5 Steps to Prevent Automatic PS4 Firmware Updates

In the realm of gaming, PlayStation 4 stands tall as a beacon of entertainment, offering an unparalleled experience to its loyal fanbase. However, one aspect that may irk some users is the automatic firmware updates that can interrupt your gaming sessions or download unwanted features. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to disable automatic PS4 firmware updates, granting you control over your console’s software destiny.

While automatic firmware updates may seem like a convenient way to keep your PS4 up-to-date with the latest security patches and features, they can also pose certain drawbacks. If you’re in the middle of an intense online match or enjoying an immersive single-player campaign, an unexpected update can abruptly halt your progress, leaving you frustrated and longing for a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, some updates may introduce changes to the console’s interface or gameplay, potentially affecting your preferences and overall enjoyment.

To regain control over your PS4’s firmware updates, follow these simple steps: Firstly, navigate to the “Settings” menu on your PS4 home screen and select the “System” option. Within the “System” settings, scroll down to the “Automatic Downloads and Uploads” option and uncheck the box labeled “Automatic System Software Updates.” This action effectively disables automatic firmware updates, ensuring that your PS4 will only download and install updates when you manually initiate the process. Remember, it’s still advisable to periodically check for and install critical updates to maintain the stability and security of your console.

Disabling Automatic Updates

Step 1: Access the PS4 Settings

To prevent your PS4 from automatically updating, you need to access the console’s settings. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Navigate to the main dashboard by selecting the “PlayStation Home” icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
Locate the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner of the dashboard and click on it.
Scroll down and select the “System” option from the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Deactivate Automatic Update Downloads

Under the “System” settings, find the “Automatic Downloads” section.
Uncheck the checkbox labeled “Application Update Files.” This will prevent your PS4 from automatically downloading firmware updates.
Note: You will still receive notifications about available updates, but they will not be downloaded or installed automatically.

Step 3: Disable Rest Mode Updates

Scroll down and select the “Power Saving” option under the “System” settings.
Select “Set Features Available in Rest Mode.” Here, you’ll find an option called “Stay Connected to the Internet.”
Uncheck the “Stay Connected to the Internet” checkbox. Doing this will prevent your PS4 from accessing the internet while in Rest Mode, which in turn will disable automatic firmware updates in Rest Mode.

Selecting the System Tab

To access the system settings and prevent automatic firmware updates, you need to navigate to the System tab from the PS4’s main menu:

Turn on your PS4.
From the main menu, scroll up to the top bar and select the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
In the Settings menu, scroll down and select the “System” tab.

Retaining Manual Control over Updates

To regain control over firmware updates on your PS4, follow these steps:

From the PS4’s main menu, navigate to “Settings.”
Select the “System” tab.
Scroll down to and select “System Software Update.”
Uncheck the box next to “Automatic Update.”
Select “OK” to confirm.

Additional Considerations

Disabling automatic updates does not exempt your PS4 from being vulnerable to security breaches or software compatibility issues.
Regularly check for and install firmware updates manually through the “System Software Update” menu to maintain optimal console performance and security.
If you enable automatic updates again, ensure your PS4 is connected to a stable internet connection to prevent interruptions during the update process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid being notified about available firmware updates?

After disabling automatic updates, you can uncheck the “Show Update Notification” box in the “System Software Update” menu to prevent the PS4 from prompting you about available updates.

Is it safe to leave automatic updates disabled for extended periods?

Leaving automatic updates disabled for an extended period may increase the risk of your PS4 becoming vulnerable to security exploits or experiencing software issues. It is recommended to enable automatic updates or manually install firmware updates regularly.

Staying Informed about Firmware Releases

To avoid unintended firmware updates, it’s crucial to stay informed about upcoming releases. Here are several effective methods for monitoring firmware updates:

Monitor Official Sources

PlayStation regularly publishes information about firmware updates on its official website and social media channels. Regularly checking these sources for announcements and release dates will keep you informed about upcoming updates.

Subscribe to PlayStation Newsletters

Subscribe to PlayStation’s official newsletters to receive regular updates on firmware releases, news, and exclusive offers. These newsletters will deliver firmware update announcements directly to your inbox.

Join PlayStation Forums and Communities

Engage with other PlayStation users in online forums and communities. These platforms often serve as hubs for information sharing, including discussions about firmware updates. By actively participating in these communities, you can stay up-to-date on the latest firmware news.

Utilize Third-Party Websites and Apps

Several third-party websites and apps provide comprehensive information about PlayStation firmware releases. These resources can offer detailed release notes, release dates, and potential compatibility issues. Regularly checking these sources will supplement your monitoring efforts.

Stay Connected with PlayStation Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions about firmware updates, don’t hesitate to contact PlayStation Support. They can provide official information, assist with technical difficulties, and keep you informed about upcoming updates.

Updating Manually When Desired

If you prefer not to rely on automatic updates, you can manually check for updates and install them when you want. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Go to the PlayStation Home screen.
Navigate to the “Settings” icon and press X.
Scroll down to “System Software Update” and press X.
Select “Update Now” and press X.
If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed.
Your PS4 will restart once the update is installed.

Check for Updates:

If you’re not sure whether an update is available, you can manually check for it by following these steps:

Go to the PlayStation Home screen.
Navigate to the “Notifications” tab.
Select “System Software Update” and press X.
If an update is available, it will be displayed here.

Considerations for Manual Updates:

Ensure proper internet connectivity for successful update downloads.
Consider the size of the update file and plan accordingly for download time.
Manual updates allow greater control over the timing and execution of updates.
Regular system software updates provide performance enhancements, security patches, and new features.
Skipping updates for extended periods may compromise system stability and functionality.

How To Not Let Ps4 Firmware Update Automatically

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a popular gaming console that is constantly being updated with new firmware. These updates can include new features, bug fixes, and security patches. While it is generally a good idea to keep your PS4 firmware up to date, there may be times when you want to prevent it from updating automatically. Perhaps you are experiencing problems with your PS4 and do not want to risk further problems by installing a new firmware update. Or, you may be on a limited internet connection and do not want to use up your data allowance on a large firmware update.

Whatever the reason, there are a few ways to prevent your PS4 from updating automatically. One way is to disable the “Automatic Updates” setting in the PS4’s settings menu. To do this, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Automatic Updates” and uncheck the box next to “Download and Install Update Files Automatically.” Another way to prevent your PS4 from updating automatically is to disconnect it from the internet. This will prevent the PS4 from being able to check for and download new firmware updates.