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PlayStation 5

How to Update a PS5 Safely and Fix Common Update Errors

Use Settings for a normal PS5 update, retry stalled downloads, and follow Sony’s USB steps if needed. Learn which errors to check and why reinstallation is a last resort.

By VGSources Team 3 min read
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Update your PS5 through Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings whenever the console can reach its home screen. If a download stalls, retry it from Downloads/Uploads before switching to USB. Use only Sony’s official update file, and don’t choose a system-software reinstallation unless you understand that it deletes all console data.

How do I update my PS5 from Settings?

  1. From the PS5 home screen, open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
  2. If Update Available appears, select Update System Software and follow the on-screen prompts.

You can also enable automatic updates in the same settings area. For the current version and feature list, consult Sony’s PS5 system software page; version details can change, and the guidance here reflects Sony’s US English documentation. Menu labels may vary by localization or software version.

Keep the console powered on while the update installs. Sony warns that turning it off during installation can damage the console. Sony also advises against installing immediately before or after a power outage, and against unofficial update files or methods, which can prevent proper operation and may affect warranty or repair service.

What should I do if a PS5 update is stuck or fails?

  1. Press the PS button to open the control center, then select Downloads/Uploads.
  2. Highlight the system software update and choose View Error Info.
  3. Select Try Again.

If the download fails repeatedly, use Sony’s documented update-by-USB instructions below. If an error code appears, look up that exact code on Sony’s PS5 error-code index before trying a code-specific fix; similar-looking errors can have different causes.

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For error code WS-116522-7

Sony’s dedicated WS-116522-7 support page recommends restarting the PS5, using a wired internet connection where possible, configuring network settings again, or updating through USB. These steps are for this code; don’t assume they apply to other errors.

How do I update a PS5 with a USB drive?

Use a PC or Mac with internet access, a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, and a USB cable to connect the controller for Safe Mode navigation. Sony’s system software instructions say to leave approximately 1.1 GB free on the drive for the update file. No particular USB-drive brand is required.

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  1. On the USB drive, create a folder named PS5, then create an UPDATE folder inside it.
  2. Download the official update file from Sony’s PS5 system software page. Save it in the PS5/UPDATE/ folder with the filename PS5UPDATE.PUP.
  3. Turn off the console by holding its power button for three seconds.
  4. With the console off, hold the power button again and release it after the second beep. Sony says the second beep comes about seven seconds after the first.
  5. Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable and press the controller’s PS button.
  6. In Safe Mode, choose Update System Software > Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If the console cannot find the file, check that the drive is FAT32 or exFAT and that the folder path and filename are correct. Sony specifies uppercase folder and file names using single-byte characters. Download the update file only from Sony; don’t use third-party firmware mirrors.

Which update method should I use?

Situation Method What you need to know
The console reaches its home screen Update through Settings Use the system software update menu; this is the ordinary route.
The update appears in Downloads/Uploads but stalls or fails Try Again, then USB if failures continue Check any displayed error code on Sony’s support site.
The console cannot reach the home screen but can connect to PlayStation Safe Mode network update Use the update option in Safe Mode; connect the controller by USB to navigate.
Network updating fails or the console is offline Safe Mode USB update Requires a PC or Mac, a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive, and Sony’s official update file.
Other troubleshooting has failed Consider system software reinstallation only as a last resort Reinstallation deletes all user data and removes the system software.

Safe Mode includes several different options, and some erase data. Read the option name and its consequence before selecting it.

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Will reinstalling PS5 system software delete my data?

Yes. Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) deletes all user data and removes the system software. Sony says reinstallation should be a last troubleshooting step. Back up your data if possible, and contact PlayStation repair support if the process fails.

Do not confuse reinstallation with Restore Default Settings: Sony says that option restores default settings without deleting games, apps, screenshots, video clips, or saved data. Reset PS5 also deletes user data, but it is a distinct Safe Mode option from reinstalling system software.

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