Can’t update PS5 system software? Try These 10 Fixes

Can’t update PS5 system software? Try These 10 Fixes.The PlayStation 5 relies heavily on system software and firmware updates to add new features, ensure compatibility with new video games and accessories, and improve overall performance while playing. So, if the PS5 automatic and manual updates are not downloading or installing, you have a serious problem that needs immediate attention.This troubleshooting guide will walk you through 10 fixes to clear common roadblocks when updating your PS5’s system software. From connection issues to storage issues, we’ll provide solutions to keep your Sony PS5 updated and running at its best.

1. Retry the System Software Download

Temporary network issues and occasional server crashes are common causes of failed PS5 system software updates. Retry the update and hopefully it should start moving again. For this:

Press the PS button on your DualSense wireless controller.
Select the icon Uploads/downloads.
Highlight the failed system software update.

Click the Options button.
Select View error details and select Retry.

2. Check the Error Code

If the problem with updating the PS5 system software persists, write down the error code in the download/download queue (repeat the steps in the section above) and check it against the list of Sony error codes.This should help you pinpoint the nature of the failure and focus on fixes that apply to your particular case.For example, the error code WS-116420-4 means that the console is unable to contact the PSN servers.

3. Reboot Your PS5

Another quick fix is to restart your PS5. The procedure clears the console’s memory and resolves technical issues that cause software update issues. For this:

Press the PS button.
Scroll to the right and select the Food icon.
Select Restart PS5.

4. Check the PSN System Status

If you’re having trouble finding newer versions of system software, or if updates take too long to download or keep crashing, the issue might not be with your console, but with PlayStation Network.Check the PSN Service Status page for any known outages or maintenance work. If there are issues with PSN services, you should wait until they are resolved before updating your PS5. If you wish, check social media sites such as Twitter or Reddit to see if other PS5 players are experiencing similar issues.

5. Test Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is critical to downloading PS5 system updates. To perform a connection test on the console, you must:

Press the Settings button in the upper left corner of the PS5 home screen.

Select Network.

Select CheckInternet Connection.

If the Internet connection test fails, there are several ways you can resolve this issue:

If you are using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection if possible for greater stability.
Reboot or reboot your router to fix potential network issues and increase internet speed.
Connect to another wireless or wired network.

For additional network troubleshooting methods, see our guides to fixing slow Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks.

6. Change DNS Servers

If your internet is fine but PS5 updates keep failing, it is recommended that you change your DNS (Domain Name System) servers to the popular public DNS service. This increases the console’s chances of successfully discovering the best PSN servers to connect to.To use Google Public DNS for your PS5 network connection:

Open the PS5 settings menu.
Go to section Network > Connection Status > Set up Internet connection.

Highlight your Internet connection and click the Settings button.
Select More Options.

Change DNS settings from Automatic to < span style=”font-weight:bold”>Manual.
Set Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4.

Press OK.

7. Free Up Storage Space

While it’s impossible to initiate system software updates if your PS5 doesn’t have enough memory, there will always be issues if the console only has the bare minimum to work with. Ideally, you should have at least 10 GB of free space to update system software.To free up PS5 storage, you must:

Open the PS5 settings menu.
Scroll down the Settings menu and select Storage.

Browse through the list of games, apps, save data, and media gallery and delete items you don’t need.

Learn more ways to free up space on your PS5 SSD.

8. Update System Software via USB

If your PS5 system software fails to load, please update via USB. You will need a Windows or Mac PC and a FAT32 or exFAT formatted USB drive to get started. Here’s how:

Connect your USB drive to your PC or Mac.
Open the USB stick using Explorer or Finder and create a folder that says PS5 and a subfolder that says UPDATE.

Download the latest PS5 console update file from PlayStation Support.

Copy PS5UPDATE.PUP inside UPDATE subfolder on your flash drive.

Plug your USB stick into your PS5.
Open the PS5 settings menu and select System.

Select System Software > Updating system software and settings.

Select Update System Software.

Select Update via USB.

Please wait while your PS5 completes the USB flash update.

9. Update System Software via Safe Mode

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t update your PS5 system software, it’s time for safe mode. Think of Safe Mode as a special assisted mode on the PS5 that only loads what is needed to launch the console. The good thing is that it allows you to update the system software in this simplified state, and this might be exactly what you need to continue with the problematic update.To enter Safe Mode and update your PS5:

Turn off your PS5.
Hold the Power button to turn the console back on and release it after the second beep.
Please wait while PS5 boots into Safe Mode.
Connect the controller via USB and press the PS button on the DualSense controller.
Select Update System Software.

You can also update your PS5 in Safe Mode via USB.

Download the latest update from the PlayStation website to a USB stick (see section above for instructions).
Enter Safe Mode on PS5.
Select Update System Software, then select Update from USB</span > .

10. Reset Your PS5 Settings

If nothing has worked so far, it’s time to reset your PS5 to factory settings. This gives your PS5 a fresh start – without deleting any data – and fixes issues caused by corrupted settings. Here’s how:

Open the PS5 settings menu.
Select System.

Go to System Software > Reset Options</ span> .

Select Restore Defaults.

If the system software update still doesn’t work, all you have to do is wipe everything and reset your PS5 to factory settings.

You’ve Successfully Updated Your PS5’s System Software

Keeping your Sony PS5 system software and firmware up to date is an integral part of the ultimate gaming experience. Update-related problems do happen at one point or another, but the standard troubleshooting methods will get you sorted out (quickly, in most cases). From re-booting to checking your internet connection, using safe mode, or even updating via PC or Mac, there are various ways to overcome these hurdles.