PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Games
Video Games
PlayStation Video Game Consoles
How to Fix a PS4 Stuck in Safe Mode: Troubleshooting & Fixes Download Article Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Travis Boylls
Last Updated: October 7, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Understanding Safe Mode
|
How to Get Out of Safe Mode
|
Troubleshooting Your PlayStation 4
|
How to Boot Into Safe Mode
|
Video
|
Expert Interview
|
Expert Q&A
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Naseem Speach and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. 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. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 318,817 times.
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.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Understanding Safe Mode
Download Article
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]XResearch source
If your PS4 won't stop starting in Safe Mode, it usually means there's a problem that needs to be addressed.
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:
How to Get Out of Safe Mode
Download Article
1 Restart your PlayStation. 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]XResearch source
2 Try changing the resolution. 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]XResearch source
3 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.[4]XResearch source
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.
4 Rebuild your system database. 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.[5]XResearch source
5 Restore your system defaults. 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.[6]XResearch source
6 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.[7]X Expert Source Naseem SpeachTech Video ProducerExpert Interview [8]XResearch source
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.
7 Send your PlayStation in for repair. 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.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 3 of 4:
Troubleshooting Your PlayStation 4
Download Article
1 Unplug your PS4 for about 20 minutes. 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.[10]XResearch source
2 Try using a different power cord. 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.
3 Check your HDMI cable. 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.[11]XResearch source
4 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.[12]XResearch source
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.
5 Check to make sure your USB cables are working. If you are not able to navigate the Safe Mode menu, it could be a faulty USB cable.[13]XResearch 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.
Advertisement Section 4 of 4:
How to Boot Into Safe Mode
Download Article
1 Turn off your PS4. 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.
2 Press and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps. 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.[14]XResearch source
3 Connect the controller using a USB connection. 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.[15]XResearch source
4 Press the PS button on the controller. 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.[16]XResearch source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 36 Helpful 19
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How to Put a PS4 or PS5 in Safe Mode: Complete GuideHow toEnter Safe Mode on a PlayStation 3Fixing the Blue Light of Death on Your PS4: Troubleshooting GuideHow toReset a PS32 Easy Ways to Fix No Signal on a PS4 (HDMI and Resolution Fix)How to Clear the Cache on Your PlaystationWhat to Do When Your PlayStation 5 Screen Is BlackRebuild the PS4 & PS5 Database to Fix Errors and Boost SpeedHow to Turn off a PS4 Without a ControllerWhy Does My PS5 Keep Turning Off? 10 Possible FixesHow to Clear the Cache on a PS5 Console for Better PerformanceHow to Update PS4 System Software: Using the Console or USB DriveHow to Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options13 Easy Ways to Stop Your PlayStation 5 from Overheating Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about troubleshooting video games, check out our in-depth interview with Naseem Speach.
Co-authored by: Naseem Speach Tech Expert This article was co-authored by Naseem Speach and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. 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. This article has been viewed 318,817 times. 16 votes - 42% Co-authors: 6Updated: October 7, 2025 Views: 318,817 Categories: PlayStation Video Game Consoles In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Hindi Dutch Italian Chinese Thai French Spanish Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 318,817 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Naseem Speach Tech Expert 16 votes - 42% Click a star to vote 42% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6Updated: October 7, 2025 Views: 318,817
Quizzes & Games
Why Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizVideo Game Trivia TestTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizOCD TestTake QuizMental Health QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Put a PS4 or PS5 in Safe Mode: Complete GuideHow toEnter Safe Mode on a PlayStation 3Fixing the Blue Light of Death on Your PS4: Troubleshooting GuideHow toReset a PS3
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Trending Articles
How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Featured Articles
250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?
Quizzes & Games
Am I Smart QuizTake QuizDo I Need Therapy QuizTake QuizDepression Test for TeensTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake Quiz'90s Trivia QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Games
Video Games
PlayStation Video Game Consoles
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Travis Boylls 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Naseem Speach Tech Expert This article was co-authored by Naseem Speach and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. 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. This article has been viewed 318,817 times. 16 votes - 42% Co-authors: 6 Updated: October 7, 2025 Views: 318,817 Categories: PlayStation Video Game Consoles In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Hindi Dutch Italian Chinese Thai French Spanish Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
628 
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] 
1 Restart your PlayStation. 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] 
2 Try changing the resolution. 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] 
3 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.[4] 
4 Rebuild your system database. 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.[5] 
5 Restore your system defaults. 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.[6] 
6 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.[7] [8] 
7 Send your PlayStation in for repair. 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.[9] Advertisement 
1 Unplug your PS4 for about 20 minutes. 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.[10] 
2 Try using a different power cord. 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. 
3 Check your HDMI cable. 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.[11] 
4 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.[12] 
5 Check to make sure your USB cables are working. If you are not able to navigate the Safe Mode menu, it could be a faulty USB cable.[13] 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. Advertisement 
1 Turn off your PS4. 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. 
2 Press and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps. 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.[14] 
3 Connect the controller using a USB connection. 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.[15] 
4 Press the PS button on the controller. 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.[16] Advertisement 
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.