The PlayStation 4 game console sometimes doesn’t want to work and gets stuck in safe mode. The inability to boot normally can be different, including serious breakdowns. However, returning the console to regular operation is often relatively straightforward.
How to start PlayStation 4 in Safe Mode
To start the console in safe mode:
- Turn off the PS4 and wait for two beeps while holding the power button.
- Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your console using a USB cable.
- Press the PS button in the center of the controller.
In safe mode, you can try solving the console’s problems.
How to get out of safe mode
While in safe mode, connect the controller to the USB port and select Restart PS4 from the menu. The device should boot up normally.
Remember: Do not start your PlayStation 4 in safe mode if its USB ports are not working. This port is required for synchronization with the controller.
A safe Mode is a great option to troubleshoot your console or any other device. The PlayStation may start in safe mode each time you try to turn it in some cases. This behavior means there is some problem. Sometimes this can happen due to a loose cable or a system software update. While it offers troubleshooting options, running in Safe Mode all the time is not a viable option. This article will tell you how to get the PS4 out of safe mode. So follow the different methods.
What is PS4 Safe Mode
PS4 Safe Mode will help you start the system by activating some functions. If any problem occurs on the PS4 system or the PS4 console won’t start, you can fix the problem in Safe Mode.
The PS4 Safe Mode menu includes the following options: change the console resolution, reset the device to factory settings, and restore the storage database.
Note that safe mode options cause data loss situations. Therefore, always try to maintain a proper backup of all PS4 system data on a USB stick or external hard drive; thus, before you take your PS4 out of Safe Mode, back up your complete data.
As it turned out, there are various ways by which you can get the console out of safe mode. In most cases, this can be done through the Safe Mode menu. However, other workarounds can help you get out of Safe Mode if that fails. We will look at how you can get your PS4 out of safe mode.
How to get out of PS4 safe mode
If you’re stuck in a PS4 Safe Mode loop, it’s apparent that you’re going to have difficulty resuming the game.
Don’t worry, as several most relevant fixes are available for getting out of PS4 Safe Mode.
Solution 1 – Reboot
The PS4 restart method will help you get out of PS4 Safe Mode. After that, reboot your PS4 system normally.
In the Safe Mode window that opens, you can choose the option to restart your PS4 to exit Safe Mode.
Solution 2 – Change resolution
Using the change resolution option, you can set the PS4 screen resolution to the default resolution, i.e., 480p. This option will help you fix PS4 display screen issues like a blank screen. There is also a chance that you will have problems setting up HDMI connections between your TV and PS4.
This will create a resolution mismatch situation. For example, you will select 1080P as a higher resolution for a 720P TV.
After exiting PS4 Safe Mode, you can set the correct resolution in the settings menu.
Solution 3 – Update your system software
A system software update may sometimes be the culprit for running the console in safe mode. Therefore, you can try to update the PlayStation 4 system software through the “Safe Mode” menu. This will require an internet connection, so make sure you’re all set.
Suppose your PS4 loses internet connection during a firmware update or hasn’t been updated for a long time. In such a situation, you need to update the software manually.
Updating the PS4 software is also a must because it’s impossible to follow the classic update procedure. But if you are already in a situation where the PS4 does not work, it is usually impossible to update it.
In this case, you need to manually download the PS4 system software from Sony’s official website.
Once the download process is complete, plug in USB storage devices such as a hard drive or flash drive. Now transfer the updated file you just downloaded.
On your USB, create a folder named PS4; inside it, create a subfolder named UPGRADE. Now copy the downloaded file to this UPGRADE subfolder.
Then move the update file to the pre-existing PS4UPDATE.PUP folder on your PS4 system.
Launch your PS4 console. Now in the safe mode window, you should select the option “Update system software.”
Note. If the update is not recognized, check if you have saved the updated file in the correct folder on the PS4 system or not.
Solution 4 – Restore default settings
Restore default settings and drag your PS4 back to factory default settings.
Don’t worry; this option won’t wipe your PS4 because it doesn’t perform a permanent factory reset.
This option resets settings such as time, dates, etc. So overall, this is an option to break the PS4 safe mode loop.
Solution 5 – Rebuild the database
As it turns out, a possible reason the console continues to start in Safe Mode could be corrupted files. When this happens, you will have to repair corrupted files. Fortunately, this can be done relatively quickly through the Safe Mode menu. However, this will take some time, even several hours, so you will have to wait. To do this, follow the instructions below:
First, turn on your PS4 and go to the Safe Mode menu.
From the menu, select the fifth option, i.e., Rebuild Database.
PS4 Database Recovery
After that, leave your console alone, as this process will take quite a while.
After restoring the database, you can restart your PS4. It is a very effective method to clear unnecessary PS4 data. It will eventually improve the performance of the PS4 system, and you will be able to exit PS4 Safe Mode quickly.
Solution 6 – Initialize PS4
You must be careful with this Initialize PS4 method, as it will erase all PS4 game data. Therefore, it would be best to keep a proper backup of your PS4 system data on additional storage devices before resorting to this solution.
The Initialize PS4 method will delete all your PS4 data to make restoring your PS4 to its original state easier. But don’t worry, your current software is entirely intact. Thus, you can use this method to fix the PS4 system not working or get out of PS4 safe mode.
Solution 7 – Reinstall system software PS4
This option is very similar to the Initialize PS4 method. This will also delete all PS4 game data, saved images, and system settings. Therefore, it would be best to keep a proper backup of your PS4 system data on additional storage devices before resorting to this solution.
It will also restore your PS4 system to its original state, but the only difference is that your PS4 firmware will also be deleted.
Solution 8 – Set HDCP mode
HDCP is too small to protect high bandwidth digital content. This mode encrypts the HDMI video stream data from the HD video device.
If you do not see 4K images, there’s a good chance you’ve connected your PS4 to a 4K TV that doesn’t support HDCP 2.2.
To see the images, you can use this option to install HDCP 1.40.
All these issues are because a 4k image can only support HDCP 2.2 display, but it will set the video resolution limit to 1080p.
Solution 9 – Repair corrupted files
Restoring the database is lengthy and depends on the data you have backed up on your PS4 system.
If none of the above methods work, then the issue is due to corrupted PS4 data.
Therefore, in the safe mode, you must select the option “Repair corrupted files.” This will create a new database for the PS4 system without corrupting previous data.
Solution 10 – Check your power supply and sources
Keep pressing the power button on your PlayStation until the flashing light turns off.
Try unplugging your PS4’s power cable and then plugging it back in. Disconnect the HDMI cable and determine if the end connected to the TV/PS4 is receiving power or not.
Solution 11 – Check connected cables
Another way to get your PS4 out of safe mode is to check all cable connections.
The PS4 safe mode exit problem sometimes occurs due to improper power supply, damaged USB device, or HDMI cable.
Therefore, you must check all these things to determine the culprit behind the PS4 safe mode loop. Disconnect all cables – from the power cord to the HDMI cables. After that, leave the console unplugged for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, check the functionality of all cables. In addition, you can also connect USB/power/HDMI cables to other connectors and ports.
If any of the cables appear to be damaged, replace them immediately.
If the issue persists, visit the official PlayStation support page and ask about your case.
Take your console to repair
If the game console has recently been dropped or liquid spilled on it, the problem may be caused by a hardware problem. Actions to correct the breakdown are beyond the capabilities of the average user. Your best bet is to take your console to a PlayStation 4 service center. If the warranty is still valid, the repair may be free. This method must be used before the OS is initialized if critical data is stored. Most wizards offer pre-saving data.