USB port in PS4, just like other ports in other devices, is small and is used to connect and transfer digital data from one USB compatible device to another. In addition to that, it could also serve as a charger as it has the ability to provide and transfer electric power through the cable attached and connected to the device that needs it. For example, if you connect a low battery device through USB to your PS4 port, your device would surely charge and increase it battery life. Some examples of the devices which you could connect to your PS4 USB port are the following:
- DualShock 4 controller
- External storage devices
- PS4 VR
- Speakers
- Headphones
Having a USB port is very important to have in PS4 gamer. In fact, a lot of PS4 users would feel that having two USB ports are just not sufficient enough when you are playing games on your PS4. Moreover, they would even suggest that it would be better if you have 4 or even 5 ports. Hence, there are some users that would try to get and connect a USB hub as a solution to this need. Though this might seem to be a good idea, there are several disadvantages that you could encounter but the primary one is that not all USB could and would work via USB hub. Though some will also work without an issue.
In this article, we shall focus and discuss one of the most interesting topics, PS4 USB connection. We shall try to understand it more especially about it working as a storage of PS4.
Everything About PS4 USB Ports
PS4 USB Ports Number and Location
PlayStation 4 only has two USB ports. These two USB ports have been designed and patterned from the other previous versions of other PS consoles. You would be able to find these two USB ports on the right and front portion of your console which is the same as PS2 and PS3.
The Pro version, however, you would find additional USB port at the back of the console together with the AUX, HDMI and LAN ports.
PS4 USB Port Basic Features
USB 3.1/3.1 Generation 1 – both PS4 and PS4 come with USB 3.0 which has the ability to transfer data in SuperSpeed. In fact, its transfer rate is 5 Gbit/s with a size of 625mb/s. This is faster than the previous USB versions. USB 3.1 Generation2 and USB3.2 on the other hand are both faster with it having SuperSpeed+ with the rate of 10 Gbit/s.
Bi-Directional – The PS4 USB 3.0/31 is bi-directional. This means, it has the ability to read and write data simultaneously. In other words, you could download files from your console and at the same time upload data to your console without having to wait for one task to finish before starting another task.
Power-Saving – If your devices connected through your USB port is not in use, it will put it into sleep mode. This way it could save more energy.
Supported Devices
Controllers – Through USB ports of your PS4, your PS4 controllers could be connected to your console. Aside from using them to play your favorite game, you could also use them to charge the battery of your controllers.
External Storage Devices – USB ports of your PS4 could enable your external storage device. This could be a USB flash memory or external SSD which you could use as backup storage or extended storage.
USB Hub – this could increase the number of ports that you could use to connect to your PS4 console.
Keyboard and Mouse – this could help you navigate through your console. You could enter text, browse the web. To be able to setup your keyboard, just go to settings then to devices then to external keyboard.
PS4 Accessories – These are different USB devices such as PS VR, headsets, etc. which works with PS4. This could enhance your gaming experience.
USB PS4 USB Ports
Through PS4 USB ports, you will be able to connect devices to your console by plugging each end of the USB cable to the port and to the device that you would need to connect to your console.
The good thing about these ports is that you could plug your device even if it is not turned or powered on. All you have to do if to ensure that you follow instructions that were provided by your equipment before you unplug your USB cables. If your device is running on your PS4 and you unplug the USB cable, your device or files being used could lead to them being damaged. Hence, we highly recommend and suggest to always observe ejecting your USB safely before you physically unplugging the cable.
If you are using a USB hub, plug separate cables into each device to connect them to the hub individually. External hard drives, keep in mind, that it will not be able to work as an extended storage if it is connected via USB hub. If you wish for it to work as an extended storage, you will have to connect it to directly to your PS4 USB port.
PS4 USB Port Transfer Speed
USB 3.0 – This transfer speed is also known as SuperSpeed USB feature. It is an improved version of USB 2.0. It is faster and its performance is better as well. It has improved its power management and its bandwidth capability has also been increased. It uses two unidirectional data paths for receiving and send data simultaneously. The transfer rate of USB 3.0 could go up as 5.0 gigabits per second.
USB 3.1 – This one is also known as SuperSpeed+. It has the ability to transfer up to 10 Gbps.
What Happens When PS4 USB Port is Damaged?
When your PS4 USB port is damaged, you will notice that when you repeatedly insert and remove your USB device, your PS4 USB port would stop responding which means it will no longer recognize USB devices and it will not work at all.
If you experience some problems with your USB port, you would know as you could encounter the following:
- Device cannot be detected
- Your PS4 would display an error message
- Your PS4 will not start or will not shut down
- Your PS4 slows down when using extended storage
- Your PS4 freezes when using extended storage
- Your PS4 suddenly turns off
You could also experience error messages such as:
- Too many USB devices connected
- Connect USB storage device contains update
- USB storage device not connected
- Cannot Start the Application (CE-3005-B)
How to Fix a Damaged PS4 USB Port
One of the things you have to do for you to know that your PS4 USB port is damaged is you will have to give it a physical examination. You will have to ensure that your USB port is not faulty too. Try to connect your device to another USB port and if it works, then your port could be faulty or damaged. However, if your device still remains undetected even after you have tried to connect it to another port, then it could be that your device is defective.
If it is your device that is defective, you could reformat your USB drive or you would probably need to replace it.
If the problem lies on your PS4 USB port, you will have to check the state of it, one of the safest way to check it out is by shutting down your PS4 console.
Another way is by checking if your USB port is clean and dust-free. Lastly, gently wriggle your USB cable. If it moves then, it could be that your drive is loose.
Fix Broken PS4 USB Hardware
If your USB port is loose, you might have to replace your PS4 USB port. This could be a challenging task as it could involve a soldering iron and it could cost as lot.
Can Restarting PS4 Fix Broken USB Ports?
As with every problem and issue, restarting your device could be your answer and this could also be the solution for your USB port problems especially if your PS4 cannot detect your USB device.
USB-A, USB-B and USB-C Port Types
USB A Type A – this is a rectangular USB Type A connector which comes with measurements of 1.4 cm in length and 0.65 cm in height.
USB B Type B – this one is a square connector. It is often used for printers.
Mini USB – this type is a small connector and is often a standard one for mobile devices before the micro USB
Micro USB – this is both USB A and USB B and in smaller version.
USB Type C – Comes with dimensions of 0.84 x 0.26 cm. It is designed to replace A and B with smaller ports.
Conclusion
We hope that through this article, you were able to find useful information about USB Port of PS4.
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