Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
World desk2 min

How to Clear Cache on PS4: What Rebuild Database Actually Does

PS4 has no dedicated Clear Cache setting. Sony’s Rebuild Database option is the relevant Safe Mode maintenance step for some issues; learn how to use it safely.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no dedicated Clear Cache option in Sony’s PS4 Safe Mode menu. For some system or game issues, the relevant PS4 maintenance option is Rebuild Database: it scans the console’s drive and creates a new database of its content. Here’s how to run it—and which nearby options to avoid if you do not want to erase data.

Does PS4 have a Clear Cache option?

No. Sony’s Safe Mode guide lists no PS4 option named Clear Cache. It does list Rebuild Database, which scans the drive and creates a new database of the content on the system. Sony lists a separate Clear System Software Cache option for PS5; that is not a PS4 menu item.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rebuilding the database is not a guaranteed cache-clearing fix. Sony includes it among possible troubleshooting steps for certain game-start and update problems, alongside symptom-specific measures such as restarting, checking system software, or reinstalling an affected game. See Sony’s game-start troubleshooting and update instructions for those cases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How to use Rebuild Database on PS4

  1. Turn off the PS4 by holding the power button for about three seconds. Wait until the power indicator stops blinking.
  2. With the console off, press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep; Sony says the second beep sounds about seven seconds after the first.
  3. Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable, then press the PS button. A wireless connection alone is not enough for this Safe Mode step.
  4. Select Rebuild Database from the Safe Mode menu and follow the on-screen prompts.

Sony describes the operation as scanning the drive and creating a new database of system content. Sony says it may help with system feature issues or when a game icon remains on the Home screen after the game has been deleted. The official Safe Mode instructions do not give an effectiveness rate or promise that it will fix a particular problem.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 - Jet Black (Renewed)
  • Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
  • Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
  • New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
  • Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.

Choose the right Safe Mode option

Option What Sony says it does Data warning
Rebuild Database Scans the drive and creates a new database of system content; Sony lists limited troubleshooting uses. Sony’s listed data-erasure warning applies to the Initialize options, not this option.
Restore Default Settings Restores default settings. Sony says this does not delete games, apps, captures, or saved data.
Initialize PS4 Initializes the console. Deletes user data.
Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) Initializes the console and reinstalls system software. Deletes all data on the console.

These options are not interchangeable. If your aim is maintenance without deleting stored content, do not select either Initialize option. Sony explains the Safe Mode choices in its Safe Mode guide and provides system-software guidance for PS4.

If PS4 Safe Mode will not start

Sony says a USB, HDMI, or power cable may prevent Safe Mode from launching. Try another cable, then follow Sony’s Safe Mode troubleshooting steps.

Rank #2
Sale
MOVONE Wireless Controller Dual Vibration Game Joystick Controller for Ps4 Controller/Slim/Pro,Compatible with PS4 Console (black)
  • 🎮【Kind Remind】- Fully compatible with PS4/PS4 pro/Slim. USB wired connection supports PC(Windows 7/8/10/11). With this controller, you can enjoy games in multiple platforms. (Note: you need to activate device with the USB cable in the package for the first connection.)
  • 🎮【Support for Built-in Vibration Function】 The game controller has two built-in motion motors, which give you different intensity feedback and a more realistic game experience.
  • 🎮【New Way to Play】- The clickable touch pad and integrated light bar offer you a new way to play games. Additionally, 3.5mm audio jack supports compatible headphone.You can enjoy volume controls located directly on the controller and don’t need to worry about disturbing others.is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
  • 🎮【Upgraded Version】- The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
  • 🎮【Customer Service】- We have a reliable after-sale service team. If you have any problems with the product once it arrives or if you have any questions about the product, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team via Amazon e-mail.

If the PS4 keeps returning to Safe Mode, Sony advises turning it fully off, unplugging it for 20 minutes, reconnecting it, and trying again. If it still starts in Safe Mode, Sony directs users to Rebuild Database. If connection checks and these steps do not resolve the problem, consult Sony’s troubleshooting page for further guidance.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
AceGamer Wireless Controller for PS4, Custom Design V2 Gamepad Joystick for PS4 with Non-Slip Grip of Both Sides and 3.5mm Audio Jack! Thumb Caps Included! (Galaxy)
  • 🎮【Attention】It's compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. When you are connecting it to game console for the first time, you need to use the charge cable in the package. When you are connecting it to PC, you need to hold down 'share + home' for 3 seconds. The controller's white light would flash, and you'll see the controller on your PC, which has the BT name 'wireless controller'.
  • 🎮【Unique Design】The Galaxy design is inspired by the designer's love for the vast universe, different colors of nebulae accompanied by meteorites, if you use it at night, with a little light, then, you are not only holding the controller, but the whole universe.
  • 🎮【Custom Process】The galaxy design are printed on the controller shell by water transfer process. They are not cheap stickers. We apply a smooth hand feel oil to the surface to ensure that hand sweat will not erode it.
  • 🎮【Turbo Function】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
  • 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You Can Get:1x Controller for PS4;1x USB-C Charge Cable;1x User Manual. AceGamer specializes in providing customized controllers for game lovers. No matter what problem you encounter, please leave us a message, we will reply to you within 24 hours.
Rank #4
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 - Jet Black
  • The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
  • The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
  • The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
  • The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
Rank #3
AceGamer 2 Pack for PS4 Controller, Wireless Controller for PS4/Pro/Slim/PC, with Non-Slip Grip of Both Sides and USB-C Cable! (Black and White)
  • 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
  • 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
  • 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
  • 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
  • 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.