PS4 Safe Mode: Start Safe Mode - Here's how

If your PS4 has problems or won't start, you should put the console in safe mode. We show you how it works and what options you have in so-called safe mode.

Start PS4 in Safe Mode

1. First switch off your PS4 completely.
2. Then press and hold the console power button for seven seconds until you hear two short beeps.
3. Now connect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable and press the PS button to activate it.
4. You are now in safe mode and can use the controller to navigate through the menu.

Safe mode of the PS4: the functions in detail

In the safe mode of the Playstation 4 you will find a total of seven menu items, which all contain certain functions:

1. "Restart system": The first entry ends the safe mode and restarts the PS4 as normal.
2. "Change resolution": This option changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PS4 system is restarted. You should do this if the Playstation image is not fully displayed on your TV.
3. "Update system software": Use this to update your console. The PS4 can update the system software via the Internet, USB stick or disc.
4. "Restore default settings": Here you delete all settings and reset the PS4 to the factory settings.
5. "Rebuild database": This option scans the hard disk of the console and creates a new database of the saved files.
6. "Initialize Playstation 4": Select this item to delete all data and settings of the PS4.
7. "Initialize Playstation 4 (reinstall system software)": This option deletes all data from the PS4, including the system software. A message then appears that you should connect a USB data carrier that contains the system software. The PS4 will then reinstall the system.

Tip: This is how you can cancel a purchase on the PS4

We will show you how to fix the BLoD error on the PS4 in the next article.