Console lights and error codes
What PS5 and PS4 lights, Xbox startup errors and common Switch signs mean. Try these steps first. If the problem keeps coming back, bring it in.
PS5 and PS4 lights
The light on the front of the console tells you what it's doing.
| Light | What it means | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Solid white | The console is on. | No picture? Try another HDMI cable and TV input. If there's still nothing, the HDMI port may be damaged. |
| Blue, then white | The console is turning on. | Normal. If it shuts off right after turning on, it may be overheating or have a power fault. |
| Blinking white, solid blue or blinking blue | The console froze. | Unplug it, wait 3 minutes, plug it back in and turn it on. If it keeps happening, reinstall the system software in Safe Mode. Heads up: that erases everything on the console. |
| Blinking white, then off | The console is turning off. | Normal. |
| Solid orange | Rest mode. | Nothing to fix. Hold the PS button on the controller to turn it on. |
| Blinking orange | Going into rest mode. | Wait a few seconds until it turns solid orange. |
| Pulsing red (PS4) | The console is overheating. | Turn it off, let it cool and keep the vents clear. If it keeps happening, it needs an internal cleaning and new thermal paste. |
| No light | The console is off. | If it won't turn on, check the power cable and outlet. If it still won't power on, the power supply or the board may have failed. |
At FixMyConsole we diagnose and repair this fault at the component level, with a 30-day warranty. PlayStation →
Xbox startup errors (E-codes)
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One show an E-code when they can't start. Here's what to try first for each one.
| Code | What to try |
|---|---|
| E100, E200, E204, E207 | In the Startup Troubleshooter, choose Reset this Xbox and keep your games and apps. |
| E101 | Do an offline system update with the OSU1 file from Xbox Support on a USB drive. |
| E102 | If the Startup Troubleshooter opens, do a factory reset with Remove everything. |
| E105 | Do a factory reset. |
| E106, E203, E208, E305 | Reset and keep your games and apps. If that doesn't work, do an offline system update (OSU1). Last option: factory reset. |
| E206 | Restart the console. Then reset and keep your games and apps. Last option: factory reset. |
Before a factory reset: Remove everything erases your games, apps and any saves that aren't synced to the cloud. Keep games and apps doesn't delete your games.
If the code comes back after these steps, Microsoft recommends a repair.
At FixMyConsole we diagnose and repair this fault at the component level, with a 30-day warranty. Xbox →
Nintendo Switch: common signs
The Switch doesn't use error lights, but these signs point to the usual fault.
- Won't turn on: hold the power button for about 12 seconds, then press it once. Charge it with the original adapter for a while and try again.
- No charging icon, or it only charges at an angle: it's usually the USB-C charging port or the charging chip.
- Black screen with sound: it may be the screen or the screen connector.
- Joy-Con drift: the stick wears out and moves by itself. We replace the stick.
At FixMyConsole we diagnose and repair this fault at the component level, with a 30-day warranty. Switch →
Questions
What does a red light on a PS4 mean?
A pulsing red light means the PS4 is overheating. Turn it off, let it cool and keep the vents clear. If it keeps happening, it needs an internal cleaning and new thermal paste.
My PS5 light keeps blinking blue or white. What do I do?
The console froze while starting. Unplug it, wait 3 minutes and turn it on again. If it keeps happening, try Safe Mode. If Safe Mode doesn't fix it, we check the storage, the power supply and the board.
How do I fix Xbox error E106 or E203?
Reset the console and keep your games and apps. If that doesn't work, do an offline system update (OSU1). A factory reset is the last option. If the code comes back, bring it in.
Will a factory reset delete my games?
Remove everything erases your games, apps and saves that aren't in the cloud. Keep games and apps doesn't. Sync your saves to the cloud before you try it.
Sources: PlayStation Support: PS5 and PS4 power indicator lights · Xbox Support: Troubleshoot startup errors on Xbox · Nintendo Support: troubleshooting for Nintendo Switch. Checked November 2026.
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