Sony PlayStation 5 SU-42118-6 Error – Fast Fix Guide

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What This Error Means

SU-42118-6 means the PS5 system software update failed because the console can’t communicate properly with its disc (Blu-ray) drive.

During the update, the PS5 checks that the drive and its board are present and responding; if the drive is missing, disconnected, swapped, or faulty, the update gets cancelled with this code.

Official Fix

Do this first. This is the path Sony support expects you to follow before they call it hardware.

  • Step 1 – Power cycle the console
    • Turn the PS5 off fully. No lights on the front.
    • Unplug the power cable from the wall for 60 seconds.
    • Unplug HDMI and any USB accessories while you’re at it.
    • Plug it back in, boot normally, and try the update again.
  • Step 2 – Try Safe Mode online update
    • Turn the PS5 off.
    • Hold the power button. Let go after the second beep. That boots Safe Mode.
    • Connect your controller via USB cable. Press the PS button.
    • Choose Option 3: Update System Software > Update Using Internet.
    • Let it download and install. If SU-42118-6 pops again, move on.
  • Step 3 – Update from USB (do not wipe data yet)
    • On a PC, grab a USB drive (8GB+), format it to FAT32.
    • Create folders: PS5\UPDATE on the USB (exact names, all caps).
    • Download the latest PS5 Update File (NOT Reinstall) from Sony’s site and save it as PS5UPDATE.PUP into the UPDATE folder.
    • Plug USB into the front of the PS5.
    • Boot to Safe Mode again. Pick Option 3: Update System Software > Update from USB.
    • Let it run. If it still throws SU-42118-6, the console is basically telling you “drive problem”.
  • Step 4 – Full reinstall (data wipe)
    • Warning: This erases everything on the internal SSD. Only do this if your saves are backed up or you accept the loss.
    • Use the same USB drive, but this time download the PS5 Reinstall File from Sony (bigger file).
    • Put it in PS5\UPDATE\PS5UPDATE.PUP, replacing the old file.
    • Boot to Safe Mode. Choose Option 7: Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software).
    • Point it to the USB. Let it finish.
    • If SU-42118-6 still appears, Sony’s official line now is: the disc drive hardware needs service.
  • Step 5 – Call in Sony or a repair shop
    • If you’re in warranty: contact Sony Support and schedule a repair. Don’t open the console.
    • If you’re out of warranty: you can still send it to Sony (flat repair fee), or use a trusted console repair shop.
    • At this point, software is done. The fix is hardware: disc drive, its board, or the connection between them.

The Technician’s Trick

Only do this if you’re out of warranty and not scared of a screwdriver. This is the real-life workaround techs use when software is clean but SU-42118-6 won’t die.

  • Step 1 – Kill power, strip it down safely
    • Shut the PS5 down, unplug power and HDMI, wait 2–3 minutes.
    • Move to a clean table. No drinks, no pets, no carpet if you can help it.
    • Pop the side panels off carefully (they slide and lift; don’t just yank).
  • Step 2 – Reseat the disc drive cables
    • Find the disc drive (only on the Disc Edition PS5). Slim metal box on the side.
    • There are usually one or two flat ribbon cables going between the drive and the motherboard.
    • Carefully flip the locking tabs on the connectors, slide the ribbons out, check for tears or burns.
    • Blow light dust off (no soaking cleaners on the board), reinsert the cables fully, lock the tabs back down.
    • Check any small power connector to the drive as well; make sure it’s fully seated.
  • Step 3 – Undo bad drive swaps
    • If someone already swapped the disc drive or its board: that’s your problem.
    • On PS5, the disc drive’s board is paired to the motherboard. Random replacement drive = update failure.
    • The tech move is: keep the original drive board, or move the ROM/chip from the old board to the new one.
    • If you don’t do this, SU-42118-6 will usually stick no matter how many times you reinstall software.
  • Step 4 – Test before full reassembly
    • Reconnect just what you need: power, HDMI, and the reseated drive cables.
    • Boot into Safe Mode and try the USB update or reinstall again.
    • If the update now completes, shut it down, finish reassembly, and you’re done.
    • If the error stays, the drive board or motherboard has a deeper fault. That’s board-level repair territory.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Console is under warranty, or it’s a disc edition PS5 in good shape with only this error and a repair quote that’s clearly cheaper than a new unit.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty, drive was previously messed with, and repair quotes land around half the cost of a new or refurbished PS5.
  • ❌ Replace: Water damage, multiple issues (overheating, random shutdowns) plus SU-42118-6, or repair costs are close to a new console’s price.

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