Even if you’ve been keeping your PlayStation 4 in a well ventilated spot, chances are dust has still made its way into your console.
When you bought your PS4 it was whisper quiet. As time went by your PS4 became louder and louder. Now it’s at the point where as soon as you start a game the fans immediately kick in and your PS4 now sounds like a blow dryer.
This scenario may sound familiar to you long time PS4 owners and you’ve probably done what everyone else has done. You take a can of compressed air and blow out the dust.
Here’s the problem though.
Unless you take apart your PS4 and clean the inside, your PS4 is literally just collecting dust.
So how exactly can you fix your loud PS4? Well, it’s actually really simple and we’ll show you how step by step. And we’ll also show you how you can better protect your PS4 from dust.
So if you’re tired of putting on PS4 headsets to drown out the noise your PlayStation 4 makes, read on.
How do I fix my loud PS4?
The importance of cleaning and performing preventative maintenance on a PS4 is something most don’t really think about. But one of the main problems your PS4 can run into is dust buildup that can cause unwanted issues in the long term.
Here’s a brief step by step solution to fixing your loud PS4.
Step 1
At the backside of the PS4, start with removing the bottom seals that cover the screws (See Step 2) you’ll need to access in order to take apart the PS4. Keep in mind this will void your warranty so if you continue you will agree that the warranty will no longer be valid once you take the seals off.
Step 2
After you have removed the seals, unscrew the 3 lower screws (counterclockwise) on the bottom backside of the PS4, a T8 or T9 screwdriver will be more than enough to help you with this type of task.
Step 3
The bottom half of the PS4 will pop right off by gently pulling it away from the rest of the console. Do this nice and gently so no damage is being done to the PS4.
Step 4
Once you remove the lower half of the PS4 cover you will see that dust has collected on the vent areas of the cover you removed so don’t forget to clean it out.
Step 5
The dust typically accumulates on the fan and this is where you want to focus your efforts. Analyze the fan and see if there is any dust accumulation. Usually if your PS4 produces loud noises, then your console was due for a cleaning so it’s a very good idea to focus on getting the issue solved immediately.
Step 6
Use an air compressor or canned air to blow away the dust. Make sure you don’t turn the canned air sideways. In doing so the liquid will exit the can and you might end up damaging your PS4. Instead, keep the canned air upright while spraying and make sure that you remove all the accumulated dust in the PS4 cover, from the fan, and anywhere else you see dust in your PS4.
Warning: Do not blow the air inside the PS4 Disk Drive! If you’re not sure what we’re talking about just know that the disk drive is where you insert your game disk, Blu-rays, DVDs, etc. at the front of the PS4. Avoid this area.
Step 7
Regardless of what cleaning option you use, make sure that you leave your PS4 turned off at least for 15-30 minutes or more. There’s always the chance that liquid from the air compressor could have entered your PS4 and the last thing you want is for your PS4 to be damaged beyond repair. So play it safe and just wait to turn it on.
Step 8
After you get the majority of the dust out (it doesn’t have to be spotless, just 80-90% of it all), all you have to do is to place the plastic cover back and place the screws in place as well, then the process will be complete.
Note: Again, remember to never blow air inside the disk drive, instead keep the process focused only on the fan. If you use compressed air on the disk drive it will malfunction and most of the time you will just destroy it this way.
Repeat this at least once every 2-3 months, as it will help your PS4 run the best possible way, without any issues or overheating.
Video – How to properly clean and perform preventative maintenance on a PS4
How to prevent dust from getting into your PS4
If your PS4 is prone to collecting dust, then there are a couple accessories you can invest in to help prevent dust collection.
PlayStation 4 Dust Cover
The first accessory that can help stop dust from getting into your PS4 is the PlayStation 4 Dust Cover by Foamy Lizard. This is a great way to protect your PlayStation 4 from a multitude of things including:
- Dust
- Liquid spillage (Soda, water, beer)
- UV
- Scratches
- Cats sitting on your PS4 (It happens!)
Foamy Lizard’s PS4 dust cover was specifically designed to fit the dimensions of the PlayStation 4 while in the horizontal position. And not to worry as they do sell a vertical (Standing up) PS4 dust cover model as well.
The dust cover is designed to keep your PS4 clean and in a pristine condition. So you no longer have to worry about dusting off your PS4 or receiving accidental scratches that seem to appear out of nowhere.
It’s quite simple to use.
- Take the cover off during gaming sessions.
- Put the cover on when not in use.
There is even a back cutaway so you don’t have to remove your console cables when covering it.
Another solution to help prevent your PS4 from gathering dust in the wrong places and becoming noisy is to invest in a dust prevention kit. The Aweek Dust Proof Dust Prevention Cover Case Mesh Jack Stopper Pack Kits will help lengthen the life of your PS4 and stop it from sucking in dust particles.
There’s not much to this as you just basically pop the pieces in certain places on your PS4. These pieces are designed to collect the dust particles that would normally be sucked into your PlayStation 4 console.