How to Clear Cache on Your PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim

Clearing the cache on your PlayStation 5 Pro or PS5 Slim is an important maintenance task that can enhance your gaming experience. Over time, temporary files accumulate and can potentially cause glitches or slow down your system. By following this guide, you will learn how to effectively clear the cache, ensuring your PlayStation runs smoothly and efficiently. This process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes, providing immediate benefits to your console’s performance.

Before you begin, ensure your PS5 is powered down and you have a USB cable ready to connect your controller. No software downloads or additional configurations are necessary for this process, just a standard controller cable and some time.

Step 1: Power Off Your PS5

First, you need to completely turn off your PlayStation 5. To do this, press the Home button on your controller, navigate to the bottom of the menu, and select Power. Choose the option to turn off the console entirely. This is important as the cache clearing process requires the system to be fully powered down.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Once your PS5 is powered off, you’ll need to boot it into Safe Mode. To do this, press and hold the power button. Keep holding it until you hear two beeps: the first beep will sound shortly after pressing the button, and the second beep will occur about seven seconds later. After the second beep, release the power button. Your PS5 is now entering Safe Mode, which is necessary for clearing the cache.

Step 3: Connect Your Controller

In Safe Mode, you cannot use your controller wirelessly. Therefore, connect your controller to the PS5 using a USB cable. Once connected, press the PS button on the controller to activate it.

Step 4: Select Clear Cache

Using your connected controller, navigate the Safe Mode menu. Use the D-pad to scroll down to the option labeled Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. Select this option to proceed with clearing the system cache. This step may take a few moments, so be patient as the system processes your request.

Step 5: Confirm Cache Clearing

After selecting the cache clearing option, you will be prompted to confirm your choice. Press OK to proceed. The PS5 will then clear the system cache, which is a straightforward process designed to remove temporary files that could be causing performance issues.

Step 6: Restart Your PS5

Once the cache has been cleared, your PS5 will automatically return to the main Safe Mode menu. You can now disconnect your controller and restart your PS5. If prompted to sign back in, do so to access your account and games.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

It’s important to perform this cache clearing process regularly, especially if you notice your PS5 is lagging or experiencing glitches. Additionally, ensure that your controller is properly connected throughout the process to avoid any interruptions. If you encounter issues booting into Safe Mode, try repeating the power button procedure, ensuring you hold it for the correct duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clear the cache on my PS5?

It’s recommended to clear the cache every few months, or whenever you notice performance issues such as lag or freezing during gameplay.

Will clearing the cache delete my game data?

No, clearing the cache only removes temporary files and will not affect your saved game data or installed applications.

What if my PS5 doesn’t enter Safe Mode?

If your PS5 does not enter Safe Mode after following the instructions, ensure you are holding the power button long enough to hear the second beep. If problems persist, consult the PlayStation support website for further assistance.