How to update the system software on your PS5 console

Updating the system software on your PlayStation 5 is essential for accessing new features and maintaining a smooth gaming experience. Each update from Sony not only improves the stability of your console, but also includes security improvements and bug fixes. These updates also optimize your PS5 for the latest games and features. That’s why it’s a good idea to install updates as soon as they become available.

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The good news is that the PS5 automatically checks for system software updates when connected to the internet, so you should be notified when an update is available. However, you can also manually check for updates and apply them if you prefer. You can update directly through the PS5 settings, or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, use a USB drive to perform a manual update.

Regardless of the method you choose, the process is pretty straightforward. Below, we’ll show you how to update the system software on your PS5 and what to do if you run into problems.

The easiest way to update your PS5 system software is through the Settings menu. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the PS5 home screen and select Settings in the upper right corner.
2. Scroll down and select System.
3. Go to the System Software tab and select “System Software Update and Settings”.
4. Select “System Software Update.”
5. Select “Update via Internet” and wait while PS5 checks for pending updates. If an update is available, select the Update button to install it.

If you can’t start your console normally or access the home screen, you can also update the system software using PS5 Safe Mode. Here’s how:

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1. Turn off your PS5 and connect your DualSense wireless controller to the console using a USB cable.
2. Press and hold the power button on your PS5 console until you hear two beeps to enter Safe Mode.
3. Press the PS button on your controller and select “Update System Software.”
4. Select “Update via Internet” option.
5. The PS5 will now attempt to download the system software from the internet.

Please note that both methods may cause your PS5 console to restart several times while the update is installing, so it is important not to interrupt this process.

Another way to update your PS5 system software is to use a PC or Mac. This method is especially useful if your console won’t connect to the internet or if you prefer a manual update. To do this, you’ll need to format your USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT. Once you’ve formatted your drive, you can follow these steps to download the update to your USB drive.

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1. Connect your USB drive to your PC or Mac and create a folder on it called “PS5.”
2. In the PS5 folder, create another folder and name it “UPDATE”.
3. Open a browser and go to the PS5 system software update page.
4. Go to the Update System Software section and click the “PS5 Console Update File” button.
5. Save the “PS5UPDATE.PUP” file to the UPDATE folder on your USB drive.
6. Connect the USB drive containing the file to your PS5 console.

Once the USB drive is inserted, open the PS5 Settings menu and go to System > System Software > System Software Update & Settings > System Software Update > Update from USB Drive. Then click OK to confirm. Alternatively, you can start your PS5 in Safe Mode as described earlier, then go to System Software Update > Update from USB Drive to download and install the update.

While updating the system software on PS5 is generally straightforward, you may occasionally run into issues where the update fails to download or install and errors occur. In these cases, press the PS button on your DualSense controller to open the Control Center, then select the Download/Upload icon. Highlight the system software update, select “View Error Details,” and then select Try Again.

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If the problem persists, it may indicate an internet issue. Make sure your PS5 is connected to a stable internet connection, either through a strong Wi-Fi signal or a wired Ethernet connection. You can also try restarting your router or modem and restarting your PS5 to resolve any temporary glitches.

Another thing you should do is make sure your console storage isn’t full. If it is, consider deleting some games, apps, or media files or moving them to external storage to free up space on your PS5. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to update the system software as expected.