How to fix PlayStation 5 software problems

Your PS5 problems are probably not hardware failures, but simple software 'hiccups' or buried settings often triggered by the latest updates.

A PlayStation 5 that lags, freezes, turns itself on with your TV, or goes into Rest Mode by itself. A locked game with a padlock icon. A missing game. A "ghost icon" that won't go away.

Here's how to fix them.

Is your PS5 doing any of this?

Showing a 🔒 padlock or "Buy Again" error?
Lagging, crashing, or freezing mid-game?
Turning on automatically when you switch on the TV?
Falling asleep (Rest Mode) while you're away?
Showing an icon of a deleted game that won't go away?
Or something else that just doesn't feel right?

Here's the fix for each one. Most take under a minute.

How to clear the system software cache

If you're getting performance drops or weird system behavior, this is the fix to try.

Clearing the cache won't delete your games, saves, or anything else. You won't get logged out of PSN.

Make sure the PlayStation 5 is completely powered off (no white or blue lights).
Press and hold the PS5 power button for 6 to 8 seconds until you hear a second beep.
When the Safe Mode screen appears, connect your controller to your PS5 with a USB cable.
Press the PS button (PlayStation logo) on your controller.
Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
Choose Clear System Software Cache.
Select OK.

Your PS5 will now clear the system software cache.

How to rebuild the database

If you're getting weird system behavior or a deleted game is still showing on the home screen, this is the fix to try.

Rebuilding the database won't delete your games, saves, or anything else. You won't get logged out of PSN.

Make sure the PlayStation 5 is completely powered off (no white or blue lights).
Press and hold the PS5 power button for 6 to 8 seconds until you hear a second beep.
When the Safe Mode screen appears, connect your controller to your PS5 with a USB cable.
Press the PS button (PlayStation logo) on your controller.
Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
Choose Rebuild Database.
Select OK.

It says it might take a few hours, but in my experience it only takes a minute or two. The PS5 will restart when it's done. Wait for the login screen.

How to restore licenses

Restoring licenses helps if your game shows a padlock, you can't find it or an add-on, or it keeps crashing.

Restoring licenses won't affect your data.

Note: You can no longer restore licenses for all owned games at once. It only works for games currently installed on your PS5.

In late April 2026, many users were seeing a "30-day online check-in" requirement for new digital games. If the console hasn't connected to the internet within 30 days of purchase, the game shows a lock icon and won't launch until it does. So, connecting to the internet is the first step of "Restoring Licenses." While everyone is calling it a "30-day requirement," Sony's official line is that it's a one-time check. Journalists suspect it's tied to the refund window, but Sony hasn't confirmed that. For a user who just wants to play their game right now, the "Internet first" advice is the best way to start.

To restore licenses, follow the steps below.

Method 1: From the Home screen (fastest)

Select the game from the home screen or game library.
Press the Options button (the small button with three lines) on your controller.
Select Restore License.
On the next screen, Select Restore.
Your PS5 will now restore the license. When the process is complete, select OK.

Method 2: From Settings (full library)

Open settings (gear icon).
Open Users and Accounts.
Select Other.
Select Restore Licenses.
Select the game or games you want to restore. Only installed games will appear in the list.
Select Restore (bottom right).
Your PlayStation 5 will now restore licenses. When the process is complete, select OK.

Still having trouble starting a game?

Fix: locked & missing games & "Buy Again" errors

Seeing a padlock icon on a game you already paid for, or getting a "Buy Again" prompt for something in your library, is one of the most annoying things on the PS5. The console has lost track of your licenses.

Padlock icons appearing next to games.
Being prompted to repurchase owned games.
Purchased games missing from your Game Library.
"Can't start the game or app" error.

Don't worry. Sony hasn't forgotten you paid. Your PS5 just needs a nudge.

Quick check: Most locked icons right now are caused by the new one-time DRM check. First, connect your PS5 to the internet. The one-time check usually clears the padlock on its own.

The quick fix: Restore licenses

Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other.
Select Restore Licenses.
Select the game or games you want to restore.
Select Restore (bottom right).
Wait for the process to finish and restart your PS5.

Still seeing the lock?

Fix: PS5 turns on with your TV (HDMI-CEC)

If your PS5 beeps and boots up every time you turn on your TV or switch inputs, it's not a ghost. It's a feature called HDMI Device Link. It's meant to be convenient, but it's annoying when you just want to watch Netflix.

The quick fix: Go to Settings > System > HDMI and toggle off Enable HDMI Device Link.
Why this happens: Your TV and PS5 are communicating over the HDMI cable. Turning this off breaks that connection so they work separately.

Need more detail? Read the full guide on stopping your PS5 from turning on with your TV.

Fix: PS5 goes into Rest Mode by itself

Is your console falling asleep while you’re downloading a game or taking a break? Your PS5 is dropping into "Rest Mode". The Power Saving settings control when that happens.

The quick fix: Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.
The adjustment: You can change the time for During Media Playback (videos) and While Playing Games to Don't Put in Rest Mode.

Still having issues? Read the full guide on PS5 Rest Mode settings.

Fix: Can't start a game

If your PS5 won't start a game, it's usually a corrupted license, damaged files, a dirty disc, or stale system data.

Restore licenses
Clean the disc with a soft, damp cotton or microfiber cloth (water only). WARNING: No soap or window cleaner.
Delete and reinstall the game
Clear system software cache (Requires Safe Mode)
Rebuild database (Requires Safe Mode)

Fix: PS5 stuck in safe mode

If your PS5 keeps booting into Safe Mode, it's stuck on a loop. Something's wrong with the system or the hardware. Most of the time, one of the fixes below handles it. Reset is the last resort.

Solution 1: Complete power down

Shut down your PS5 completely by pressing and holding the power button until you hear a beep.
Unplug the power cable from your PS5.
Unplug the HDMI cable and any USB accessories.
Wait for at least 20 minutes.
Plug the power and HDMI cable back in.
Press the power button to turn it on.

If this didn't fix it, move to the next solution.

Solutions 2–5: Safe Mode fixes

These all start the same way. Enter Safe Mode first:

Shut down your PS5 completely by pressing and holding the power button until you hear a beep.
Press and hold the power button for 6–8 seconds until you hear a second beep.
Connect your controller with a USB cable.
Press the PS button.

You'll see the Safe Mode menu. Try them in this order:

Update system software

Choose Update System Software > Update Using Internet > Update.

Note: Your PS5 installs the update and restarts automatically. It may restart twice. Wait until the login screen appears.

Clear system software cache

Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database > Clear System Software Cache > OK.

Note: The PS5 will clear the system software cache and restart automatically. Wait until the login screen appears.

Rebuild database

Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database > Rebuild Database > OK.

Note: It says it might take a few hours, but in my experience, it only takes a minute or two. The PS5 restarts automatically. Wait until the login screen appears.