PS4 Error CE-35888-2 [6 Easy Fixes 2023]

PS4 error CE-35888-2 occurs when something is wrong with the system software or the hard drive. The problem goes away after you rebuild the database, but you need to resort to other methods if that doesn’t work.

Key Takeaways

• PS4 Error CE-35888-2 is an error code that appears when there is a problem with the system software or the hard drive and hinders all console usage.
• This error can occur when the system software is corrupted, the hard drive is not installed correctly, or the hard drive is damaged.
• To fix the issue, you need to check the hard drive connection, rebuild the database in safe mode, or perform a factory reset of your console.

Also Read: Netflix Not Working On PS4

Why Does The PS4 Error CE-35888-2 Occur?

The error can occur for various reasons, the most common being an improperly installed hard drive: If the hard drive is not correctly installed in the PS4, the CE-35888-2 error can appear. This can happen if the hard drive is not seated correctly in the console or if the hard drive is incompatible with the PS4.

Our testing also revealed that a damaged hard drive could cause the CE-35888-2 error to appear. This can happen if the hard drive is dropped, bumped, or damaged.

Furthermore, the use of non-original drives can cause problems. The error can occur if you’re using a non-original purpose incompatible with the PS4, either because it doesn’t meet the technical specifications or because it’s not formatted in a way that the PS4 can recognize. The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive between 5400 and 7200 RPM with a storage capacity between 250GB and 8TB. It must also be formatted in a specific way, which can be done by the PS4 during the initial setup. Also, make sure to read about how to fix PlayStation Vue Error 5001.

How To Fix The PS4 Error CE-35888-2?

The error is generally related to your hardware. Therefore we’d mainly focus on fixes that target your Hard Drive. Here’s a list of the potential spots:

1. Checking Hard Drive Status
2. Running A Diagnostic Test
3. Checking The Hard Drive Connection
4. Rebuilding Database in Safe Mode
5. Factory Reset
6. Swapping The Hard Drive

These steps are pretty simple and have been deducted after rigorous testing. Therefore, without further adieu, let’s start!

Checking The Hard Drive Status

Since we’re checking if the hard drive is damaged, it’s wise to start with seeing if the hard drive shows up. To check the complex drive status on a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to the home screen.
2. Select the “Settings” icon, which is located on the top row of the home screen and looks like a toolbox.
3. Scroll down and select “Storage.”Storage – Image Credits (Emopulse)
4. Here you will see the hard drive’s status, including the amount of free space, the file system, and the complex drive type.
5. If the hard drive is not recognized, it may be necessary to check the connection or format it.

If you find that the hard drive is not being recognized, then voila, the issue lies with your hard drive. If this procedure shows the hard drive, we must move on to the following error.

Running A Diagnostic Test

Next, we’ll try to utilize the built-in software we’re given and run this diagnostic test. To run a diagnostic test on the hard drive of a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to the home screen.
2. Select the “Settings” icon.
3. Scroll down and select “System.”

   

4. Scroll down and select “System Information.”

   

5. You will see the option “Test Connections” select it and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. The diagnostic test will check the hard drive for errors and may take a few minutes to complete.
7. After the test is complete, you will be presented with the results. If the hard drive has passed the test, you should be able to continue using it without any issues. If the hard drive fails the test, you may need to replace or repair it.

It’s important to note that this diagnostic test will check for problematic drive errors, but it may not be able to detect all issues with the hard drive. For that, you can move on to the next fix.

Checking The Hard Drive Connection

Next, we must move on to the hardware and ensure the device is connected correctly. However, before you start this, here’s a disclaimer:

It’s important to note that if you’re uncomfortable opening the PS4, you should contact Sony Support for assistance. Tampering with the device can void the warranty and damage the device if not done correctly.

If you want to proceed nonetheless, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Unplug all cables from the PS4, including the power cable, HDMI cable, and any other wires that may be connected.
3. Open the PS4 by removing the screws on the bottom of the unit and lifting off the top cover.
4. Locate the hard drive; it should be a 2.5-inch hard drive; make sure it is correctly seated in the hard drive bay, and the connectors are securely attached.
5. Replace the cover and screws, then reconnect all cables to the PS4.
6. Turn on your PS4 and check the complex drive status; you can check it by going to the PS4’s settings menu, then selecting “Storage.”
7. If the hard drive is still not recognized, it may be necessary to format it or try another one.

Also, make sure to read our guide on PlayStation error WS-37431-8.

Rebuilding Database In Safe Mode

It’s important to note that rebuilding the database will not affect your saved games or other data, but it may improve the performance of your PS4. This process can help fix issues with the system software and can also be used to fix problems with the hard drive. To rebuild the database in Safe Mode on a PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps; this will start the PS4 in “Safe Mode.”
3. Connect a controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.

   

4. Select “Rebuild Database” using the controller.

   

5. The PS4 will now begin to rebuild the database, which may take a while, depending on the amount of data on the hard drive.
6. Once the process is complete, the PS4 will restart, and the database will be rebuilt.

We’re afraid your options will run out if this fix does not work. However, there is one last thing you can do before you lose all hope.

Factory Reset

We’re afraid one of your last options is to wipe out all memory. To factory reset your PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds until the power indicator light turns off.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps; this will start the PS4 in Safe Mode.
3. Connect a controller to the PS4 using a USB cable.
4. Next, we select “Initialization.”

   

5. Select “Initialize PS4” using the controller.

   

6. Select “Full”

   

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initialization process. Initialization will erase all data from the hard drive and restore the PS4 to its original settings.

It’s important to note that factory resetting the PS4 will erase all data on the hard drive, including all games, saved data, and personal settings. It is recommended to back up your data before initialization using an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Swapping The Hard Drive

Finally, if wiping out all possible data didn’t help, we’re afraid you’d have to look for new hardware. The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive between 5400 and 7200 RPM with a storage capacity between 250GB and 8TB. It must also be formatted in a specific way, which can be done by the PS4 during the initial setup.

If you’re using a non-original drive, it’s possible that it does not meet the technical specifications required by the PS4 or may not be formatted in a way that the PS4 can recognize. Using the original hard drive from Sony or a well-known brand that you know will be compatible with the PS4 will most likely fix the issue.

Bonus Fix

If none of the above fixes worked, we suggest that you contact PS support for the issue. You can do this by clicking on this link and following the instructions on their website.

Also Read: Minecraft Not Loading On PS4

Conclusion

Hopefully, after employing the fixes in this article, PS4 Error CE-35888-2 is no longer an issue for you. However, another error will likely be in play if the error persists. Here’s a list of other articles that can help you start this diagnosis:

• What To Do When PS4 “Appear Offline” Feature Is Not Working?
• PS4 Share Play Not Working
• Media Remote Not Working On PS4?