What is Safe Mode on PS4

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For those who have encountered issues with the tech devices, you must be familiar or at least ever heard about the safe mode. In general, it refers to a way to restart and boot up a device so that you are able to troubleshoot and solve the issues that you may be facing.

Just like some other devices, there is a safe mode in PlayStation 4 that can be used to fix these situations.  Safe mode on PlayStation 4 is the one that allows everyone to play their PlayStation console with only the most basic functions active. It is the special startup mode that has a limited functionality. It is designed to help people troubleshoot the system issues by rebuilding the console storage database, changing the resolution or hard resetting the console to its factory settings.

One day, your PlayStation 4 may automatically start up in the safe mode if it detects that there is a reason it needs to do so. It may happen due to some issues with the consoles. It is important for you to know the meaning of safe mode and what you should do to use it if you want your PlayStation 4 console to work well for a longer time.

What is Safe Mode on PS4

There are a few options in the safe mode of PlayStation 4, as follows:

    • Restart System: This one ends the safe mode and restarts the PlayStation 4 console normally.
    • Change Resolution: This one changes the display resolution to 480p when the PlayStation 4 console is restarted. It is useful when troubleshooting issues with the blank screens.
    • Update System Software: This one makes it possible for you to update the PlayStation 4 system software via direct download, a USB storage device or a disc.
    • Restore Default Settings: This one restores the PlayStation 4 system to the default factory settings. If you choose this option, you do not have to worry about the content on the console storage such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips and saved data as they all will not get deleted.
    • Rebuild Database: This one scans the drive and makes a new database of contents on the system. It is useful for those who are experiencing system feature issues or a game icon remains on Home after it has been deleted.
    • Initialize PS4: This one deletes every user data. Not only that, it also restores the PS4 console to its original state.
    • Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software): This one deletes every user data. Apart from that, it also removes PS4 firmware.
    • Set HDCP Mode (PS4 Pro only): It is possible for it to not be able to display an image when playing 4k games or 4k video streaming if your PS4 Pro console is connected to a 4k TV that does not support HDCP 2.2.

What should you do if you want to start your PlayStation 4 console in the safe mode? In order to get into the safe mode, you will have to turn off the PlayStation 4. Here is step by step to follow to be able to do that:

    1. The first thing that you need to do is to hold the power button for seven seconds. Actually, it is not always seven seconds. Basically, you will have to do it until the beeps sound is heard. Apparently, the power indicator will blink for a while before it turns off. After that, turn the PlayStation 4 back on. However, you will have to do it by holding down the power button.
    2. Then, listen until you hear two beeps, the first one at the first press of the power button and the second one after about seven seconds. You are able to use your PlayStation 4 controller. However, it will be needed for you to make sure that it is connected via a USB cable. Please press the PS button on your controller.
    3. The next thing that you should do is to boot into safe mode. When you are in the Safe Mode, you will need to access a few different menu options.
    4. Apparently, each of them gives you access to the necessary steps, as well as to the tools and capabilities. In case you are facing some hardware issues instead of the software issues, Safe Mode will only be marginally useful other than reformatting your HD and the similar things.

If it has been a while since the last time your PlayStation 4 console was online or it has lost connection to the internet during the system software update, it may be needed for you to manually update the system software. You can download a manual update directly to your console or to a USB drive. Below is the guide to manually update it:

    1. Firstly, you should make a folder named PS4 on a USB drive formatted as FATR32. Feel free to do it on a PC or Mac. Another folder that you have to create is named UPDATE. For this one, you will have to do it inside the folder.
    2. After creating these two folders, it is time for you to download the update file and save it in the folder named UPDATE. Please save the file as PS4UPDATE.PUP.
    3. In the next step, plug the USB drive that has the file into your PlayStation 4 console.
    4. After that, start the PlayStation 4 console in the safe mode by pressing and holding the power button and then releasing it after the second beep.
    5. The fifth step is to choose the Safe Mode option 3: Update System Software.
    6. Lastly, choose Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

In case your PlayStation 4 fails to recognize the file, you are suggested to check the names of the folders and the file name and make sure that these two are correct. Do not forget to enter the folder names and the file name using the uppercase letters.

For those who cannot start the console in the safe mode even after following the method explained above, you are recommended to turn it off and turn it on again. Aside from that, you can also check the cables.

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