How To Rebuild PlayStation Database [PS5 & PS4]

When you face an error that won’t go away no matter what you do, one of the last fixes you can try before initializing your console is to rebuild PlayStation Database.

Doing so removes most errors you may face, as it resets the organization configuration to default and makes it easier for the system to read. It’s a very easy procedure to follow, and I’ll guide you on how to do it below.

Key Takeaways

• Rebuilding the Database helps with performance issues and treating certain errors that don’t go away.
• You can access this option through the Safe Mode of your console.
• While often compared with initialization, this is a lot better, as it does not delete any useful data.

What Does It Mean To Rebuild PlayStation Database?

Rebuilding goes through the system’s files one by one, reorganizing them into a state where the system can read them quicker, leading to increased performance.

It also deletes corrupted or repeated data files, clearing up storage and increasing performance and boot-up times. This option can be accessed through the console’s Safe Mode.

When To Rebuild PlayStation Database?

As there are other methods you should try before resorting to this, you should attempt it when:

• There is severe input lag.
• Uninstalled app icons still exist on the screen.
• The system takes unnaturally long to boot up.
• You’ve tried all other methods to fix an error, but it persists.

Why Rebuild PlayStation Database?

There are a number of things that happen, even when there’s not a specific error polluting the system. These advantages are:

• Better in-game performance.
• Removes input lag.
• Clears up storage taken by corrupted or repeated files.
• Removes most errors.
• Removes any malicious files.
• Unlike initialization, it does not clear any data.

How To Rebuild PS5 Database?

Rebuilding the Database is incredibly easy; all you need to do is access the “Rebuild Database” option from the console’s Safe Mode. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off your console, but don’t unplug it from the socket.

   

2. Once it’s off, press and hold the power button for 7 seconds or until you hear two beeps. (The upper button is for disk ejection, while the lower one is the power button)
3. Doing this will boot the console up in “Safe Mode.”
4. Now connect your controller to the PS5 via a cable, and press the PS button.

   

5. Navigate the menu and select the “Rebuild Database” option above “Reset PS5”.
6. The message “The database will be rebuilt. It might take a few hours to rebuild the database” will pop up.
7. Make sure that there won’t be any interferences with the power supply in the few hours it takes to rebuild.
8. Select OK, and the process will begin.

Try not to move your PS5 when it takes to complete, as you may have to restart the process if the power is disturbed. It can also risk damages that may not be fixed without professional help.

How To Rebuild PS4 Database?

How you do this on the PS4 is very similar to how you do it on the PS5. Follow these instructions:

1. Turn off the PS4, but don’t turn off the power supply.

   

2. After making sure it’s off, hold the power button until you hear two beeps (Do not let go after hearing the first one, which happens earlier). This makes the PS4 boot up in “Safe Mode.”
3. Connect a controller via a wire, which you can then use to navigate the Safe Mode menu.
4. Press the “PS button” on the controller.

   

5. You’ll see “Rebuild Database” as the 5th option here, right above Initialize PS4.
6. Select the option that prompts a warning message telling you the process may take a few hours.
7. Make sure there won’t be any disturbances in power in the upcoming few hours, and select “OK” to start the process.

As the prompt stated, this process may take a couple of hours. Try not to move the console during this time, as doing this may break the power supply. This would make you have to start the process all over again, and it can also risk further errors that may need professional help to be fixed.

Cannot Access Safe Mode?

If you’re having trouble accessing Safe Mode and need a more thorough guide, visit How to use safe mode on PlayStation’s official website.

What If Rebuilding PlayStation Database Doesn’t Fix The Issue?

As this only works for software issues, if the problems you face persist even after rebuilding the Database, there might be a problem with the hardware.

There might also be problems with your internet instead, or, while rare, there might be an issue that goes unnoticed. In the case where your problem isn’t fixed, you can:

• Initialize the console
• Try connecting it to a different network
• Try switching external devices, such as controllers
• Have it sent to be checked for any hardware issues

Why Is Rebuilding Database Better Than Initialization?

Most people bundle up these options, which creates a lot of misconceptions among PS owners. While both are to be used when nothing else works, initializing clears all data. It resets the console to its default state, whereas rebuilding its Database merely reorganizes its data files by clearing corrupted or repeated files.

This option has several advantages over initialization, including:

• No need to back up data.
• The games do not get deleted.
• It does not affect the user’s preferred settings.
• You don’t have to add each account back.
• It fixes all the same errors as initialization, except without needing to reset the console.

How Often To Rebuild PlayStation Database?

Even though the option’s usually reserved for when you run into problems, performing a routine rebuilding helps keep your console in top condition and prevents these problems from popping up. It also makes it so the next time you use this option, the time it takes is reduced greatly.

If you have the time to do so, I recommend rebuilding the Database once a month at least.

Final Words

Whether you have a PS4 or a PS5, using the Rebuild Database option helps solve errors and improve your console’s performance. In both consoles, you can access this option through Safe Mode, which you can access by holding the power button when the console is turned off.

If this helped, also check out our other guides on:

• Restarting PlayStation.
• Checking Internet Speed.
• Restarting WIFI Router.