Sony is taking its sweet time revealing the PS5 details, but even if they did today, we'll still have to wait until the end of the year to get our hands on the new console. So, we have no choice but to keep enjoying the PS4 and its games. In that case, have you noticed that your PS4 is running slowly and often experiences frame rate drops during gameplay? Don't worry, there's something you can do to fix it.
How to activate safe mode on PS4
If things aren't working properly on your PS4, it's best to check out a hidden menu specifically designed for repairs. We're referring to Safe Mode , a system boot mode that bypasses the PS4's main menu and offers a range of options that allow you to access tools to troubleshoot various problems.
The first thing we need to do is follow the steps to access Safe Mode , as it's a hidden menu that can't be easily activated. To access this mode, simply follow these steps:
- Shut down your console completely. The method will not work if you have the console at rest, so be sure to turn it off completely. To turn it off completely you just have to enter the power options and select turn off ps4.
- Once turned off it is time to carry out the ignition process in Safe Mode. It's easier than you think, you just have to press the power button and do not release it until you hear a second beep. This second beep will appear at seven seconds approximately, and it will be there when you can already release the power button of the console.
- The mode will activate HDCP, so if you have the console connected to a capture card or other device that does not support HDCP the image will not be displayed on the screen. Try to have the console directly connected to the television.
- The menu will ask us to connect a Dualshock controller to the USB port. Connect a controller with a micro USB cable. This menu does not support wireless connection.
Rebuild the PS4 database
Once inside, the option we'll choose is Rebuild Database . This option will reorganize all the elements on the hard drive and create a new database with all the system's contents. If you've been using the console for a long time, you've probably installed and uninstalled countless games, so this process will organize everything correctly and leave it clean and tidy.
- To do so, you will only have to select option 5 in the menu.
- The restructuring time will depend on the size of your disk, the number of elements installed and the mess you have made. In our case the process has taken less than 30 seconds, but there might be cases where the console needs a couple of hours to finish the task, so arm yourself with patience and wait until everything is finished.
- Once the process is finished, the console will return to the usual menu and you will have completed the task.
a punctual task
According to Sony, this maintenance can be helpful for users experiencing issues with games crashing mid-game or noticeable frame rate drops. This isn't a daily or even monthly process; it's simply a maintenance task that might be useful for older consoles that have seen significant storage activity.