Did you boot your PS4 only to be greeted by the safe mode? Safe mode can help diagnose and fix many issues with your PS4. But at the same time, it can make your PS4 stuck in safe mode death loop. This prevents you from booting your PS4 normally and returning to gaming, which can get quite annoying. So how do you fix it? Let’s find out!
7 Possible Reasons Why Your PS4 Stuck in Safe Mode
PS4 can get stuck in safe mode due to corrupted updates, a corrupted file, a corrupted database, or incorrect power cycles. Loose cables and hardware issues with your HDD and motherboard are other possible reasons.
Consoles stuck in safe mode can be hard to diagnose. So, here’s a list of common causes that can help you troubleshoot the problem better:
1. Corrupted Updates
Corrupted updates are the number one cause of consoles being stuck in safe mode worldwide. Updates can get corrupted when being downloaded from the internet or while being installed on your console. If your PS4 was updating overnight or installing an update when it got stuck in safe mode, then it is likely the cause of your issue.
Additionally, in some cases, updates can get stuck in the queue to install but fail to trigger the installation whenever your PS4 restarts. This will also prevent your PS4 from booting normally each time and kick you to safe mode again and again.
2. Corrupted Database
Corrupted database includes corrupted system files, missing files, corrupted games, broken services, etc., that can trap your PS4 in a safe mode loop. Many bugs and operating system issues can corrupt your database. These issues can be tough to diagnose but can be fixed with a system update in most cases.
3. Incorrect Shutdowns or Power Failures
Incorrectly shutting down your PS4 by directly unplugging the power cable or directly switching off the console can also corrupt files, leading to the safe mode loop. It has the same impact when you lose power while updating your console or downloading games.
So if you recently experienced a power failure while using your PS4 or incorrectly turned off your console recently, then it could be the reason for your PS4 being stuck in safe mode.
4. Issues With Cables
If your cables are old or deteriorating, then it is likely why your PS4 is stuck in safe mode. Issues with your ports, dust in your ports, and incorrectly connected peripherals can have the same impact.
Your PS4 checks for all connected peripherals and other accessories when booting up. If an error in connection is during this process, then it can prevent your PS4 from booting normally and take you to safe mode instead.
6. HDD Issues
Hard drives can deteriorate over time, making files unreadable. This can prevent you from accessing your game files, saving files, and in the worst cases, system files.
Inaccessible system files will prevent your console from booting normally and boot you into safe mode each time. So if your hard drive has been noisy lately or if you recently upgraded to a new drive, then it could be the reason why you’re facing the safe mode loop on your PS4.
7. Other Hardware Issues
You may also find it hard to boot your PS4 normally when there are issues with hardware components like motherboard, transistors, capacitors, or internal cables. Or else, there could be build-up of rust, short circuits due to incorrect power flow, etc. If you recently experienced a power surge in your area, then it could have shorted a component or two on your PS4.
How To Fix PS4 Stuck in Safe Mode? — 8 Tested Methods
You can get your PS4 out of safe mode by restarting your console, checking your connections, and rebuilding your database. If you suspect you are facing system update issues, then install updates manually, try the safe mode trick or check for any queued updates. If nothing works, troubleshoot your hard drive or restore your console to factory settings.
Check out the fixes below to troubleshoot any issue and get your PS4 out of safe mode easily:
1. Try to Restart Your PS4
A simple restart can help put your PS4 out of safe mode. Here’s how to restart your PS4 stuck in safe mode:
- When in safe mode, highlight the Restart PS4 option using your controller and press X to initiate a restart.
- Alternatively, if the restart option in safe mode does not work, try power cycling your PS4 manually.
- Press down the power button on your PS4 till it completely turns off.
- Once the light stops flashing, unplug your console from the wall and leave it alone for at least 30 minutes.
- After a few minutes, plug in your console and power it on again.
2. Clean and Reconnect All Your Cables
You can also try cleaning your PS4 cables and connect them back to your console to get it out of safe mode. Here’s how to do it:
- Power off your PS4 by holding down the power button till your console turns off.
- Once the power light has stopped blinking, unplug your power adapter and controllers. Unplug your HDMI and LAN cables as well.
- Once everything is disconnected, check each port for rust and corrosion.
- Next, check the connectors on all your cables for any damage or dirt.
- I recommend using compressed air to clean your ports.
- Once cleaned, reconnect all your cables.
- Try booting your PS4 now.
If your PS4 was stuck in safe mode due to incorrect connections or failing cables, then it should now be able to boot normally. If you find any damaged cables during the checks above, then replace your cables to get out of safe mode easily.
3. Rebuild Your Database
You can now try rebuilding your PS4 database. This is an option offered in the safe mode that helps reorganize your games and clear the system cache to improve performance. If you’re stuck in safe mode due to a corrupted cache or leftover files, then rebuilding the database should help you fix the same. Here’s how to do it:
- Power on your PS4, and it should automatically boot to safe mode considering your current issue.
- Use your controller to highlight Rebuild Database from the safe mode menu and then press X on your controller.
- Highlight OK and press X again to get past the disclaimer.
PS4 will now rebuild your database. This process can take some time, depending on the number of games currently installed, previously uninstalled titles, and the free space on your hard drive. Leave your console plugged in and powered on during the process.
Once it completes, try rebooting your console again, and you should now be able to boot your PS4 normally.
4. Update Your System Software
If you’re still stuck in the safe mode menu, I recommend updating your system firmware. If an update manages to go through, then not only will it help fix corrupted files, but it will also install a newer update with bug fixes that might be the reason for the safe mode loop. Follow these steps to install any available software updates on your PS4.
If You’re Connected to the Internet
If you’re connected to the internet, then it will be fairly easy to install system updates. Follow the steps below to update your PS4:
- Turn on your PS4 until you’re at the safe mode menu due to the issue you face. Now highlight Update System Software using the controller.
- Press X on your controller to initiate the update.
- Your PS4 will restart once the update has been installed. It will boot back into safe mode, which is normal behavior. Once it does, use your controller to highlight Restart PS4.
- Press X on your controller to boot your PS4 normally.
If You’re Not Connected to the Internet
In this scenario, you can update your PS4 via a USB drive and download the update using your computer. Follow the steps below to update your PS4 without an internet connection:
- Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your PC and open it. Now press Ctrl + Shift + N to create a new folder.
- Name your new folder PS4.
- Open the PS4 folder and create a new folder named UPDATE inside it.
- Now download the update for your console from this web page. Click PS4 console update file to download the update.
- Download and save the file in the UPDATE folder you created on your USB Drive.
- The file should already be named PS4UPDATE.PUP. If it isn’t, rename it to the same.
- Disconnect the USB drive from your PC. Now connect it to your PS4 with it powered on. Highlight Update System Software using your controller.
- Press X to view update options.
- Highlight Update from USB Storage Device.
- Press X on your controller again.
- Select OK using the controller and press X.
- You will now see the firmware version that will be installed. Select Next and press X on your controller.
- The file will now be copied to your PS4.
- Once copied, select Update at the next step and press X on your controller again.
The system update will now be installed on your PS4. If the update manages to go through, then your files should be fixed, which should help you exit the safe mode loop.
5. Try the Safe Mode Trick
Sometime, you can get out of the safe mode loop by entering and leaving it manually. Follow the steps below to use this trick on your PS4:
- Power your PS4 by holding down the power button. Once turned off, hold down the sensor again and let go when you hear two beeps.
- Connect your controller to your console using a USB cable and press the PS button.
- You can now access safe mode. Now highlight Restart PS4 and press X.
If you were facing the safe mode bug, then you should now be able to boot your PS4 normally without any issues. This bug is known to miss an update restart, and if that was the case for you, then an update should be available or installed on your next restart.
6. Power Cycle and Rebuild the Database Again
If you haven’t managed to get out of safe mode on your PS4 yet, then you might need to power cycle and rebuild your database again. Many users have managed to fix their issues by doing the same after their PS4 was unplugged from the wall for a day or two. Follow the steps below to help you with the process.
- Power off your PS4 by holding down the power button. Once the power indicator stops blinking, unplug your power cord from the wall and wait for a day or two.
- Once the necessary time has passed, plug your PS4 into the wall and hold down the power button until you hear two beeps. This should take about 7 seconds after you hear the first beep.
- Connect your controller using a USB cable. Press the PS button once connected.
- Highlight Rebuild Database and press X on your controller.
- A warning will now be displayed stating that the process could take a few hours. Highlight OK and press X.
Your database will now be built again. Once the process completes, your PS4 should boot normally if this fix worked for you.
7. Reseat Your HDD (Advanced Users Only)
If you recently upgraded or replaced your HDD, then you might be looking at a loose connection, which may cause startup issues in your PS4. Reseating your HDD should help fix the same if you’re comfortable opening up your PS4.
Simply check the HDD connectors and clean them if needed. Once done, reinsert and connect the drive to your PS4. If you were stuck in safe mode due to a loose HDD connection, then you should now be able to boot your PS4 normally.
8. Reinstall Your System Software
As a last resort, you can reinstall your PS4 firmware to restore default settings. This, unfortunately, will delete all your data and saved games unless they were backed up. To reinstall your system software on PS4, do the following:
- With your PS4 booted in the safe mode, highlight Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) and press X.
- Select Update Using Internet and press X.
- Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Your PS4 will now reinstall the system software and return to its factory default settings. In most cases, you should now be out of the safe mode and on the home screen once your console restarts.
If you aren’t connected to the internet, you can use the guide fix number five above. Simply download the PS4 console reinstallation file when visiting this web page in the steps above.
You can then use the same step to reinstall system software and return your PS4 to its factory default settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if your PS4 is stuck in safe mode for too long?
If your PS4 is stuck in safe mode for an extended period of time, it could potentially cause problems with your system. It is not meant to be used for long periods of time, as it disables some of the normal functionality of the system.
Even after trying the fixes given above, if the issue persists and you are unable to exit safe mode, seek assistance from Sony or a professional repair technician. It is important to resolve any issues with your PS4 as soon as possible, as leaving it in safe mode for too long could potentially cause further issues or damage to the system.
How do I get my PS4 out of Safe Mode with USB?
To get your PS4 out of safe mode using USB, connect a USB storage device with the updated file saved on it to your system. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps to start the system in safe mode, then select option 5: Update System Software and choose Update from USB Storage Device.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update. If successful, your PS4 will restart and boot normally. If you are unable to exit safe mode or the issue persists after updating, you may need to seek assistance from Sony or a professional repair technician.
How do I get my PS5 off of Safe Mode?
To exit Safe Mode on a PS5, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the power button on the front of the PS5 console until you hear a beep. This will turn off the console.
2. Once the console is off, press and hold the power button again until you hear a second beep. This will start the console in Safe Mode.
3. On the Safe Mode screen, use the D-pad to select Restart PS5 and press the X button.
4. The console will restart and exit Safe Mode.
