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 It is a generic 'the app stopped working' message rather than a single specific fault, so it can be triggered by out-of-date software, a corrupted save or game file, an installed third-party hard drive, or in rarer cases failing console hardware.
The bottom line on the CE-34878-0 error
CE-34878-0 sounds alarming but it is almost always a software crash in one game, not a dying console โ most cases trace back to out-of-date system software or the game itself rather than failing hardware. The common trap is assuming your PS4 is broken; a genuine hardware fault usually only shows when every game crashes.
Start with the cheapest move: install the system software update, update the game, then fully power cycle the console. If it lingers, run Rebuild Database from Safe Mode. This is a free fix in the vast majority of cases, so do not replace the console.
CE-34878-0 snapshot
Our own at-a-glance triage of the CE-34878-0 error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings โ ยท How we score โ
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- PS4 system software or the game/application is out of date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 โ usually only when every game crashes)
Which PlayStation ps4s get the CE-34878-0 error
CE-34878-0 appears across every PS4 model โ the original 'fat' PS4 (CUH-1000/1100/1200 series), the PS4 Slim (CUH-2000 series), and the PS4 Pro (CUH-7000 series). It is not tied to one revision; because it is a generic 'application crashed' code, any console running any game can show it.
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 Most CE-34878-0 crashes are caused by out-of-date software, so this resolves the majority of cases.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 โ 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' โ 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.
๐งฐ 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 โ contact PlayStation Support / PlayStation Repairs rather than continuing to troubleshoot at home.
PlayStation CE-34878-0 vs PlayStation CE-108255-1 vs PlayStation CE-100028-1: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| PlayStation CE-34878-0 | PlayStation CE-108255-1 | PlayStation CE-100028-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1โ5) | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Urgency (1โ5) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Typical cost | $ | $ | $ |
How much does it cost to fix the CE-34878-0 error?
| DIY software fix (update, rebuild database, reinstall) | Free |
| Professional repair (only if truly a hardware fault) | $100โ$180 |
| Replacement (used PS4 Slim / Pro) | $150โ$300 |
Repair or replace?
In the overwhelming majority of cases this is a FREE fix โ do not replace the console. Updating the system software and the game, power cycling, and running Rebuild Database from Safe Mode resolves nearly all CE-34878-0 crashes at no cost. Only consider paid repair or replacement if the error persists across every game even after a full Initialize, which points to genuine hardware failure โ and on an aging PS4 a used replacement often costs less than a board-level repair.
PlayStation CE-34878-0 error โ FAQ
๏ผ โ 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.
๏ผ โ 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.
๏ผ โ Is CE-34878-0 a sign my PS4 is broken?
Usually no โ 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 & manufacturer references
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 โ when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.