The PS5 safe mode allows you to boot up your console with limited functionality to try and fix issues, rebuild the database, update the system software, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start and boot your PS5 into safe recovery mode.
Table of Contents
What You Need
Before booting into safe mode, make sure you have the following:
- A PS5 console
- A DualSense wireless controller that is connected to the PS5 via USB cable
- A TV with HDMI input that the PS5 is connected to
Step 1: Turn Off Your PS5 Normally
First, turn off your PS5 console normally by pressing the power button on the front of the console. Wait for it to fully power down before moving to the next step.
Do not unplug the power cord yet.
Step 2: Unplug and Reconnect the Power Cord
Once the PS5 is off, unplug the power cord from the back of the console and wait 30 seconds. This helps discharge any remaining power.
After 30 seconds, plug the power cord back into the PS5 completely.
Step 3: Connect Your Controller via USB
Connect your DualSense controller directly to one of the USB ports on the front or back of the PS5 using a compatible USB cable. This allows the controller to function in safe mode.
Do not use Bluetooth to connect your controller for safe mode.
Step 4: Boot into Safe Mode
Here are the steps to boot into safe mode:
- Press and hold down the power button on your PS5 console.
- After the second beep (this will take about 7 seconds), let go of the power button.
- Your PS5 will now boot up into safe mode.
Step 5: Select a Safe Mode Option
When in safe mode, your TV screen will display a list of different options to choose from:
- Restart PS5: Restarts the console normally
- Rebuild Database: Scans drive and creates new database of content
- Update System Software: Downloads and installs latest update
- Restore Default Settings: Resets all settings back to default
- Reinstall System Software: Deletes everything and reinstalls system software
- Initialize PS5 (Reinstall System Software): Deletes everything and reinitializes PS5 storage
- Update System Software (Internet): Tries to download latest update over internet
- Update System Software (USB): Installs system update from USB drive
Use the up/down buttons on your controller to navigate through the options. Press the X button to select an option.
Note: If your PS5 cannot boot successfully into safe mode, you may need to initialize/reinstall system software completely.
Step 6: Follow On-Screen Prompts
Once you select a safe mode option, follow any on-screen instructions that appear.
For example, if you select “Update System Software” it will first check for an update and then prompt you to confirm installing it.
Allow any processes to run fully until completion or the console reboots successfully on its own.
Step 7: Restart Out of Safe Mode
When you are done with safe mode, it is recommended to restart your console:
- Navigate to and select the “Restart PS5” option using your controller.
- Your PS5 will then reboot normally out of safe mode.
The console may take a few minutes to apply any changes or updates made in safe mode after rebooting.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully booted your PS5 into and out of safe recovery mode. This mode can help resolve a variety of system issues.
When to Use PS5 Safe Mode
Here are some of the most common reasons to use safe mode:
- Console is frozen and unresponsive
- Experiencing graphical glitches or game crashes
- Controllers are not connecting properly
- Downloading system software updates has failed
- Rebuilding PS5 database to fix game file errors
- Restoring default system settings to fix problems
- Initializing PS5 fully if no other option has worked
