How to use Safe Mode on PS5 consoles and PS4 consoles

How to use Safe Mode on PS5 consoles and PS4 consoles

Learn how and when to access Safe Mode, a troubleshooting tool designed to help resolve data and display issues on PlayStation®5 consoles and PlayStation®4 consoles.

How to start your console in Safe Mode

  1. Turn off your console by holding the power button for three seconds.
    The power indicator blinks for a few moments before turning off.
  2. Once the console is off, press and hold the power button again.
    Release it after you hear the second beep — one beep sounds when you first press, and another seven seconds later.
  3. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode allows you to start your PlayStation console with only the most basic functions active. The Safe Mode options are designed to help you solve issues by rebuilding the console storage database, changing your resolution or "hard" resetting the console to its factory settings.

Some Safe Mode options will result in the loss of data. Be sure to back up data to a USB drive or Cloud Storage before selecting these options. 

Back up and restore PS5 console data
Back up and restore PS4 console data
PS Plus Cloud Storage

How to update system software using Safe Mode

If your console has been offline for a long period, or has lost connection to the internet during a system software update, you may need to manually update the system software. A manual update can be downloaded directly to your PlayStation console or to a USB drive. Please follow the guides below.

Update system software using Safe Mode

Can't start Safe Mode?

If you can't start your console in Safe Mode using the steps above, you may need to turn it off and turn it on again, or check the cables. See the guide below for the steps to take before requesting a repair.

Can't start in Safe Mode

What are the Safe Mode options? 

Select your console to find out the Safe Mode options.

  1. Restart PS5
    Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS5 console normally.
  2. Change Video Output
    Select Change Resolution or Change HDCP Mode. These options can be helpful when troubleshooting issues with blank screens. 
  3. Repair Console Storage
    This option does not erase data. Try this option if your PS5 console does not start up properly or you are having storage issues.
  4. Update System Software
    Allows you to update the PS5 system software via direct download or a USB storage drive.
  5. Restore Default Settings
    Restores the PS5 console to the default factory settings. Restoring default settings won’t delete content on console storage such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips, and saved data. 
  6. Clear Cache and Rebuild Database
    Select Clear System Software Cache if you’re experiencing system feature issues or performance drops.
    Select Rebuild Database to scan the drive and create a new database of all content on the system. This option is useful if you’re experiencing system feature issues or a game icon remains on Home after it has been deleted.
  7. Reset PS5
    Deletes all user data and restores the PS5 console to its original state.
  8. Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software)
    Deletes all user data and removes PS5 system software.

  1. Restart System
    Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS4 console normally.

  2. Change Resolution
    Changes the display resolution to 480p when the PS4 console is restarted. This option can be helpful when troubleshooting issues with blank screens. 

  3. Update System Software
    Allows you to update the PS4 system software via direct download, a USB storage device or a disc. 

  4. Restore Default Settings
    Restores the PS4 system to the default factory settings. Restoring default settings won’t delete content on console storage such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips, and saved data. 

  5. Rebuild Database
    Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content on the system. This option is useful if you’re experiencing system feature issues or a game icon remains on Home after it has been deleted.

  6. Initialize PS4
    Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 console to its original state. 

  7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)
    Deletes all user data and removes PS4 firmware. 

  8. Set HDCP Mode (PS4 Pro only)
    If your PS4 Pro console is connected to a 4K TV that doesn't support HDCP 2.2 (please refer to your TV manual), it may not be able to display an image when playing 4K games or 4K video streaming. To see an image, choose this setting and select [2. HDCP 1.40 Only] on the next screen*. 

*This may limit video resolution to 1080p. This reduction in resolution happens because a 4K image can only be displayed when HDCP 2.2 is supported by all connected devices including the display device, HDMI cables, and any A/V amplifier or home cinema system that may be connected.

Still having issues?

Please visit the PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool for further steps and to arrange a repair.

PlayStation Repairs

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

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