PlayStation PS4 CE-34878-0 Error
What it means
CE-34878-0 is one of the most common PS4 errors. It means an application or game crashed. Symptoms are the game freezing or quitting back to the home screen with this code, sometimes the moment a game launches and sometimes randomly mid-play. It is a generic 'the app stopped working' message rather than a single specific fault, so it can be triggered by out-of-date software, a corrupted save or game file, an installed third-party hard drive, or in rarer cases failing console hardware.
Common causes of the CE-34878-0 error
- PS4 system software or the game/application is out of date
- A temporary software glitch or memory hang while the game was running
- Corrupted game data, update file, or saved data
- A previously installed (or removed) third-party hard drive
- PlayStation Camera face-recognition feature conflicting with the app
- Failing console hardware (rare — usually only when every game crashes)
How to fix the PlayStation PS4 CE-34878-0 error
- 1Update your system software and the gameGo to Settings > System Software Update and install any available update, then highlight the game, press the Options button, and choose Check for Update. Most CE-34878-0 crashes are caused by out-of-date software, so this resolves the majority of cases.
- 2Restart (power cycle) the PS4Hold the PS4 power button until it beeps twice and fully shuts down, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears a temporary memory glitch. Avoid using only Rest Mode — do a full restart.
- 3Disable PlayStation Camera featuresIf a PlayStation Camera is connected, disconnect it and turn off the face-recognition / login features in Settings > Login Settings, then relaunch the game. The camera feature has been known to trigger this crash with certain titles.
- 4Reinstall the game and check your hard driveDelete the problem game from Settings > Storage and reinstall it to replace any corrupted files. If you have installed or recently removed a third-party (replacement) hard drive, reinstall the original drive, as a swapped drive can trigger this error.
- 5Rebuild the database, then initialize as a last resortBoot into Safe Mode (hold power until the second beep) and run 'Rebuild Database' — this is safe and does not delete games or saves. If the error still appears across many games, back up your data and use Initialize PS4, which erases all storage and reinstalls the system software.
🧰 When to call a professional
If CE-34878-0 happens with every game, appears the instant any application starts, or keeps returning after you have updated, reinstalled, and initialized the console, PlayStation's official guidance is that the hardware may need service — contact PlayStation Support / PlayStation Repairs rather than continuing to troubleshoot at home.
PlayStation CE-34878-0 error — FAQ
What does PS4 error CE-34878-0 mean?
It means an application or game crashed. It is a generic crash code, so it can be caused by out-of-date software, corrupted game data, a third-party hard drive, or (rarely) failing hardware.
How do I fix CE-34878-0 myself?
Update your PS4 system software and the game, then fully restart the console. If it persists, disable PlayStation Camera features, reinstall the game, and run Rebuild Database from Safe Mode. Initialize the PS4 only as a last resort after backing up.
Is CE-34878-0 a sign my PS4 is broken?
Usually no — it is most often a software issue with one game. But if it happens with every game or right when any app launches, that can point to a hardware problem, and you should contact PlayStation Support.
Sources
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with PlayStation. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.