Fix PlayStation 4 Error SU-30638-0

Some Playstation 4 users are facing an error when they try to install a new firmware update on to their console. They see an error code SU-30638-0 which is...

Sagar Choudhury

Last updated on August 1, 2023

Sagar Choudhury

Author

A techno freak who loves new gadgets and always keen to know about the latest games and everything happening in and around the technology world. He has a massive interest in Android and streaming devices.

How to fix PlayStation 4 error SU-30638-0?

This is an error that shows up whenever there is an issue with an OTA update. If Sony’s servers are down at the moment when you re performing the update, then this error could show up. Additionally, if during the update there is any interruption or network failure, then also this error could show up. These are the two common reasons for this error to show up. But recently there have been reports that this error shows up even when there is some form of data corruption in the PS4 console. So let’s take a look at all the possible fixes for the error SU-30638-0.

Check for Server Issues:

Before trying on any of the fixes mentioned below yourself, you should check the PSN Status Page. If there are any problems from Sony’s side, then you can check it here. Go through all the main categories and subcategories mentioned in this page and see if there is anything reported wrong for anyone of them. If there is indeed an issue with the PSN services, then the only thing you can do is wait till Sony resolves it on their own. You can’t do anything about this other than wait.

But if you see that everything is working fine in terms of PSN services, then move on to the fixes mentioned below.

Performing a Power Cycle:

If you have not performed a complete restart of your PS4, then a lot of temporary files will be accumulated in your console. If there is any corruption here in the temporary files, then you will see the error code SU-30638-0. So, perform a complete restart right away to clear out all these temporary files.

Press and hold down the power button on your PS4 console and wait till it completely shuts down. Don’t let go of the button until you hear the fans inside the console shutting down.
Once the console is completely off, take the power plug out of the socket and wait a few minutes for the capacitors to drain.
Now connect the cord to the power supply and start the PS4 again like you usually do.
After it boots up, go on to the update section and try to perform the update again.

If you can install the latest firmware update without any issues, then you can rest assured that it was a data corruption issue and is now resolved. However, if you still see the error code SU-30638-0, then try the next fix mentioned below.

Installing the Update via Safe Mode:

Now if there are no server issues, and the power cycle procedure method did not solve your problem, then there is another thing that you can try to install the latest firmware update. You can install the update via Safe Mode of your PS4.

Firstly, connect your PS4 to an active network with internet access.
Then go to your main dashboard and from there open up your notification panel. Here, you will see the update that is causing issues. Select it, press the Option key and choose the option Delete.
Press the power button to turn off your console next.
Now press and hold the power button again to turn on the console, and don’t let go of the button until you hear the second beep. You will see the safe mode screen.
Now you will see a message on your screen asking you to connect your Dualshock 4 controller via the physical cable. Then press the PS button to initiate the pairing process between the controller and the console.
Now using the keys on your controller, select the option “Update System Software”. Next select “Update using the Internet” and then confirm your action to initiate the update procedure.
Wait till the download and installation of the latest firmware are done. Once it is done, restart your console and you are done.

For some reason, if the update does not go complete or you face any issues, then try the next fix mentioned below.

Manually Installing the Update:

If you are unable to update in the safe mode using the Internet, then you should try updating the firmware manually. For the manual update, you will need a Windows PC and USB flash with a minimum free space of 4GB.

Connect the Flash drive to the computer via the USB port. Then right-click on the drive that you just connected to your PC and choose the option “Format.”
Then enter the name you want to save for the USB drive, set the file system to FAT32, set allocation unit size to default, check the box next to “perform a quick format” and then finally click on Ok.
Once the format is done, open the drive and here create a new folder and name it “UPDATE”.
Click on this link to go to Sony PlayStation’s official software download page and look for the download section below. Here, click on “PS4 System Software Update file.”
Once the download is complete, copy the file over to the UPDATE folder in the USB drive.
If your PS4 was turned on, then turn it off. Now connect your USB drive to the console and then press the power button until you hear the second beep. You will see the safe mode screen.
Now you will see a message on your screen asking you to connect your Dualshock 4 controller via the physical cable. Then press the PS button to initiate the pairing process between the controller and the console.
Using the keys on your controller, select the option “Update System Software”. Next, select “Update from USB Storage Device” and then confirm your action to initiate the update procedure.
Wait till the installation of the latest firmware is done. Once it is done, restart your console and you are done.

If even this fails, then move on to the final fix mentioned below.

Rebuilding your Database:

If none of the solutions mentioned above worked for you, then the problem is with the console’s database. You will have to rebuild it again in the safe mode to fix the issue.

Press the power button to turn off your console next.
Now press and hold the power button again to turn on the console, and don’t let go of the button until you hear the second beep. You will see the safe mode screen.
Now you will see a message on your screen asking you to connect your Dualshock 4 controller via the physical cable. Then press the PS button to initiate the pairing process between the controller and the console.
Now using the keys on your controller, select the option “Rebuild Database”.

So these are all the possible solutions for the error code SU-30638-0 indicating firmware update failure. If you have any questions or queries about this guide, then comment down below, and we will get back to you. Also, be sure to check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more useful information.