How to Fix a PSP WLAN Switch

The WLAN switch on the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) is what turns the wireless capabilities of the console on and off. Unfortunately, it can easily come loose, causing your PSP to be stuck without connectivity. If the switch is completely broken, however, you will need to purchase a new one and install it. Luckily, whether loose or broken, fixing the PSP WLAN switch requires only a small amount of effort, allowing you to reconnect to the Internet in very little time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small Phillips-head screwdriver
• Tweezers (optional)

Fixing a Loose Switch

1. Remove any UMD game disks or memory sticks from the PSP.

2. Remove the battery from its casing, and unscrew the four screws underneath it.

3. Unscrew the remaining screws holding the PSP's faceplate on. Two are located on the right side of the back, and one is on the bottom edge.

4. Pull the faceplate off gently, and set it aside.

5. Jiggle the WLAN switch until its lower section, the part usually covered by the faceplate, slides back into place. You may want to use tweezers if the switch does not slide back in with only gentle pressure.

6. Unscrew the small screw holding the LCD plate down if the WLAN switch still does not slide in. You will be able to access the entire housing for the WLAN switch with the LCD plate removed. Be careful not to touch the screen, however, as smudges are difficult to remove.

7. Replace all the screws, and test your PSP's wireless connection with the WLAN switch in the "on" position.

Fixing a Broken Switch

8. Purchase a new WLAN switch if the switch is broken. Because it is so small, trying to glue the switch back together before re-inserting it will often cause the switch to stick or be unable to slide back and forth. You can find new WLAN switches online from sites like the one listed in the Resources section.

9. Remove any UMD game disks or memory sticks from the PSP. Then remove the battery from its casing, and unscrew the four screws underneath it.

10. Unscrew the remaining screws holding the PSP's faceplate on. Two are located on the right side of the back, and one is on the bottom edge. Then pull the faceplate off gently, and set it aside.

11. Unscrew the small screw holding the LCD plate down. You will be able to access the entire housing for the WLAN switch with the LCD plate removed. Be careful not to touch the screen, however, as smudges are difficult to remove.

12. Pull the WLAN switch connector up gently from its connection to the motherboard. Then set the new WLAN switch's connector onto the motherboard. It will click in with very little pressure. Reattach the LCD plate and the faceplate, and test your new switch.

Tips & Warnings

• If this procedure does not fix your problem, the issue is likely with the PSP's motherboard rather than your WLAN switch. You will probably need to have your PSP serviced or even replaced.
• Be careful not to lose the screws, as they are very small and hard to replace.
• Opening your PSP will violate your warranty. If your PSP is more than one year old, this will not be an issue as the warranty will have already expired. But if you want to maintain your warranty for further repairs, you will need to send your PSP in for repairs rather than fixing the WLAN switch yourself.

References

• Official Sony Knowledge Base on WLAN
• Detailed WLAN replacement instructions

Resources

• PSP Replacement Parts