How to put your PS4 in Safe Mode to troubleshoot issues, or get out of Safe Mode if you're stuck

• PS4 Safe Mode is a simple way to troubleshoot issues with your console.
• When you put your PS4 in Safe Mode, it can also get stuck in a Safe Mode loop.
• To get your PS4 out of Safe Mode, try restarting the console, replacing cords, rebuilding corrupted files, or updating system software.

The PlayStation 4's Safe Mode is a great option for troubleshooting problems you might have with your console.

Starting your PS4 in Safe Mode can help you resolve an issue or troubleshoot a bug the device may be having. The Safe Mode menu includes options to change your console's resolution, rebuild its storage database, and restore the device to factory settings.

Note: Before switching your PS4 out of Safe Mode, make sure to back up your data because some Safe Mode options will result in data loss.

1. Turn off your console by holding the power button for 3 seconds. After blinking a few times, your PS4 will power off.

2. Press and hold the power button, releasing your finger only after the second beep sound. This should take about 7 seconds.

3. Your PS4 will start in Safe Mode. Make sure your controller is connected to the console, and press the PS button.

When your PS4 boots up in Safe Mode, you'll be taken to a screen with eight options:

• Restart System is the easiest way to get out of Safe Mode. This option forces your PS4 to restart normally.
• Change Resolution switches the display resolution to 480p once the console restarts, which may help you resolve screen issues.
• Update System Software lets you update your console's software through a direct download, a USB drive, or a disc.
• Restore Default Settings resets your console to its factory settings, without deleting games, app, or other data.
• Rebuild Database adds all your content to a new database on the system, which can resolve system feature issues, like if an app icon doesn't disappear after you've deleted the app.
• Initialize PS4 resets your console to its original settings and deletes all user data and settings.
• Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) removes your console's firmware and deletes all user data and settings.
• Set HDCP Mode (PS4 Pro only) applies to images that don't appear on 4K TVs that aren't compatible with HDCP 2.2. This setting lets you choose HDCP 1.40 to view images that otherwise won't appear on your TV.

Method 1: Restart your PS4

Restart will be the first option in the Safe Mode menu.      Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

First, try restarting your PS4 using option 1 in the Safe Mode menu. Press "X" on your controller to select this option.

Method 2: Make sure there are no power issues

Hold down the power button on your PlayStation until the light stops flashing.      Sony

If the first method fails, check to make sure all of the cables, including your USB and HDMI connections, are working properly.

You can also try unplugging your PS4's power cord and plugging it back in. Also, unplug the HDMI cord and switch which end is plugged into the TV and which end is plugged into the PS4.

If one of the cables or connections is broken or failing, try replacing it.

If the cables and connections are working fine, try power cycling your PS4, as explained in our article on troubleshooting a PS4 that won't turn on.

Method 3: Rebuild corrupted files

Rebuilding your database can sometimes take several hours, depending on how much data you have saved on your PS4.      Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

If the second method fails, the problem might be caused by a corrupted file.

Select option 5 on the Safe Mode menu, "Rebuild Database," and press "X." This will build a new database for your PS4 without affecting any save data. It will take a while for your PS4 to rebuild — when it's done, restart your PS4.

Method 4: Update your PS4's software

There are two major ways to update your PS4's settings through Safe Mode.      Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

Try updating your PS4's system software from the Safe Mode menu.

Press "X" to select elect option 3 on the menu, "Update System Software." Then, press "X" to select "Update Using Internet." From there, follow the instructions on the screen.

If nothing else works, select option 7, "Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)," and press "X." Follow the instructions on the screen.

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