How to update PS5: automatic, manual and USB updates in Safe Mode

There are three ways to update a PS5: let the console download and install updates on its own, start the update manually in Settings, or install it from a USB drive in Safe Mode. This guide covers all three, plus what to do when a download gets stuck. For the current version number, see our PS5 system update page.

Which method to choose

For most players, turning on automatic updates and forgetting about them is enough. Use a manual check when you know a new version is out and want it right away. Update via USB when the console has no internet or the download keeps failing. A reinstall is the very last resort, because it wipes your data.

Automatic updates

The most convenient option is to set updates up once and forget about them. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and turn on both Download Update Files Automatically and Install Update Files Automatically. Sony covers this in its automatic updates guide.

The console then installs new versions while it’s in rest mode. There’s one condition: it has to stay connected to the internet in rest mode.

Manual update

A manual check is handy when you know a new version is out and don’t want to wait for the console to fetch it.

1. Open Settings > System > System Software.
2. Select System Software Update and Settings.
3. If there’s a newer version than the one on your console, you’ll see “Update Available”.
4. Select Update System Software and wait for it to download and install.

If “Update Available” doesn’t appear, your console is already on the latest system software and there’s nothing else to do.

When the download gets stuck

Sometimes an update download freezes at the same point or ends with an error. Here’s what Sony recommends:

1. Press the PS button to open the control centre.
2. Go to Downloads/Uploads.
3. Highlight the update that won’t download.
4. Select View Error Info and then Try Again.

If the download keeps failing, switch to the computer and USB method below. If the console shows an error code, look it up in our list of PS5 error codes.

How to update PS5 via USB in Safe Mode

This method works even when the console has no internet connection. You’ll need a computer (Windows or Mac) and a USB drive. Only download the update file from Sony’s official PS5 system software page.

1. Turn off your PS5.
2. Get a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT with roughly 1.1 GB of free space.
3. On the drive, create a folder called PS5 and inside it a folder called UPDATE.
4. Download the update file from Sony’s page and save it into UPDATE as PS5UPDATE.PUP.
5. Plug the USB drive into your PS5.
6. Start the console in Safe Mode: hold the power button and let go after the second beep.
7. Select Update System Software, then Update from USB Storage Device, and confirm with OK.

If the console can’t find the file, check the names. The PS5 and UPDATE folders and the PS5UPDATE.PUP file all have to be in capital letters, and the file has to sit directly inside UPDATE.

Reinstalling the PS5 system software

Warning: a reinstall deletes all data on the console. It’s a full factory reset, so any games, saves and settings you haven’t backed up will be gone. Only use it when the console won’t start or update normally.

The steps match the USB update. The folders are still called PS5 and UPDATE and the file PS5UPDATE.PUP, but instead of the update file you download the reinstallation file from Sony’s page, and the drive needs roughly 1.2 GB of free space. In Safe Mode, choose Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software).

If the console doesn’t respond at all and you can’t get into Safe Mode, start with our guide for when your PS5 won’t turn on.

What to watch out for

Sony repeats four rules for PS5 updates:

• Only download update files from an official Sony source. Don’t use files from other websites.
• Don’t install an update right before or right after a power cut.
• Never turn the console off during installation. An interruption can damage it.
• Without the latest system software, some apps or content may not start.

Got an older console too? The process is similar, and you’ll find it alongside the current version on our PS4 system update page.

Join our Discord if an update won’t go through and you want other players to take a look: GamersTogether Discord.

FAQ

Information verified on 10 November 2026. More PS5 news is in our PlayStation section, and the current versions of every platform are on the console system updates page.