PS4 System Software Error: How To Fix 'An Error Has Occurred' On PS4


If you have encountered the PS4 system software error message "an error has occurred", you may well have been left scratching your head as to what that actually means. The absence of detail makes it particularly difficult to pinpoint the problem or find any solutions online. We've done some digging to try to find answers so that you don't have to. We've delved into the seedy underbelly of PS4 error codes (insert your own mental image of us running around a Blade Runner-esque neon cityscape) and come back with the answers you need.

How To Fix 'An Error Has Occurred' On PS4

Interestingly, the 'an error has occurred' message crops up in a couple of different scenarios. We'll look at each in turn. The first one that we'll cover appears with no error code, most commonly when you are trying to boot up your console. If this scenario applies to you, then follow these steps:

  • Verify your PSN account. Often, this error appears when someone has turned on their console before completing account verification when they first buy the PS4. In this case, you will have an email from PlayStation somewhere, asking you to verify your details.
  • In some situations, you may find it easier to just create a brand new account, using a different email address. Turn on your console, select New User > Create a User and follow the steps.
  • If you have deefinitely got an account that's already been verified and used, you can try logging in to a different PlayStation using the same credentials. If you are able to sign-in, you can then try signing in to your own console once again, and hopefully the issue will be resolved.
  • Some users have reported that, somewhat bizarrely, setting your privacy settings to 'No-one' can remedy this error. To do this:
    • Go to Settings
    • Navigate to PlayStation Network > Account Management > Privacy Settings
    • Change all your settings to no-one, and see if this fixes the problem.
  • Update your console firmware.

That's scenario one covered. But there is another occasion which sees a very similar error message appear. We'll look at that next.

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'An Error Has Occurred' System Software Error

The second scenario is related specifically to error code CE-36329-3 "an error has occurred with system software". Should you be the unlucky recipient of this message, here's what to do:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of the System Software installed. Go to Settings > System Software Update. The system will then restart.
  2. Alternatively, if you can't reach Settings, please update the System Software using Safe Mode option 3.
  3. If the error reoccurs, back up your saved data and initialise the PS4 system by going to Settings > Initialisation > Initialise PS4 or by using Safe Mode option 6.

If the error continues, then it's time to contact PlayStation Support for further help and advice. We're hoping that our tips will resolve things for you. But if not, you know where to go.

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For more articles like this, take a look at our How To and PlayStation page.