How to clear your PS5 cache (the "digital spring cleaning" guide)

Updated: May 8, 2026

The PlayStation 5 is a performance beast, but even the best hardware can get weighed down by "stale" data. Every time you download a patch, browse the store, or stream a clip, your console stores temporary files in its cache. With massive titles like GTA VI and Monster Hunter Wilds pushing the system to its limits, a clogged cache can lead to menu stuttering, slow loading, or the occasional game crash.

Clearing the cache is safe, fast, and does NOT delete your games or save data. Think of it as a quick "brain refresh" for your console.

Is your PS5 acting up?

Is the Home screen lagging when you scroll through games?
Are games crashing back to the dashboard with "Error CE" codes?
Do textures seem to pop in slower than they used to?
Has your PS5 been running for months without a full shutdown?

Let’s clear out the junk and get that "day one" speed back.

⚠️ Safe Mode required: To properly clear the cache, you will need to enter the PS5 Safe Mode menu. Don't worry—as long as you follow these steps, your data is completely safe. You will need to connect your controller via a USB cable for this to work.

The best way: Clear cache via Safe Mode

This is the "official" method that deep-cleans the system's temporary storage.

Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode). The lights should be totally off.
Press and hold the Power Button on the front of the console.
Keep holding it until you hear a second beep (about 7 to 8 seconds later), then let go.
Connect your controller to the PS5 using a USB cable.
Press the PS button on your controller.
Once in the Safe Mode menu, select the Clear Cache and Rebuild Database option.
Choose Clear System Software Cache.
Click OK. The PS5 will restart automatically once it’s done.

Should you "Rebuild Database" too?

In the same menu, you will see Rebuild Database. While clearing the cache deletes temporary files, rebuilding the database scans the entire SSD and reorganizes your files for better efficiency.

Feature	Clear Cache	Rebuild Database
What it does	Deletes "junk" temp files	Cleans up the filing system
Time	~30 seconds	2 to 10 minutes
When to use	App crashes, laggy menus	Missing icons, slow loading

Method 2: The "Soft Clear" (power cycle)

If you don't want to mess with Safe Mode, a full power cycle can clear out some minor cache issues.

Shut down the PS5 completely.
Unplug the power cable from the back of the console.
Wait at least 60 seconds. (Optional: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds while it's unplugged to drain any remaining electricity).
Plug the cable back in and turn the console on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this delete my trophies or save games?

No. Clearing the cache only targets temporary system files. Your games, save files, screenshots, and trophies are stored in a different part of the SSD and are not touched by this process.