gls-featured

Why is my PS4 not reading movies on USB?

by

Why is My PS4 Not Reading Movies on USB? A Comprehensive Guide

The frustration of plugging a USB drive into your PlayStation 4 (PS4) expecting to enjoy a movie night, only to find the console isn’t recognizing your files, is a common one. Several factors can cause this issue, but the good news is that most of them are easily addressed. In short, your PS4 might not be reading movies on your USB due to incorrect formatting of the USB drive, unsupported file systems, corrupted video files, or issues with the USB drive itself. Let’s break down each potential problem and how to fix it.

Common Reasons for USB Playback Issues

The core issue usually stems from how your USB drive is configured or the files you’re trying to play. Here’s a detailed look at the main culprits:

File System Compatibility

The PS4 is very specific about the file systems it can read. It only supports exFAT and FAT32. If your USB drive is formatted using NTFS, which is common for Windows computers, your PS4 simply won’t be able to recognize it. This is the most common reason for this issue.

Video File Format

While the PS4’s Media Player is quite versatile, it does have limitations on the video formats it supports. Common formats like MP4 and AVI are generally compatible, but other less common ones might not be. If your video file is in an unsupported format, your PS4 will not play it.

File Corruption

Video files, like any data, can become corrupted due to damaged sectors on your storage media, viruses, or incomplete file transfers. A corrupted video file will simply fail to play. This corruption can also make the files unreadable by the system.

USB Drive Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the files but the USB drive itself. A faulty USB drive or one with physical damage might not be recognized by the PS4. Additionally, if the USB device is connected via a USB hub, this could cause the device not to be recognized.

Incorrect Folder Structure

The PS4 Media Player requires a specific folder structure. While not always an issue, it’s best practice to create a folder (like “Movies” or “Videos”) in the root directory of your USB and place your videos inside it. This helps the PS4 find your video files easily.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a step-by-step approach to resolving the issue of your PS4 not reading movies on a USB:

  1. Verify USB Format:

    • Connect the USB drive to a computer.
    • Right-click the drive and select “Properties”.
    • Look for “File System.” It should be FAT32 or exFAT.
    • If it’s NTFS, you’ll need to reformat the drive (Note: This will erase all data on the drive).
    • To reformat, right-click the drive, select “Format,” choose FAT32 or exFAT from the “File system” dropdown, and click “Start”. Ensure to back up any important data before formatting.

  2. Check Video File Format:

    • Verify that your video files are in a PS4-compatible format.
    • If necessary, convert your video files to a compatible format using a video converter on your computer.

  3. Test for File Corruption:

    • Try playing the video files on your computer to see if they work.
    • If the file is corrupted, you may need to find a new source for the video or attempt a file repair.

  4. Try a Different USB Drive:

    • If possible, test a different USB drive to rule out any hardware issues with the current drive.
    • Ensure the USB you are using is at least a USB 2.0 for basic functionality or a USB 3.0 for faster file transfers.

  5. Ensure Correct Folder Structure:

    • Create a new folder (for example, “Videos”) on the root level of your USB drive.
    • Move all your videos inside this folder.

  6. Check USB Port:

    • Try connecting the USB drive into a different USB port to rule out issues with specific ports on the PS4

  7. Restart Your PS4:

    • Sometimes, a simple restart of your PS4 can resolve minor glitches or temporary software issues.

  8. Update PS4 Software:

    • Ensure your PS4’s system software is up to date by going to Settings > System Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with a more detailed understanding of PS4 USB media playback:

1. What are the supported USB file systems for PS4?

The PS4 supports only two USB file systems: exFAT and FAT32. NTFS is not compatible and will not be recognized.

2. Which video formats are compatible with the PS4 Media Player?

The PS4 Media Player can play common formats such as MP4, AVI, and MPEG. Less common formats might not be supported.

3. Can my PS4 play 4K movies from a USB?

Yes, PS4 Pro consoles can play 4K movies from a USB drive, provided the video is in a supported format, and the USB drive is formatted correctly.

4. Why does my USB work for updates but not for media?

The PS4’s system update process is less sensitive to file structure than the Media Player. Even if a USB works for updates, its formatting may still be the issue when playing media.

5. How do I know if my video file is corrupted?

If the video file won’t play correctly on other devices, like your computer, or if it exhibits playback issues, it is likely corrupted.

6. Can I watch movies on my PS4 via USB if it has external storage set up?

Yes. External storage set up for game storage does not impact the functionality of using a USB for media purposes. They are treated differently by the console.

7. What if I get an error message saying “Cannot play this content”?

This error usually suggests that your video file is in an unsupported format, or it’s corrupted. Check the format and try to convert the file, or find another copy of the video.

8. Is there a maximum size for USB drives supported by the PS4 for media?

While there isn’t a hard limit, the PS4 can handle most standard USB drives. However, there can be limitations on how many files the media player can display. It’s best to keep your library organized with folders.

9. What is the best media player for PS4 if I’m having issues?

The PS4’s built-in Media Player works for the most part; however, Plex is a popular third-party alternative that may help with file support.

10. Does the USB stick need to have a specific speed rating for video playback?

While the PS4 supports SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0/USB 3.1/USB 3.2) for faster data transfer, using a USB 2.0 should suffice for video playback. Higher speeds can improve file transfer times, but not necessarily playback.

11. Can I use a USB hub with the PS4 for media playback?

Using a USB hub may cause connection issues, as hubs can sometimes prevent the drive from being properly detected. It’s best to connect directly to the PS4.

12. Can I play burned DVDs or audio CDs on my PS4?

No, PS4 consoles cannot play burned discs or audio CDs.

13. Can I stream videos from my USB to my TV using my PS4 as an intermediary?

No, PS4 does not function as a media server to stream files from a USB to another device.

14. Why does my PS4 not recognize my USB update file?

If the system update isn’t recognized, double check the format is correct, and the folder and file names are using single-byte uppercase characters (e.g., “PS4UPDATE.PUP”). Ensure the folder name is “PS4” and the update file is inside this folder.

15. How do I update my PS4 from a USB?

Plug in the USB containing the update file. Start the PS4 in safe mode by pressing and holding the power button until you hear a second beep. Select “Update System Software” and then “Update from USB Storage Device.”

By understanding the limitations and troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your PS4 reading your movies from a USB drive in no time. If issues persist, double check for corrupted files and ensure your USB drive is healthy and working correctly.

Leave a Comment