One of the issues with PlayStation 4 is that it has a limited-size of internal hard drive. And so, most of the users would want to add an external hard drive for PS4 to have later storage space. This way, players can add and play more games on their consoles without any storage-related problems. Recently, many users are complaining on various forums that they are experiencing external hard drives not working or recognized on PS4. If you’re suffering from the same problem, here we have given a few workarounds to try.
Fixing PS4 External Hard Drive Not Working or Recognised
Before you start the following troubleshooting guide, make sure your hard drive is compatible because it needs space of 250 GB and a maximum of 8 TB capacity. Along with that, it needs a USB 3.0 version or later. Assuming your HDD already meets these criteria. Now, let’s start the troubleshooting guide.
1. Simply Restart Your PS4 Console
Our first suggestion is to simply turn off your PS4 and turn it on again.
– Turn off your console and unplug all cables.
– Wait for a few minutes
– Restart your console without connecting your hard drive
– Switch it back off and reconnect the external hard drive
– Switch on your PS4 again and check if the issue is resolved or not
2. Make Sure Your PS4 is Fully Updated
If the restarting of the console doesn’t solve the issue, the next method is to make sure your PS4 is fully updated to the latest version. To do:
– Power on the system and go to Settings
– Select the “System Software Update” option
– If your system is already updated – You will see “The latest version of the system software is already installed”
– Or you will see an update available. Then click on the “Next” or “Update” button to start downloading the update
– After completing the downloading process, you’ll get a notification
– Next, click on the “Notifications” links indicated by “i”
– Then go to “Downloads” and identify the software update
– Select the file
– Lastly, follow the on-screen instruction, and then the system update process will be completed
These are some of the easiest and quickest solutions to fix the PS4 external hard drive not working or recognized issue.
Even after attempting these methods, if the same issue persists, worry not and try the following some other methods.
Some Other Potential Solutions to Fix PS4 External Hard Drive Not Working or Recognized Issue
1. Firstly, try to test the external hard drive on some other device to make sure the hard drive is not corrupted. If that doesn’t work on another PS4 or PC, then you need to replace it.
2. Sometimes an error appears if you have not formatted your HDD. Here is how you can do it.
– Go to “Settings” >> “Devices” >> USB Storage Devices
– Select the USB storage device to format and select “Format as Extended Storage”
3. Next method is to reform the database of the PS4. This solution is suggested by SONY itself. For this:
– Put your PS4 in the Safe Mode
– Press the power button of your console for about 3 to 5 seconds and turn it off. The power sign will be blinking for some time before you turn it off.
– When the PS4 will turn off, then press and hold down the power button once again and release it when it gives a second beep.
– Connect your controller via USB cable. Then press the button indicating PS on your PS4’s controller.
– Once it is in Safe Mode, choose Option 5 – Rebuild Database.
That’s all you can do to fix the PS4 external hard drive not working or recognize the issue. If none of the methods work, then you need to contact the support team PlayStation for further help.
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