Update PS5™ and PS4™ system software using Safe Mode

Update PS5™ and PS4™ system software using Safe Mode

If your PlayStation system has been offline from PlayStation™Network (PSN) 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Connectivity issues during an update, or outdated versions of the system software, may require a manual update for your console to start.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 to console

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

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

  2. Select Update System Software.

  1. Go to Notifications and delete any existing update files by pressing the (options) button > Delete. 

  2. Select Settings > System Software Update.

If you are connected to  PlayStation™Network but cannot reach the home screen, start the console in Safe Mode and select Safe Mode option 3: Update System Software. If the update fails, please follow the instructions below.

Manually update PlayStation system software using a USB drive

Manual update requirements

  • DualSense wireless controller (PS5) or DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller (PS5/PS4) and a USB cable

  • PC or Mac computer connected to the Internet

  • FAT32 USB storage device, such as a USB flash drive — there must be approximately 460 MB of free space.

  1. Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS5" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".

  2. 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".

  3. Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS5 console.

  4. Start the PS5 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.

  5. Select Safe Mode option 3:  Update System Software.

  6. 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.

  1. Using a PC or Mac, create a folder on the FAT32 USB named "PS4". Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
  2. Visit the PS4 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 "PS4UPDATE.PUP"
  3. Plug the USB drive containing the system update file into the PS4 console.
  4. If you get the error: "SU-41350-3", the PUP file was renamed by your computer due to multiple downloads of the same file. Check the download location on your PC or Mac, delete any previous versions. Make sure the current file is named: PS4UPDATE.PUP
  5. Start your PS4 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  6. Select Safe Mode option 3: Update System Software.
  7. Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.
Safe Mode options
Can't start Safe Mode

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

If your console does not recognise the update file, check that the USB is in FAT32 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 system data using the guide below.

Need help? 

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