How to stop your PS4 from starting up in safe mode

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Sometimes, your PS4 won't stop starting in safe mode because of a random glitch. There are several reasons why your PS4 is stuck. Sometimes the problem is a loose cord or a console update, but other times it's more complex. Before you begin initializing your entire console, make sure you test out all of the simple fixes first. It's still hard to get the PS5 and if you're still playing games on the PS4 you'll need to take care of it.

You can follow the same steps if you're having trouble with your PS5. You can access Safe Mode on PS5 by holding the power button.

How to start Safe Mode.

Do not attempt to launch your PS4 in safe mode if your ports are malfunctioning. You need to connect your controller to ausb port after you start your console. If your ports aren't working, you need to fix them.

Turn off your PS4.
When you first press the power button, you will hear one of two noises.

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The controller needs to be connected with the cable.

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The controller has a PS button on it.

You have it! You can use safe mode to find more solutions if your PS3 is having issues that can't be solved in the normal startup.

You can get out of safe mode with any of the options below.

Menu options can be used to get out of safe mode.

Attach your controller to the PS4's port.
Select the first option. It is called restart PS4.

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Wait for the PS4 to restart.
If your PS3 boots back into Safe Mode after following these steps, you'll need to continue down this article to test another repair option.

It looks like it might reset your console's memory, but I promise it won't. If you use this option, you'll be able to shut down your PS3 and try to start it. The console is still experiencing issues if it boots back into safe mode.

Unplugging the console.

Is it possible to plug it back in?

The "PlayStation was not shut off properly" error code can be avoided with the Power Button or menu option.
Plug the console's power cord back in.

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It should be unplugged for 20 minutes.
Turn on your console by plugging the cable back in.
Try to use the menu option to restart PS4.

Continue below for more options if your PS4 is still starting in safe mode after you restart it.

Dust and clean your console.

If you let the dust and grime build up on your console, it will cause system errors, cause stutter when you play the best PS4 games, or even keep them from running entirely. Some homes are more prone to dust than others. A dust cover is needed if you notice a build up on your PS4. When it's not in use, having one will help protect it. Here's what you need to do to clean up your PS4.

Place the nozzle of the compressed air at the vent. It needs to be about 1-2 inches from the vent.
The can should be upright to prevent the console from getting wet.
You can spray in short spurts.

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Look into the vents to make sure you've got all the dust.
Take your microfiber cloth to clean any dust that may have broken loose and claimed space on the console.
The microfiber cloth can be used to wipe down your console.

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Change the microfiber cloth if it is dirty. Do not wipe the cloth while it is wet.

The instructions below will help you update your console and rebuild your database after you've cleaned it. The saved files on your PS4 will not be affected by either of those options. After you've completed all of the steps, boot up your console. It's time to use your last resort option if you're still in safe mode.

Check your cables.

It might be a hardware issue if your PS4 starts in safe mode and you can't navigate the menu options. Try changing out your cables.

Plug the back of your TV and the PS4 into your HDMI cable.
Try to switch the ends of the cables before buying a new one.

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Plug the end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
Plug the end of the HDMI cable into your PS4 and you're good to go.

Another PS4 user had this terrible fate and found that changing his HDMI cables allowed him to navigate the menu, use the "Restart PS4 option", and get back to his normal boot mode. It's worth a shot, but why this option works is a mystery.

The power cord cable needs to be checked.

If your power cord isn't plugged in correctly, it could be a reason for the issues with your PS4.

Hold the power button or the menu options to turn off your PS4.
The power cord on the back of the PS4 needs to be unplugged.
Plug the power cord into the wall outlet.

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For 20 minutes, leave your PS4 unplugged.
Plug the power cord into the wall outlet.
If you are still in Safe Mode, restart the steps and use a different outlet.

The power cords for the PS4 Pro and the PS4 Slim are less than $10 on Amazon. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on repairs, try the next few options. If you're still having issues after testing everything, your last option is to replace your power cords and cables.

Your system software needs to be updated.

Your console can have a conniption if you don't have the most recent update files on it. The safe mode menu can be used to update your system directly or through a drive.

Updating if you can connect to the internet.

If you have a good internet connection, you can take these steps. You can use a cable for this.

You can connect your PS3 to the internet with a cable.

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From the Safe Mode menu option, you can Update System Software.

These steps can be used if you can't connect your PS3 to the internet.

Make sure you have enough free space on the drive you choose.

You can create a folder on the drive. From the Start Menu, you can open documents on your computer and find yourusb folder.

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You can create another folder named Update inside that folder.

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The update can be downloaded from here.
Drop the download file from your Download folder into your Update folder on theusb drive.

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If it isn't named PS4UPDATE.PUP, you can save the file inside of the update folder.
Attach the drive to one of the ports on the console.

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The safe mode menu has an option to Update System Software.

You need to leave your PS4 alone for a while so the updates can install after you've completed these steps. If it still boots in safe mode after installing, turn on your console. Continue to the next recommendation if it does.

Your database needs to be rebuilt.

This option will not compromise your saved files.

You can connect your PS3 to the internet with a cable.
You can rebuild the database from the menu.

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Leave the console alone. It will take a long time.
After the database has been rebuilt, restart your PS4. Continue to the next options if you are still in safe mode.

The option scans your PS4's hard drive and creates a database of all the games and apps on the system. There are no hard drive issues fixed by this option. It finds any compromising data from a game or app that could be the source of your problems. The files will be replaced after the issue is found.

Initialize the PS4 is your last resort.

This option will permanently remove all data from your system.

PS4 is a folder you can create on your computer.

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There is another folder named Update inside that folder.

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The update can be downloaded from the website.
The name of the folder is PS4UPDATE.PUP.

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Attach the drive to one of the ports on the console.
From the menu options in safe mode, select Initialize PS4.
Follow the instructions on the screen and leave your console alone.

This option will remove user data and replace the PS4 firmware. Make sure you only do this as a last resort, and if you're out of options, because it will put your PS3 back in the "fresh out of the box" state you received it in. There's a good chance this will fix the PS4 issue. The problem is more serious if it doesn't, and you will be able to fix it on your own. You need to send your console in for repairs or a new one.

Send your console for repairs.

Repairs or replacements for your console might be covered by the warranty on your PS4. Experts will be able to fix the issues without compromising your data. All of your data can be transferred before the repairs start. When you take it in, make sure to ask about it.

The safe mode loop needs to be ended.

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If your PS4 is not able to start up normally, it will boot into an alternative mode with less features. The essential functions of safe mode are to help you find and fix system errors that are preventing your console from working correctly. You can launch safe mode manually if your console is starting normally.

There are a few ways to fix a console that is in safe mode. Make sure you have scheduled cleanings and keep up-to-date equipment to avoid issues. It goes from having the latest software updates to buying a new power cable to replace the one you've had for years.

It might be a hardware issue that's beyond your expertise if you spilled something on your console recently. It's time to call the company you bought your PS3 from, check your warranty, and see what you can do about a repair or replacement. There will be more PS4 games coming over the next year or so, with even big exclusives like God of War and Gran Turismo 7 coming to the PS4 as well as the PS5.

If you're out of warranty, buying a new PS4 will get more complicated and more expensive, as the supply of consoles dwindles due to production shifting to the PS5.

Our recommended equipment.

If your equipment is old, it can cause it to malfunction and cause it to launch in safe mode. Make sure your cords and cables are in good working order. Our favorite tools are for keeping our consoles clean.

The braided cords are the best choice if you need a new cable. The cable is 15 feet long so you can set up your console in any way you want.

This flash drive can hold 16 gigabytes of memory. It's perfect for initializing your PS3 and storing it in your home for other uses.

A dust cover is a must have for your console. Between uses, you can cover your console with this handy tool to keep it clean.

When you think about microfiber cloths, you think they're good for glasses, screens, or computers, but that's not the case. There are many uses for them with the PS4.

A can of compressed air is one of the things that a tech guru should have. It's useful for your PS4 and a lot of your tech gear as well.

The power cable of the PS4 Pro is larger than that of the PS4 and PS Slim. Amazon provides replacement cables. There's a standard 3-foot cable, but there are other options.

Both the original and the Slim use the same power cord. You can replace the 6-foot cable at Amazon, but there's also a 12-foot option.

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