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Connectivity issues during an update, or outdated versions of the system software, may require a manual update for your console to start.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

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

  1. Turn off your console.
  2. Press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
    Your console starts in Safe Mode. 
  3. 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
  1. Turn off your PS5 console.
    Press and hold the power button until your console beeps.
  2. 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".
  3. 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".
  4. Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS5 console.
  5. Start your PS5 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  6. Select Update System Software.
  7. Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

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

  1. Turn off your PS4 console.
    Press and hold the power button for at least 7 seconds (until the console beeps twice).
  2. 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".
  3. 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".
  4. Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS4 console.
  5. Start your PS4 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  6. Select Update System Software.
  7. Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If your PS4 console does not recognize 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 recognize 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

Still having issues?

Your console may need to be repaired. Please visit the PlayStation Repair diagnostic tool by selecting your issue below.

Stuck in safe mode
I have another issue

Need help? 

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