Safe Mode on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4

Safe Mode on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4

Learn how and when to access Safe Mode, a troubleshooting tool designed to help resolve data and display issues on PS5™ and PS4™ consoles.

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 the resolution of your system or "hard" resetting the system 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. 

How do I start my PlayStation in Safe Mode?

  1. Turn off your console by holding the power button for three seconds. The power indicator will blink for a few moments before turning off.
  2. Once the system is off, press and hold the power button again. Release it after you hear the second beep — one beep will sound 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.

How can I update my system software using Safe Mode?

If your console has been offline for a long period, or 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 or to an USB drive. Please follow the guide below.

I can't start my PlayStation in Safe Mode

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

What are the Safe Mode options?

Select an option below to find out what each function does, and how it can be useful.

  1. Restart PS5
    Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS5 console normally.
  2. Change Video Output
    Changes the display resolution. This option can be helpful when troubleshooting issues with blank screens. 
  3. Update System Software
    Allows you to update the PS5 system software via direct download or USB storage device.
  4. Restore Default Settings
    Restores the PS5 console to the default factory settings. Restoring Default Settings will not delete the saved data on your system storage. 
  5. Rebuild Database
    Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content on the system. Select this option if you are experiencing issues such as game freezes or frame rate drops.
  6. Reset PS5
    Deletes all user data and restores the PS5 to its original state.
  7. 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, USB storage device or disc. 
  4. Restore Default Settings
    Restores the PS4 system to the default factory settings. Restoring Default Settings will not delete the saved data on your hard drive. 
  5. Rebuild Database
    Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content on the system. Select this option if you are experiencing issues such as game freezes or frame rate drops. 
  6. Initialize PS4
    Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 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 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. In order 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, as well as any A/V amplifier or home theater system that may be connected.

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