How to Fix PlayStation 4 Error CE-35888-2? – Complete Guide

In this guide, we’ll discuss why PlayStation 4 error CE-35888-2 appears so buckle up! 

This error is well-known to appear when the HDD (Optical) drive of the PlayStation 4 has been replaced with third-party storage from eBay.

The catch is that Sony does not allow users to replace PlayStation parts and this error shows that the machine can’t use foreign components.

The reason for the CE-35888-2 error comes from a non-original Optical Drive or the connection to the drive being interrupted while the PlayStation was open. Another problem for the HDD to be unable to start is when the console does not receive enough power.

Let’s next learn more about the CE-35888-2 error and what’s causing the problem!

What Does Error “CE-35888-2” Mean?

The most common reason that causes this error is mismatching of the motherboard or more accurately, the connection to the Hard Drive of the PlayStation.

The error appears when the original Optical Drive is not recognized, which includes a replacement, or lack of power!

There could be other factors as well. Here is what they are:

• Non-Original PS4 Optical Drive
• Disconnect Hard Drive Data/Power Cable
• Insufficient Power Supply
• Insufficient Network Configuration

In the fix guide below, we’ll mainly focus on Hard Drive issues, involving most of the possibilities but also target other occasions in which the CE-35888-2 error appears.

Let’s next jump straight into the solutions!

How To Fix The PlayStation 4 Error CE-35888-2?

For the most efficiency and accuracy during the troubleshooting session, make sure to follow the solutions in order to be able not only to solve the problem but also to locate its source.

This will help keep the problem away in the future so pay close attention to our recommendations!

Solution #1 Restart The PlayStation 4

The very first step in our solution guide would be to power cycle the console.

Then make sure to provide the machine with a fresh start by allowing the components to discharge and cool down.

Follow the steps below to restart your PlayStation:

1. Unplug the PlayStation Power Cable.
2. Wait for 60 seconds.
3. Plug the cable into the entry port.
4. Wait until the PlayStation starts.

When the device fully loads, test whether the CE-35888-2 error continues to appear.

In addition make sure to test with more than one application to be able to localize the problem a little further, which might suggest the best next move. Attempt to open apps as well.

Tip: Waiting longer will provide the components with enough time to discharge fully!

Solution #2 Delete ALL Games!

This might sound like a straightforward solution, but the problem is clearly related to the device’s storage.

In that regard, we can’t allow corrupted data from cracked games or any third-party sources to be present on the suspected PlayStation Optical Drive.

Here are easy steps to delete ANY game from the PlayStation!

1. From the PS Home Screen, highlight a game.
2. Press the Options button on the Dualshock controller.
3. From the Menu that will appear on the right, choose Delete.
4. Confirm by pressing the “X” button on the controller with “OK” highlighted.

For a game to be entirely deleted, it could take a few moments, based on how large the game is.

Make sure to repeat the steps for ALL games until the Storage of your PlayStation is empty.

Tip: You can easily re-download ALL games after this guide!

Solution #3 Change The Power Source

The next logical solution would be to make sure that the console is receiving a sufficient power supply.

As we’ve already mentioned, the CE-35888-2 error appears when the Optical Drive is not being detected, in other words, the components might not be able to start.

Plug the PlayStation into a standalone wall outlet without a power strip!

This will definitely help, in case the power supply is involved in the error’s occurrence.

In addition, inspect the power cable’s body for twisting or a bad connection to the PlayStation.

Note: Make sure that the power entry port is not obstructed.

Solution #4 Reconnect The Hard Drive!

In case you’ve never opened your PlayStation before, then we strongly recommend skipping this solution since, in your case, it’s better to schedule a professional inspection!

In contrast, if your PlayStation has been disassembled before for a component replacement simply for maintenance, the Optical Drive might have not been connected to the proper entry port, or the so-called “Flex Cable” is interrupted.

We’ll soon find out…

Alert: Opening the PlayStation 4 console, immediately voids the warranty!

Here’s how to reconnect the Optical Drive of the PlayStation 4:

1. Acquire Torx T9 and T8 as well as Phillips PH1 and PH 0 screwdriver!
2. There are 4 x stickers on the back of the PlayStation that have to be removed.
3. Using the Torx, undo the 4 x screws underneath the stickers.
4. The bottom panel should come OFF.
5. Remove the 4 more screws keeping the power supply cover in place. 
6. Reconnect the FLEX CABLE connected to the motherboard.

Once everything is taken apart, make sure that the connection is tightly secured, and only then reassemble the PlayStation back together.

Again, using a third-party hard drive that is not verified by Sony will not work with the PlayStation.

Note: For an Optical Drive replacement, take the console to a certified PlayStation service!

Solution #5 Turn ON PlayStation In Safe Mode!

Sometimes after we disassemble our consoles, the machine might not recognize ALL components, in our case, the hard drive so we might give it a little push.

The Safe Mode is designed, especially for cases such as this one!

Here’s how to start the PlayStation in Safe Mode:

1. Turn OFF the PlayStation using the controller or the power button.
2. Press and hold the Power button.
3. Release the Power button after the 2 x beeps sound.
4. From the Safe Mode menu, choose Restart My PlayStation 4.

That should be just enough for the machine to start recognizing the Optical Drive, therefore removing the CE-35888-2 error in a matter of seconds.

In case that doesn’t work out, proceed.

Solution #6 Factory Reset The PS4

Now that we have already tried the most powerful solution, hence, reconnecting the Optical Drive, we can now attempt the last shot we’ve got.

In this solution, we’ll restore the PlayStation back to factory settings and wipe the storage clean! This might just be enough to solve the error.

Here’s how to factory reset your PlayStation 4 in easy steps:

1. From the Home Screen, navigate to Settings.
2. In there, choose Initialization.
3. Press on Initialize PlayStation 4.
4. Make sure to select Full Initialization to clear everything!

When the reset is over, the console will restart, which is the primary indication of a successful reset.

However, the job is not done yet. You’ll need to install a game and check whether the error CE-35888-2 appears upon turning the software on.

In case it does you need to seek help!

Tip: If you’re unable to reset the PlayStation from the Settings, use Safe Mode!

Your PlayStation Still Display Error CE-35888-2?

It’s a bit discouraging if you’ve attempted ALL of the solutions above and nothing managed to help.

In such cases, we’re sorry to inform you that the Optical Drive of your PlayStation 4 might be dead. By “dead” we mean that the component is faulty and has to be replaced.

However, before making any purchases don’t forget to ask for help first!

By going to the official PlayStation Repair Page, you’ll be able to report your problem and hopefully, the support team will be able to help you from a distance.

With a bit of luck, the problem would turn out to be something minor that can easily be solved.

Tip: Don’t forget to share what you’ve already tried in this guide to save time!

Quick Recap:

The CE-35888-2 error on your PlayStation is caused due to unmatching of the motherboard and daughterboard or a disconnected/not-recognized Optical Drive. The solution to this issue involved a power cycle before disassembling the console for manual repair.

Wrapping Up:

Here we’ve learned why PlayStation 4 error CE-35888-2 appears and what we can do to solve the problem in no time.

Remember that you can always receive help from PlayStation Customer Service and attempt to put the warranty into use in case it’s still intact.

We hope that this post was helpful and for more relevant guides check our blog!