How to Start PS5 in Safe Mode and Pick the Right Option

Start Your PS5 in Safe Mode

1. Turn off the PS5 completely. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
2. Wait for the power indicator to blink and go out.
3. Press and hold the power button again.
4. Release the button after the second beep. The first beep sounds when you press it, and the second comes about seven seconds later.
5. Connect your DualSense to the PS5 with a USB cable.
6. Press the PS button on the DualSense.

These steps follow Sony’s Safe Mode page. Safe Mode starts the PS5 with only its most basic functions on.

Choose the Safe Mode Option That Fits Your Problem

The PS5 Safe Mode menu has eight options. Start at the top and stop at the first one that fits.

• 🔄Restart PS5: ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS5 as normal.
• 📺Change Video Output: lets you pick Change Resolution or Change HDCP Mode. Both can help with a blank screen.
• 🔧Repair Console Storage: try it if the PS5 doesn’t start up properly or has storage problems. It doesn’t erase data.
• ⬆️Update System Software: installs an update by direct download or from a USB storage drive.
• ♻️Restore Default Settings: sets the PS5 back to factory settings. Your games, apps, screenshots, video clips, and saved data stay.
• 🧹Clear Cache and Rebuild Database: has two choices. Clear System Software Cache helps with system feature problems or slow performance. Rebuild Database scans the drive and builds a new database of all your content.
• ⚠️Reset PS5: deletes all user data and returns the PS5 to its original state.
• 🚨Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software): deletes all user data and removes the PS5 system software.

Fix a Game Icon That Won’t Leave the Home Screen

1. Start the PS5 in Safe Mode.
2. Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
3. Select Rebuild Database.

Rebuild Database helps when an icon stays on Home after you delete the game. It also helps with system feature problems.

Back Up Before You Reset

Reset PS5 and Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) both delete all user data. Back up to a USB drive or cloud storage first. Skip both options unless the lighter ones didn’t work.

Try These Steps If Safe Mode Won’t Start

1. Turn the PS5 off and on again.
2. Check that the cables are plugged in firmly.
3. Read Sony’s guide for when Safe Mode won’t start.

If a single game is the problem, our PS5 game won’t start fixes cover that path too. Which Safe Mode option do you reach for first?

Image Credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash