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We’ve all been there, whether a console is new or old it at some point will run into some technical issues, or its performance will slow down to a crawl.
The Playstation 4 is included in this, however unlike other systems the PS4 does come included with a built-in feature to help troubleshoot these issues and seek out anything slowing the console’s performance down, and this is safe mode.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about this incredible feature built into the PS4, its benefits, and how you can use it if you ever need to straighten out some issues if your console has been acting up recently.
What Is Safe Mode?
When safe mode has been activated, it will be the first screen you are presented with when you next load up your Playstation 4.
On this screen there will be a selection of options you can choose from either to try and boost your console’s performance or to commence a factory reset if you need to completely wipe your console clean.
These options include:
- Change Resolution: Switches display to 480p when you next load up the console to resolve screen issues.
- Update System Software: Update your console’s software to ensure it is fully up to date, this can either be through a direct download or from a USB drive.
- Restore Default Settings: Factory reset without deleting games, apps and saved data.
- Rebuild Database: Moves all your content to a new database on the console, this is a great option if the console is running very slowly or if technical issues are occurring constantly.
- Initialize PS4: Complete factory reset which resets your console to its original settings and deletes all user data and apps.
Safe mode has options to mitigate any issues with the PS4 by tinkering with the system’s hardware and is a great option if you need to solve some technical issues but are not sure how.
How To Use Safe Mode
Luckily booting a PS4 up in safe mode is very easy to do so you can try it whenever your console is experiencing issues.
If you do want to try it or just want to make sure you know how in case are there are any issues in the future, follow these simple steps:
Step
Turn Off PS4
Turn off PS4 by pressing down the power button for a few seconds as you would normally.
Step
Hold Down Power Button
When you turn the Playstation back on, hold down the button to hear one beep and keep holding it for seven more seconds to hear another. Once you hear both, let go of the power button.
Step
Toggle Safe Mode
Your PS4 will now start up in safe mode, plug in your controller as the screen will ask you to, and click on the troubleshooting option of your choice.
Step
Deactivate Safe Mode
To exit safe mode, simply switch the console off and restart it by just tapping the power button.
Does PS5 Have A Safe Mode?
Luckily for Playstation 5 users, safe mode is also a built-in feature with the console and is actually set up in exactly the same method as the Playstation 4.
It will offer the same troubleshooting options that can help clean up your console and improve its performance when used from time to time.
Conclusion
With just holding down the power button for a few more seconds, safe mode is a great feature that every Playstation user should take advantage of to ensure their system remains up to date and performs at the best of its hardware capabilities.
