Basic Troubleshooting for the PlayStation 3 Console

Last Updated: March 7, 2024

Question: What can I do to troubleshoot my PlayStation 3 if I am experiencing problems with a game?

Answer: There are several common causes to issues that can be resolved by performing the troubleshooting steps below.

Check your console and game disc

Try other game discs in your console to determine whether the console is having problems when playing media games.

If possible, try recovering and using your PSN ID on a friend’s console to verify nothing is wrong with the account.

Delete the Game Data

1. In the XrossMediaBar (XMB) home menu, go to (Game) > [Game Data Utility]

2. Select Game Data Utility

   1. Make sure you do not select Save Data Utility, as this will delete all of your saved game files.

3. Highlight the game data utility file for the game you are having issue with

Press the Triangle button and select [Delete] to select the file for deletion

1. Highlight "Yes" and press the X button to confirm the deletion

2. A prompt will indicating the file is being deleted

3. Once the system returns a Delete Completed message, you can return to the XMB home menu

4. Reboot your console

5. Restart the game

Important: The following two troubleshooting options will not delete any content on your HDD, but it will delete all of your sent and received messages as well as music playlists you have, and revert the names of any altered data files or edited MP3 track information.

For any messages you want to save, it is recommended to send them to another account you have, then send them back later.

Restore the File System

1. Turn off your PlayStation 3

2. Press and Hold the power button down

   • The system will turn on and turn off once

3. Once the system has shut down, re-press the button until you hear two consecutive beeps

4. Take your finger off the button after you hear the two beeps

5. Plug in your controller via USB when prompted

6. Press the PS button to launch the Recovery menu

7. Select Restore File System

Rebuild Database

1. Turn off your PlayStation 3

2. Press and Hold the power button down

   • The system will turn on and turn off once

3. Once the system has shut down, re-press the button until you hear two consecutive beeps

4. Take your finger off the button after you hear the two beeps

5. Plug in your controller via USB when prompted

6. Press the PS button to launch the Recovery menu

7. Select Rebuild Database

8. Upon completion, ensure your PS3 is connected to the internet so it can download any game updates

9. Launch the game