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how to clear cache on ps5

To clear the cache on a PS5, you need to start the console in Safe Mode and use the Clear System Software Cache option under “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.” This does not delete your games or saved data, only temporary system files that may be causing lag or weird behavior.

Main method: Safe Mode cache clear

Follow these steps carefully, as Safe Mode looks different from the normal PS5 screen.

  1. Turn the PS5 completely off
    • Press the PS button on your controller.
    • Go to Power > Turn Off PS5 (do not use Rest Mode).
    • Wait until the power light on the console stops glowing and fully turns off.
  1. Boot the PS5 into Safe Mode
    • On the console itself, press and hold the physical Power button.
    • Keep holding until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds after the first), then release.
 * This starts the system in Safe Mode, a minimal mode for maintenance tasks like cache clearing.
  1. Connect the controller with a USB cable
    • Plug your DualSense into the console using a USB cable.
    • Press the PS button on the controller to enable it in Safe Mode (wireless does not work here).
  1. Open the cache menu
    • On the Safe Mode menu, select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database (often option 5 or 6, depending on version).
 * On the next screen, choose **Clear System Software Cache**.
  1. Confirm and restart
    • Select OK to confirm.
    • The PS5 will clear its system cache and then restart normally; this may take a little time depending on what needs to be cleaned.

What clearing cache actually does

Clearing the cache removes temporary system files that build up over time and can cause issues such as:

  • Slow menu navigation or sluggish UI
  • Longer loading times than usual
  • Occasional crashes, freezes, or minor glitches in games or apps

It is a maintenance step similar to clearing cache on a PC or phone and focuses on system software cache , not your user content.

Will you lose games or saves?

  • Your installed games and apps stay installed.
  • Your saved data and screenshots are not deleted by the Clear System Software Cache option.
  • The separate Rebuild Database option (on the same screen) reorganizes how data is indexed on the drive and is also designed not to delete games or saves, though it can take longer to run.

When and how often to do it

You generally only need to clear the cache when you notice problems, not on a daily schedule.

Typical moments to try it:

  • After a big system update when things feel slower than usual
  • When specific games start stuttering or crashing despite good storage space
  • When the home screen and menus feel laggy or take seconds to respond

Most guides suggest using it as an occasional troubleshooting step rather than routine maintenance.

Extra tip: Pair with a database rebuild

If issues continue after clearing the cache, you can repeat the Safe Mode steps and this time choose Rebuild Database from the same “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database” menu.

  • This scans the drive and re-creates the internal database that tracks your content.
  • It is especially useful if you see missing icons, corrupted content errors, or frequent crashes across several games.

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Learn how to clear cache on PS5 using Safe Mode, step by step, to fix lag, crashes, and slow menus without deleting your games or saves, plus when to use Rebuild Database.

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