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There is no fixed, Sony-published completion time for a PS4 database rebuild. It can take longer or shorter depending on the type and number of items on the console. Sony’s guidance does not promise a specific number of minutes or hours, so another player’s timing is not a reliable deadline for your console.
Why the time varies
Rebuild Database scans the PS4 drive and creates a new database of the content on the system. PlayStation troubleshooting guidance says the process may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items. That does not establish a formula, and storage capacity alone is not a reliable way to predict when the rebuild will finish.
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Square Enix Support likewise notes that the operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items. Read Square Enix Support’s PlayStation troubleshooting guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat Rebuild Database does—and what it does not do
Sony describes the option as scanning the drive and creating a new database of the console’s content. It may help with some system-feature problems or a game icon that remains on the Home screen after the game has been deleted.
#1 Best Overall
- "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
- Enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a platform that is tuned specifically to their needs.
- Engage in endless personal challenges between you and your community, and share your epic moments for the world to see.
- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
Do not confuse Rebuild Database with Initialize PS4. They are separate Safe Mode choices: Sony describes initialization as deleting user data and restoring the console. Sony also warns that some Safe Mode options can result in data loss. A rebuild is not the same as an initialization, but an existing drive or data problem can still put information at risk.
How to start Rebuild Database in Safe Mode
- Turn the PS4 fully off.
- Press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep, about seven seconds after the first.
- Connect the controller to the PS4 with a USB cable, then press the PS button.
- Select Rebuild Database. It is option 5 in Sony’s PS4 Safe Mode menu.
See Sony’s PS4 Safe Mode instructions for the current menu guidance.
Rank #2
- Includes a new slim 1TB PlayStation 4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
- Play online with your friends, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
- Mount is not included
Back up important data when practical
A backup is a prudent precaution before troubleshooting, particularly if the console has already reported corruption; it is not a prerequisite for choosing Rebuild Database. Sony’s full-console backup instructions specify a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive with at least twice the space occupied by the backup file. Sony also explains how to copy saved data to USB storage.
If the rebuild seems stuck or Safe Mode keeps returning
There is no evidence-based elapsed-time cutoff in Sony’s guidance for deciding that a rebuild is stuck. Avoid unplugging or powering off the console based only on an arbitrary number of minutes or hours; the reviewed instructions do not establish a safe cancellation threshold. If it appears stalled for an unusually long time, fails, or repeatedly returns to Safe Mode, use Sony’s Safe Mode troubleshooting and repair diagnostics.
Rank #3
- Incredible games; Endless entertainment.
- All new lighter slimmer PS4
- 1 TB hard drive
- Blu-ray technology, delivers exceptional video quality.
- Redefine your gaming expectations and immerse yourself in moments so intense your intuition takes over.
A long rebuild on its own does not prove the hard drive has failed. Repeated corruption, boot loops, or storage problems that persist after troubleshooting are reasons to seek official diagnostics.
For some disc-reading problems, Sony includes Rebuild Database in its troubleshooting steps. If that does not resolve the issue, Sony lists Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) as a later escalation and warns that it deletes all console information. Back up first, and follow Sony’s current disc-troubleshooting instructions before taking that destructive step.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes a slim 500GB PlayStation4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Power Cord and HDMI Cable.
- Play online with your friends, get free games, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Rank #4
- Reliable Performance With Minimal Lag - The PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB features the X86-64 AMD "Jaguar" 8 Cores Processor; 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon Based Graphics Engine.
- Perfect for Gaming and Media Streaming - with 8GB GDDR5 Memory; 1TB Storage Capacity and 1080p Full HD resolution
- Ample Storage Space - With a 1TB SSD drive, this PS4 Slim console ensures you have ample space for all your favorite games and media
- Ready to Perform Like New - The renewed PlayStation 4 Slim is packaged with care and arrives in excellent condition. All items are well-packaged to prevent scratches or damage upon arrival.
- Complete Package for Fast and Easy Setup - This Playstation 4 Slim Console bundle includes two original controllers, 1x HDMI cable, 1x charging cable for the controllers, 1x power cable, 1x, earbuds set, 1x microfiber cloth
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