How to stop your PS4 from starting up in safe mode

August 2024 ยท 11 minute read

Sometimes, your PS4 suffers from a random fluke and won't stop starting in safe mode. There are several reasons why your PS4 may be stuck this way. The problem often revolves around a loose cord or a console update, but other times it's more complex. So while you're going through this guide, make sure you test out all of those simple fixes first before you take the route of initializing your entire console. After all, while the PS5 is available, it's still hard to get, and if you're still actively gaming on the PS4, you'll need to take care of it as much as possible.

If you're having trouble with your PS5 starting in Safe Mode, you can follow similar steps. You can also access Safe Mode on PS5 by holding the power button until you hear two beeps.

How to launch Safe Mode

Note: Do not attempt to launch your PS4 in safe mode if your USB ports are not working. After you start your console in safe mode, you need to sync your controller through a USB port. If your USB ports aren't working, you will need to fix them before attempting this step.

  • Turn off your PS4.
  • Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps: one when you first press and another seven seconds later.
  • Connect your DualShock 4 controller with the USB cable.
  • Press the PS button on the center of the controller.

    • There you have it! If your PlayStation is experiencing issues that just can't be solved in the normal startup or isn't booting like it used to, you can use safe mode to find more solutions.

    Any of the options below will help you get out of safe mode.

    Use menu options to get out of safe mode

  • Connect your controller to your PlayStation's USB port.
  • Select the first menu option. It is labeled Restart PS4.
  • Wait for the PlayStation 4 to reboot.
  • If your PlayStation boots back into Safe Mode after following these steps, you'll need to continue further down this article to test another repair option.

    • "Restart PS4" looks like it might reset your console's memory, but I promise it won't. Using this option will shut down your PlayStation and attempt to start it in the normal boot-up mode. If your PlayStation boots back into safe mode with this option, your console is still experiencing issues.

    Unplugging the console

    Have you tried unplugging it and plugging it back in?

  • Shut down your PlayStation with the Power Button or menu option to avoid the "PlayStation was not shut off properly" error code.
  • Unplug your console's power cord.
  • Leave it unplugged for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Plug the cable back in and turn on your console.
  • If it still loads into safe mode attempt to use the menu option of "Restart PS4".

    • If your PlayStation is still starting in safe mode after selecting "Restart PS4," continue below for more options.

    Dust and clean your PlayStation 4 console

    Dust and grime buildup will cause system errors for your console if you let it get bad enough, causing stutter when you play the best PS4 games, or even keeping them from running entirely. Also, some homes are more prone to dust than others. If you notice buildup on your PS4, you may need to look into getting a dust cover. Having one will help protect your console when it's not in use. To clean up your PlayStation 4 properly, here's what to do.

  • Point the nozzle of the compressed air at the vents. Make sure to keep it about 1-2 inches from the vent.
  • Keep the can upright to prevent any moisture from going into your console.
  • Spray in short measured bursts.
  • Periodically look into the vents to ensure you've gotten all the dust.
  • Take your microfiber cloth to clean any dust or residue that may have broken loose and claimed space elsewhere on the console.
  • Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the top, side, front, and back of your console.
  • If the microfiber cloth is dirty, change it out. Do not rinse the cloth and continue to wipe while it is wet.

    • Once you've cleaned your PlayStation 4, follow the instructions below for updating your console and rebuilding your database. Neither of those options will affect the saved files on your PlayStation 4 and correct any issues your console is experiencing. Finally, boot up your console after you've completed all of those steps. If you're still booting in safe mode, it's time to use your last resort option.

    Check your HDMI cables

    If your PS4 is starting in safe mode and you can't navigate the menu options, it might be a hardware issue. Before you do anything, try changing out your HDMI cables.

  • Unplug your HDMI cable from both your PlayStation 4 and the back of your TV.
  • Before buying a brand new HDMI cable, try switching the ends of the cables.
  • Use the end of the HDMI cable that was plugged into your PlayStation 4 and plug it into your TV.
  • Use the end of the HDMI cable the was plugged into your TV and plug it into your PlayStation 4.

    • Another PlayStation user suffered this terrible fate and found that changing his HDMI cables allowed him to navigate the menu, use the "Restart PS4" option, and get back to his regular boot mode. Why this option works is a mystery, but it's worth a shot!

    Check your power cord cable

    If your power cord is broken or isn't plugged in properly, it could be another reason you're experiencing issues with your PlayStation 4.

  • Turn off your PlayStation 4 safely by holding the power button or using the menu options.
  • Unplug your power cord from the back of your PlayStation 4.
  • Unplug your power cord from the wall outlet.
  • Leave your PlayStation 4 unplugged for 20 minutes.
  • Securely plug your power cord back into the PlayStation 4 and wall outlet.
  • If you are still booting in Safe Mode restart these steps, but use a different outlet next time.

    • Power cords for the PlayStation 4 Pro and the PlayStation 4, and the PlayStation Slim are less than $10 each on Amazon. If you're not trying to spend any money on repairs, attempt the next few options before making your order. If you're still experiencing issues after testing everything, your last option is to replace your power cords and HDMI cables.

    Updating your system software

    Lacking the most recent update files on your PS4 can cause your console to have a conniption. Thankfully, the safe mode menu has an option to update your system directly or through a USB drive.

    Updating if you have the option to connect to the internet

    These steps are if you have a solid connection to the internet that your PlayStation 4 recognizes. You can accomplish this via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.

  • Connect your PlayStation to the internet via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.
  • Select Update System Software from the Safe Mode menu option.

    • If you can't connect your PlayStation to the internet, use these steps instead

    Note: Make sure you have 375 MB of free space on the USB drive of your choosing.

  • On the USB drive, create a folder named "PS4". Find your USB folder by opening Documents on your computer from the Start Menu and selecting Removable Disk under Computer.
  • Inside that folder, create another folder named UPDATE.
  • Download the update to your computer from here.
  • Drag and drop the download file from your Download folder to your UPDATE folder in the USB drive.
  • Save the file inside of the UPDATE folder with the name PS4UPDATE.PUP (if it isn't named that already).
  • Connect the USB drive to one of the USB ports on your PlayStation.
  • Select Update System Software from the safe mode menu option.

    • After you've completed these steps, you'll need to leave your PlayStation 4 alone for a while so the updates can install. After it finishes installing, turn on your console and see if it still boots in safe mode. If it does, continue to the next recommendation.

    Rebuilding your database

    None of your saved files will be compromised with this option.

  • Connect your PlayStation to the internet via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.
  • Select Rebuild Database from the menu.
  • Leave your console alone. This process will take quite some time.
  • After the database has been rebuilt restart your PS4. If you are still booting in safe mode, continue to the next options below.

    • This option scans your PS4's hard drive and creates a new database of all the games and apps on the system. This option does not fix any hard drive issues on the system. Instead, it finds any compromising data from a game or app that could be the source of your problems. After the issue is found, it will replace the files for repairs.

    Your LAST RESORT option: Initialize the PS4 (Reinstall System Software)

    Beware: This option will permanently delete all data and settings from your system.

  • On your computer on a USB drive, create a folder named PS4.
  • Inside that folder create another folder named UPDATE.
  • Download the update to the USB drive from the PlayStation website.
  • Save it inside of the UPDATE folder with the name PS4UPDATE.PUP.
  • Connect the USB drive to one of the USB ports on your PlayStation.
  • Select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) from the menu options in safe mode.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and leave your PlayStation alone until all the updates are finished downloading.

    • This option will not only delete all user data, but it will also remove and replace the PS4 firmware. This will put your PlayStation back in the "fresh out of the box" state you received it in, so make sure you only do this as a completely last resort, and if you're out of options entirely. If your PS4 is having an issue, there's a good chance this will fix it. If it doesn't, the problem is more serious, and then you'll be able to fix it all by yourself. At that point, you need to send your console in for repairs or a replacement.

    Send your console for repairs

    The warranty on your PlayStation 4 might cover repairs or replacements for your console. Experts will be able to look at the issues and hopefully fix them without your data being compromised. Most experts offer an option to have all of your data transferred before the repairs start. Make sure you ask about it when you take it in!

    Put an end to the safe mode loop

    If your PlayStation 4 is incapable of starting up normally, it will boot into an alternative mode, safe mode, with significantly fewer features. The essential functions that safe mode offers are to help your PlayStation 4 find and repair system errors preventing your console from working correctly. Even if your console is starting normally, you can launch safe mode manually to help fix some of the issues.

    If your console is launching in safe mode, there are a few easy ways to fix it. First, make sure you have scheduled cleanings and keep your up-to-date equipment to avoid as many console issues as you possibly can. This goes from anything like having the latest software updates to buying a new power cable to replace the one you've had for years.

    If you recently spilled something on your console or dropped it, at any rate, it might be a hardware issue that's beyond your expertise. At that point, it's time to call the company you bought your PlayStation from, check your warranty, and see what you can do about a replacement or a repair. More PS4 games are set to release over the next year or so, with even big exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7, and the God of War Ragnarok coming to the PS4 as well as the PS5.

    However, keep in mind that buying a new PS4 will get more complicated and more expensive if you're out of warranty as the supply of consoles dwindles due to production shifting to the PS5.

    Outdated equipment can cause your PlayStation 4 to malfunction, thus causing it to launch in safe mode. Make sure all your cords and cables are working properly and up to date. Otherwise, here are our favorite tools for keeping our consoles clean and protected!

    SecurOMax HDMI braided cord cable - 15 feet (opens in new tab) ($13 at Amazon)

    If you need a new HDMI cable, you want to use the braided cords for durability. This HDMI cable is 15 feet long to give you more than enough length to set up your console however you want to.

    SanDisk Cruzer USB flash drive - 16GB (opens in new tab) ($6 at Amazon)

    This USB flash drive supports 2.0 compatibility with 16GB memory capacity. It's perfect for initializing your PlayStation and easily stores in your home for any other use you may need it for.

    eXtremeRate PlayStation 4 Dust Cover (opens in new tab) ($12 at Amazon)

    A dust cover is a perfect addition to your setup to ensure your console stays clean and safe. Between uses, you can cover your PlayStation with this handy tool to prevent dust and grime from ruining your console.

    24-Pack of Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (opens in new tab) ($14 at Amazon)

    When you think about microfiber cloths, you usually only assume they're good for glasses, screens, or computers, but that's not true! There are plenty of uses for them with your PlayStation 4 as well.

    3-Pack of Compressed Air Cans (opens in new tab) ($18 at Amazon)

    One of the things that all tech gurus should have available is a can of compressed air. It's not only handy with your PlayStation 4 but a lot of your tech gear as well.

    PlayStation 4 Pro Power Cable (opens in new tab) ($7 at Amazon)

    The PlayStation 4 Pro has a massive power cable, unlike the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Slim. Thankfully, Amazon provides replacement cables. There's a standard 3-foot cable, but there are also 6-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot options.

    PlayStation 4/PlayStation Slim Power Cable (opens in new tab) ($9 at Amazon)

    The original PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Slim both use the same power cord. You can get a replacement at Amazon by purchasing this 6-foot cable, but there's also a 12-foot option.

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