Update system software in safe mode

Update PS5 console and PS4 console system software in safe mode

If your PlayStation® console has been offline for a long time, or a system software update has failed, you may need to update the PlayStation 'firmware' manually.

Connectivity issues during an update, or outdated versions of the system software, may require a manual update for your console to start.

Download system software update
Update system software using a USB drive
Manual system software update failed
Still having issues?

Download a system software update to your console

If you can access the home screen but a system software update has failed, connect your PlayStation console to a router using a LAN cable and follow the steps below:

PS5™ console: update system software　

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update.
Select Update System Software.

PS4™ console: update system software　

Go to Notifications and delete any existing update files by pressing the OPTIONS button > Delete.
Select Settings > System Software Update.

If you’re connected to PlayStation but can’t reach the home screen, follow the steps below.

Turn off your console.
Press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
Your console starts in Safe Mode.
Select Update System Software.
Your console downloads the update file and your system software is updated.

If the update fails, try a manual update.

Can’t start Safe Mode

Manually update system software using a USB drive

Manual update requirements

DualSense™ wireless controller or DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller and a USB cable
PC or Mac computer connected to the Internet
A USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT

PS5 console: manually update system software

Turn off your PS5 console.
Press and hold the power button until your console beeps.
Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS5" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
Visit the PS5 system software update page and select the "Update system software" section. Download the update file and save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file as "PS5UPDATE.PUP".
Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS5 console.
Start your PS5 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
Select Update System Software.
Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If your PS5 console does not recognise the update file, check that the folder names and file name are correct. Enter the folder names and file name using uppercase letters.

PS4 console: manually update system software

Turn off your PS4 console.
Press and hold the power button for at least 7 seconds (until the console beeps twice).
Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS4" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
Visit the PS4 console system software update page and select the "Update system software" section. Download the installation file and save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file as "PS4UPDATE.PUP".
Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS4 console.
Start your PS4 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
Select Update System Software.
Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If your PS4 console does not recognise the update file, check that the folder names and file name are correct. Enter the folder names and file name using uppercase letters.

My manual PlayStation system software update failed, what should I do?

If your console doesn’t recognise the update file, check that the USB is in FAT32 or exFAT format and that the folder and file names are correct. Enter the folder and file names in single-byte characters using uppercase letters.

If this process fails, you may need to reinstall the system software. This process is the same as a 'factory reset' and will return the console to its original state—if possible, back up your data using the guides below.

Reinstall system software

Back up PS5 console data

Back up PS4 console data