How to Fix a PS4 Stuck in Safe Mode: Troubleshooting & Fixes

Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: March 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Is your PS4 stuck in a Safe Mode boot loop? Safe Mode allows your PlayStation 4 to boot up with minimal functionality so that you can troubleshoot problems that may be preventing it from booting up normally. This wikiHow teaches you how to troubleshoot your PS4 not booting up properly and how to get out of a Safe Mode boot loop. If you have a PS5 instead of a PS4, the process is nearly the same.

Section 1 of 4:

Understanding Safe Mode

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If your PS4 is unable to boot normally, you can boot into Safe Mode to try to fix the problem. When your PS4 boots in Safe Mode, it uses minimal functionality to ensure that it can boot up. The Safe Mode menu has a variety of options you can use to troubleshoot problems with your PS4.^{[1]
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- If your PS4 won't stop starting in Safe Mode, it usually means there's a problem that needs to be addressed.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Get Out of Safe Mode

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Select the Restart PS4 in the Safe Mode menu. By default, your game console should boot into normal mode. If it is not able to boot into normal mode or boots back into Safe Mode, further troubleshooting will be needed.^{[2]
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If your game console's screen resolution is set higher than what your TV can handle, it may be preventing your console from displaying an image in normal mode. Select Change Resolution in the Safe Mode menu. Set the screen resolution to "480p" and see if you can boot up your game console into normal mode.^{[3]
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Update the system firmware. Sometimes a software update can fix problems you are experiencing with your game console. Select the Update System Software option on the Safe Mode menu, and follow the instructions to download and install the latest firmware updates.
- If you are not able to connect to the internet, go to https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/ and download the update file. Format a USB drive in FAT32 format. Create a folder called Update on the newly formatted USB drive and save the update file as "PS4UPDATE.PUP" and use the USB drive to update your PlayStation.
- To download the PS5 system update file, go to https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/. Save the update file as "PS5UPDATE.PUP" in an "Update" folder on a FAT32 USB drive.
Sometimes essential files on your PS4 hard drive can get corrupted and prevent your system from starting up properly. Select the option Rebuild Database on the Safe Mode menu to repair any broken files on your PS4's internal hard drive. This will not erase any game or save data on your system. Once the process is complete, try rebooting your PlayStation and see if it boots up properly.^{[4]
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Restoring the system defaults will reinstall the system firmware and return all settings back to their default factory settings without erasing any data on your PS4 so you will not lose any games or save data. This may repair any issues that are preventing your system from starting up properly. Select Restore Default Settings on the Safe Mode menu and wait for the installation process to finish. Then restart your PlayStation and see if it is able to boot up properly.^{[5]
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Initialize your system. If you've tried everything and nothing is working, you can do this as a last resort. Initializing your system will erase all the data on your game console and reinstall the system software. This will erase all data, including the game and save data on your system. To do this select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) in the Safe Mode menu. Wait for it to finish reinstalling your system firmware and then see if it is able to boot up normally.^{[6]
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- If your PS4 is not able to connect to the internet, go to https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/ and download the update file. Format a USB drive in FAT32 format. Create a folder called Update on the newly formatted USB drive and save the update file as "PS4UPDATE.PUP" and use the USB drive to reinstall your system firmware.
- To download the PS5 system update file, go to https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/. Save the update file as "PS5UPDATE.PUP" in an "Update" folder on a FAT32 USB drive.
If your PS4 is not able to boot up properly after initializing the system, you will need to contact Playstation customer service and tell them your system is not working. Most likely, they will have you try some troubleshooting steps. If none of that is able to get your game console working, they will have you send it in for repair. If your game console is under warranty, they may be able to repair it for free (though you will probably have to pay for shipping). If your console is out of warranty, you may need to pay to have it repaired. Follow the instructions they give you and send your console in for repair.^{[7]
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Section 3 of 4:

Troubleshooting Your PlayStation 4

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If your PS4 is not booting up properly, power off your PS4, unplug it and disconnect the power cord. Wait about 20 minutes and plug it back in. Power it back on and see if your game console is able to boot up normally.^{[8]
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If your game console is still booting into Safe Mode, it could be a problem with the power cord. Try replacing the power cord and see if your console is still booting into Safe Mode.
A faulty HDMI cable may prevent you from navigating the Safe Mode menu. Try plugging your HDMI cable into a different HDMI port on your TV. Try swapping the ends of the cable. If that doesn't work, try using a different HDMI cable. You can also try using the HDMI cable on a different device, such as a Blu-Ray player to see if it works with other devices.^{[9]
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Dust and clean your PS4. If your PS4 gets too dusty, it can block the vents and cause your game console to overheat and prevent it from starting up. Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean and dust the game console. Make sure the vents on the side and back are free of dust and debris. Also, check to make sure the USB and HDMI ports are clean and free of debris.
- Do not use a wet cloth to clean your PS4. If your microfiber gets too dirty, get a new cloth. Do not rinse it and continue cleaning your game console.
If you are not able to navigate the Safe Mode menu, it could be a faulty USB cable.^{[10]
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Research source} Try connecting your controller using a different USB cable. Try swapping USB ports to make sure one of your USB ports isn't failing. If the USB ports are not working, it is most likely a hardware issue. You will need to send your PlayStation back to Sony for repair.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Boot Into Safe Mode

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If you are not able to turn off your PS4 using the power menu in normal mode, you can turn off your PS4 by pressing the Power button on the front panel of the PS4 on the left side below the disk drive. Wait for it to power down and turn off.
You will hear the first beep when start pressing the power button on your PS4. Continue holding the Power button until you hear another beep about 7 seconds later. This indicates that your PS4 will boot into Safe Mode.^{[11]
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Bluetooth functionally is not available in Safe Mode. You will need to connect your controller using the USB cable you use to charge your controller. Connect a USB cable to one of the USB ports on the front of the PS4 console.^{[12]
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Once your PS4 or PS5 has booted into Safe Mode, press the PS button in the center of the controller to activate your controller. You should now be able to use the controller to navigate the menu.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

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How do I factory reset my PS4?

Naseem Speach
Tech Expert
Naseem Speach is a Tech Expert based in Los Angeles, California. Naseem started his tech reviews YouTube channel in 2020 and has since gained a following of over 34,000 subscribers. He specializes in sharing information about the latest smart home tech, Apple, Samsung, Google, PlayStation, Microsoft, and gaming devices.

Naseem Speach

Tech Expert

Expert Answer

You go to Settings, then Initialization, on your PS4 main menu. Then select Initialize PS4. You can select Full or Quick, then press Yes to confirm.

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