Keeping your PlayStation updated can help with making things run smoothly. You can either update your PlayStation directly from the settings or via a USB.
Key Takeaways
- Updating your PlayStation is a quick troubleshooting method to fix various PlayStation errors, game errors, app errors, console performance issues, and more.
- You can update your console’s system software through the internet or by downloading the update file to a USB and then connecting it to the console to proceed with the software update process.
- It is important to not turn off the console during the update process, as that can mess things up.
What Does It Mean To Update PlayStation?
Updating PlayStation simply means downloading and installing the latest software updates on your console. The new software updates may include bug fixes, new features, themes, security patches, enhanced compatibility, and more which will take the functioning of your device up a notch.
How To Update PlayStation?
You can update PlayStation in two ways; online and offline through a USB device. We will discuss both methods extensively, so keep reading.
PlayStation 3
You can update the system software in PS3 quickly and easily using the instructions below.
Via Internet
- Launch your PS3.
- From the Main Screen, navigate to the Settings icon. It looks like a briefcase and should be on the left side of the icons list.
- The first option under the Settings menu should be System Update. Click on it.
PS3 Settings -Image Credits [Emopulse] - You will be asked to Select An Update Method.
- Pick Update Via Internet. Make sure you have a sturdy internet connection for the updating to go smoothly.
Update Via Internet -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Press the Start option on your screen.
- Your PS3 will now start Downloading Update Data.
Downloading Update Data -Image Credits [Emopulse] - After completion, the Installing process should begin.
Installing -Image Credits [Emopulse]
Via USB
- Open your PC.
- Connect a USB with at least 320 MB of free storage to your computer.
- Once connected, open the USB Disk on the computer.
- Create a Folder named PS3.
PS3 Folder -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Click on the PS3 Folder and create another sub-folder, Update.
Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Go to https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps3/system-software/.
- Download the PS3 update file on your computer.
PS3 Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Name it PS3UPDATE.PUP.
PS3 Update File -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Save it to your USB in the Update folder.
- Turn On your console with the Power Button.
PS3 Power Button -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Next, Connect The USB To Your PS3 console.
- Choose System Update under the Settings icon.
PS3 Settings -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Select Update Via Storage Media.
Update Via Storage Media -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Your console will begin copying the update data from the USB.
- The Installing will start following the completion of the process.
Installing -Image Credits [Emopulse]
PlayStation 4
If you are an avid PS4 gamer, you would occasionally need to update your PS4 to run games and streaming software without any hindrances. Here is how you can do it.
Update Via Internet
- You will see lots of icons on the bottom of the blue Homescreen.
- Go to the Settings icon and click on it.
Settings -Image Credits [Emopulse] - The next screen will have all the console settings.
- Navigate to System Software Update.
System Software Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - The next screen will say, An Update File Has Been Downloaded.
- Pick Next.
Update File -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Select the Update button on your screen.
Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Your PS4 will now restart.
Restarting -Image Credits [Emopulse] - A black screen will appear next to initiate Installing Update File.
Installing -Image Credits [Emopulse]
Update Via USB
- Download the PS4 Update File on your computer from https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/.
PS4 Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Name the file PS4UPDATE.PUP.
PS4 Update File -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Connect an external USB storage device to the computer. It should be formatted as FAT32.
- Open the USB folder on your computer.
- Create a folder and name it PS4.
PS4 Folder -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Now, launch this folder and create a new sub-folder named Update.
Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Transfer the PS4UPDATE.PUP file into the Update folder of your USB.
- Attach the USB to your PS4.
- Turn Off your PS4.
- Head to your console and long-press the Power Button.
PS4 Power Button -Image Credits [Emopulse] - It will take you to Safe Mode after two soft beeps.
- Connect your wireless controller to the console via USB Cable.
- Press the PS Button on the controller to open the options.
Press PS Button -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Choose Update System Software.
Update System Software -Image Credits [Emopulse] - The update will begin after the console examines the update file in your USB.
PlayStation 5
If you recently upgraded to PS5 from an older version, check if the software is updated to the latest version.
Update Via Internet
- Access the Main Screen of your PS5.
- Select the Settings icon on the top right edge of your screen to view the console settings.
Settings -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Head to System.
System -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Choose System Software on the left column.
- Move to System Software Update And Settings on the right column.
System Software Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - You will see three options on the next screen.
- If your PS5 is ready to install new updates, an Update Available option will appear in the first row, in front of Update System Software. Click on it.
Update Available -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Pick Update Using Internet.
Update Using Internet -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Press the Update button in the white box at the bottom right.
Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - It will begin Restarting Your PS5.
Restarting PS5 -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Next, the Installing process will start.
Installing -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Finally, your PS5 will Install The Update File.
Installing Update File -Image Credits [Emopulse]
Update Via USB
- Download the PS5 Update File from https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/ on your PC or laptop.
PS5 Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Save it as PS5UPDATE.PUP on your computer’s disk.
PS5 Update File -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Next, attach a FAT32 USB to your computer.
- Open the USB Folder.
- Right-click the mouse to open a mini-menu.
- Select New, and then choose Folder from the sub-menu.
Create Folder -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Name this folder PS5 and open it.
PS5 Folder -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Create another folder Update within the main PS5 folder.
Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Move the PS5UPDATE.PUP to the Update folder of your USB.
- Now, connect this USB To Your PS5 and turn on the console.
PS5 Power Button -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Head to Settings from the icon on your Homescreen.
Settings -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Select System.
System -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Highlight System Software on the left and select System Software Update And Settings.
System Software Update -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Look for an Update Available message on the next screen.
Update Available -Image Credits [Emopulse] - Pick Update From USB Drive.
Update From USB Drive -Image Credits [Emopulse] - The console will detect the storage file in the connected USB.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update.
When Should You Update Your PlayStation?
It is recommended to update your PlayStation as soon as new software updates are available. The console will notify you whenever an update is available through a pop-up, or you can look for them through the PlayStation settings. In addition, system crashes, freezing, and malfunctioning apps and games are a few other signs indicating that it is time to update your console’s software (if available).
What Are The Benefits Of Updating Your PlayStation?
Updating the system software on your PlayStation per the latest updates can benefit the console in many ways and ensure a smooth user experience. It will;
- Improve the console’s overall performance.
- Clear any residing bugs and glitches in the system data.
- Increase the console’s compatibility with the latest features, apps, and games.
- Bring security enhancements to your console.
- Add new features, display themes, and more to your console.
Does Updating PlayStation Fix Errors?
It is a widely used troubleshooting method for many PlayStation errors on all models. Our team resolved Disney Plus Not Working On PS5, PS4 Appear Offline Feature Not Working, and
Final Words
This was everything you need to know about how to update PlayStation; be it PS3, PS4, or PS5. Therefore, you have gained enough knowledge on how to update PlayStation, and we believe you are ready to proceed with the method on your own. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Updating PlayStation Delete Any Saved Data?
Performing a software update on your PS console will not erase any saved data, for example, game progress, media, music, etc.
Can I Use Any USB Drive To Update My PlayStation?
It would be best if you use a USB formatted as "FAT32" with at least 2GB of free space for the update to go smoothly.
What Do I Do If My PS4 Won't Update?
You can try a few things if your P4 won't update; for instance, check your internet connection, restart your console, rebuild its database from the safe mode, free some storage on the console, and more.
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