What Is Safe Mode on the PS5? How to Use It

zulqarnayniOctober 14, 2022Last Updated: October 14, 2022

0 2 minutes read

Having technical issues with your PS5 can be a stressful experience, but there are some things you can try before rushing to the store to get it fixed. In some cases, using Safe Mode could fix your PS5’s problems. Safe Mode allows you to update your PS5 offline, restart your console, and even hard reset your PS5 if necessary.

PS5 Safe Mode is a great tool for ironing out small issues you might be experiencing with your console. Here is everything you need to know about Safe Mode on the PS5 and how to use it.

What Is Safe Mode on the PS5?

The PS5 Safe Mode menu gives the user access to the system’s most basic functions for troubleshooting purposes. It can be used whenever your PS5 is acting up to solve many data or display issues you might be having.

Below is a list of all the PS5 Safe Mode functions and what you can use them for:

Restart PS5: This option simply restarts your console. It’s also one of the methods you can use to exit Safe Mode.

Change Video Output: This setting allows you to pick from two options: Change Resolution to 480p or Change HDCP Mode. This option can be used for fixing display issues such as blank screens. If you feel like your PS5 display isn’t operating as powerfully as it could be, you can also enable 120HZ output on your PS5 from within the system settings to boost its performance.

Update System Software: Updating your PS5 system software from Safe Mode is one of the three ways you can update your console. For more information on the other methods you can use, check out our guide on how to update your PS5.

Restore Default Settings: This will reset your console to the default factory settings. Any data stored on the console itself, such as games, will remain intact.

Clear Cache and Rebuild Database: Clearing the cache on your PS5 can help with any performance drops you are experiencing. Rebuilding the database scans the drive and creates a new database of all the content on your system. This can be useful for removing icons of deleted games that may remain on your Home screen.

Reset PS5: This setting is used to reset your PS5 completely, including any user data that may be present on your console. For that reason, it is highly recommended that, if possible, you back up any data you wish to keep before resetting your PS5.

Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software): This option, like the one above, resets your console while also reinstalling the software. This option can be used in the most serious of circumstances to completely start over with your system.

It is worth noting that some of these options may delete any or all data stored on your PS5. So backing up your data on a USB drive or Cloud Server frequently, and especially before using Safe Mode, is recommended.

How to Use Safe Mode on the PS5

Activating Safe Mode on your PS5 is very simple. In the event that your PS5 requires troubleshooting, hold down the power button for approximately seven seconds until you hear a second beep.

Since the console is only operating on its most basic level while in Safe Mode, you will be unable to connect your controller via Bluetooth. The console will prompt you to connect a controller via a USB port to browse the Safe Mode menu.

There are two ways to close PS5 Safe Mode. You can either choose the first option on the menu and restart your PS5, or simply hold the power button until the console turns off. Your console will boot up normally when you are ready to turn it back on again.

Safe Mode Can Solve Some, but Not All of Your PS5 Issues

Using Safe Mode on the PS5 is a great way to troubleshoot issues you may be having with your console, but if they are serious enough Safe Mode may not be able to completely solve them. If the problems you’re having persist even after performing a hard reset, it is advised that you take your console in to be repaired or replaced.