If a PS5 system software update is stuck, first retry it from Downloads/Uploads. If it keeps failing, restart the console and check its internet connection; use Safe Mode or Sony’s manual USB update only if the simpler retry does not work. Do not choose a reinstall option unless you are prepared to erase the console’s data.
Retry the update before changing anything
- Press the PS button to open the control center, then select Downloads/Uploads.
- Highlight the system software update and choose View Error Info to see any displayed error code.
- Select Try Again.
Sony recommends using its PC/Mac manual update instructions after multiple failed downloads. Before moving to that method, try the less disruptive checks below if the console still reaches its home screen. PlayStation’s PS5 system software update guide has the current official update instructions.
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If the PS5 reaches the home screen, retry online
- Restart the PS5.
- Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and try the update again.
- If the download fails, use a wired network connection if possible. If you use Wi-Fi, move the console closer to the router and reduce obstructions between them.
- Turn off the router and modem for at least five minutes, then restart them and retry the update.
These network steps are among Sony’s recommendations for error WS-116522-7. That code means, in PlayStation Support’s words, “The latest version of system software is not recognized and the update failed.” The fix can vary with the update method, so use Sony’s instructions for the exact code rather than assuming this advice applies to every error. Sony’s WS-116522-7 troubleshooting page covers internet, USB, and game-disc update attempts.
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Choose online or USB update based on what you can access
| Method | Best fit | What you need | Data risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online update | The PS5 reaches the home screen and has a reliable internet connection. | The console and an internet connection. | These update steps do not call for erasing console data. |
| Manual USB update | Online downloads repeatedly fail, or you need to update from Safe Mode. | A PC or Mac with internet access and a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. | Choose Update System Software, not a reset or reinstall option. |
The USB drive is only needed for the manual route. Sony does not specify a brand or speed class in its cited instructions; a new purchase is not necessary if an online retry succeeds.
#1 Best Overall
- Heighten Your Senses. Discover Deeper, highly immersive gaming experiences.
- Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback
- Chat online through the built-in microphone or connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Play on more devices Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth wireless technology so you can easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range titles
Update from Safe Mode
Use Safe Mode if the console cannot reach the home screen or repeated online attempts have failed. Its Update System Software option supports an online update or an update from USB storage.
- Turn the PS5 off completely.
- Press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep, about seven seconds after the first beep.
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable, then press the PS button.
- Select Update System Software, then choose the online or USB update route.
For the exact Safe Mode entry and option descriptions, see Sony’s PS5 Safe Mode guide.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Install the official update file from USB
Use only the update file Sony provides. The USB update file is not the same as Sony’s separate system software reinstallation file.
Recommended Free Tools
- On a PC or Mac connected to the internet, format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT. Sony specifies about 1.1 GB of free space for the update file.
- Create a folder named
PS5on the drive, then create a folder namedUPDATEinside it. - Download the current PS5 update file from Sony’s official system software page and save it in the
UPDATEfolder asPS5UPDATE.PUP. - Connect the USB drive to the PS5 and start Safe Mode.
- Select Update System Software > Update from USB Storage Device > OK.
If the console does not recognize the file, check that the folder and file names are spelled exactly as shown, including uppercase letters, and that the file is in PS5/UPDATE/. Sony warns against using any update data other than its official file.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Know which Safe Mode options erase data
Safe Mode includes actions with different consequences. For an update problem, start with Update System Software; do not select a reset option as though it were another update attempt.
- Repair Console Storage: Sony says this does not erase data.
- Restore Default Settings: Resets settings but does not delete games, apps, captures, or saved data.
- Reset PS5: Deletes user data.
- Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software): Deletes all data and removes the system software before reinstalling it.
Reserve reinstalling for a last resort
Reinstalling system software is not the same as updating it. Sony describes it as a factory or hard reset, and says the process deletes all data on the PS5. If you decide it is necessary, back up what you can first, download Sony’s separate reinstallation file, then use Safe Mode’s Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) option. Follow Sony’s current directions carefully: PS5 system software update and reinstallation instructions.
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Use the exact error code to guide the next step
Write down the full error code shown under View Error Info, then look up that code in Sony’s support pages. The PS5 error-code index includes update-related messages, but a fix for one code may not apply to another. Check Sony’s PS5 error-code index and follow the linked page for your specific code.
If the console remains stuck in Safe Mode or Sony’s official update or reinstallation steps fail, use the PlayStation Support hub to reach Sony’s PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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