Home >> Internet Games >> Sony PSP

How to Fix a Jammed Button on a New PSP

Sony's Playstation Portable has a common problem with some of its buttons getting stuck, particularly the square button. This is due primarily to the square button's proximity to the screen and its placement under the front plate. Even the smallest amount of dust or residue will cause the button to stick, making most games unplayable. Luckily, cleaning the inside of the button connection is a relatively simple process.

Things You'll Need

Small philips head screwdriver
Clean soft cloth
Nail file

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the faceplate from the PSP. Unscrew the five screws that hold it onto the console. Four of the screws are on the back, but the fifth is hard to locate: it is directly below the screen on the bottom edge.
- 2
  Remove the button covers to expose the button contacts. This is where the build up usually causes problems.
- 3
  Carefully clean the button contacts with a small soft cloth. Take particular care to remove any and all dust and residue from the area near the screen.
- 4
  Use a nail file if one of the trigger buttons is stuck. You can remove the button when the face place is removed. Then gently file the notch where the button connects on the inner side when it is in place. Removing as little as a millimeter of plastic is usually sufficient to prevent the button from sticking.
- 5
  Return all buttons and replace the face plate and screws. Then test your PSP. If the problem persists, Sony has agreed to replace certain early models of the PSP with this problem. You can check their technical support website to see if your warranty still applies. See Resources below.

Sony PSP