (Headphones) is turned up all the way and that the Mute Microphone is not checked.
Try a different pair of headphones
If you’re using a pair of headphones that are plugged into your controller, try plugging them into the PS4 directly. If you have a wireless headset, try connecting it directly to the PS4 using a USB cable.
Restart your PS4
If you’re still having sound issues, try restarting your PS4. To do this, hold down the power button for about 10 seconds until the system powers off. Then wait a few seconds and turn it back on again.
Update your PS4’s software
One of the most common causes of sound problems on the PS4 is outdated software. To check for updates, go to Settings > System Software Update and select Update Now. If there are any updates available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Rebuild your PS4’s database
If you’re still experiencing sound problems after updating your PS4’s software, try rebuilding its database. This process can fix a variety of issues, including corrupted data and slow performance. To rebuild your PS4’s database, go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Quick (Reinstall System Software).
Factory reset your PS4
If none of the above steps have fixed your sound problem, you may need to factory reset your PS4. This will delete all of the data on your system, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding. To factory reset your PS4, go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full (Reinstall System Software).
5 Bad Sound Design Solutions For The PS4 Humming Noise
1. Check the power supply
The first step is to check the power supply of your PS4. Make sure that it’s plugged into a wall outlet and not a surge protector. If you’re using a surge protector, try unplugging it and plugging your PS4 directly into the wall. If the humming noise persists, try using a different outlet in your home or office.
2. Check for dust buildup
Dust can accumulate inside of your PS4 over time, causing it to make strange noises. Try opening up the console and blowing out any dust that has built up inside with compressed air. Make sure to be careful not to damage any sensitive components while doing this!
3. Check for loose parts
If there are any loose parts or screws inside of your PS4, they can cause it to make strange noises when they vibrate against each other. Check all of the screws, cables, and other components inside the console and make sure they’re all firmly in place.
4. Check the fan
The fan inside of your PS4 can become noisy if it’s clogged with dust or debris. Try cleaning the fan with compressed air and make sure that it’s spinning freely. If necessary, you can replace the fan with a new one.
5. Contact Sony Support
If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Sony Support for further assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot and diagnose the issue, or they may even be able to repair or replace your console if necessary
The Bottom Line
Overall, if you think your PS4 sounds like a jet engine, then it is likely something is wrong. Most of the time this issue is caused by dust buildup inside the console or fan obstruction. Thankfully, with a little maintenance and TLC, you should be able to get your PlayStation 4 running as quietly as it was on day one! If these common solutions fail to resolve the issue though, then you may need to look into replacing the fan or other parts of the console.
FAQ’s
How do I factory reset my PS4?
To factory reset your PS4, go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full (Reinstall System Software). This will delete all of the data on your system, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Can I repair my PS4 myself?
In some cases, it is possible to repair your PS4 yourself if you have the necessary technical skills. However, many repairs require specialized tools and components that can be difficult to find and use properly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the repair yourself, then it is best to take your console to a qualified technician for assistance.
Is there a way I can reduce the humming noise from my PS4?
Yes, you can try reducing the humming noise from your PS4 by updating the software, cleaning out any dust buildup inside the console, and checking all of the screws and cables inside for any that may be loose. If these solutions don’t work, then you may need to look into replacing the fan or other parts of the console.
Could my PS4’s noises indicate something is wrong?
Yes, if your PS4 is making strange noises, then there could be something wrong with it. Most of the time this issue is caused by dust buildup inside the console or fan obstruction. To fix these issues, try updating your PS4’s software, cleaning out any dust inside the console, and checking all of the screws and cables inside for any that may be loose. If none of these solutions work, then you may need to look into replacing the fan or other parts of the console.