Safe Mode is a PS4 operating system mode which activates after improper power-down or any hard drive replacement. Safe mode displays a special prompt on boot and scans the PS4 hardware for errors and the hard drive for corrupted sectors. After safe mode loads successfully, the PS4 OS returns to normal operational settings.

To avoid seeing Safe Mode and potentially prolong the life of your console, always power down correctly. Safe mode also shows up if the power cord comes unattatched while the system is on.

If you need to activate Safe Mode (such as when updating with a USB flash drive), you need to hold down the power button for at least 8 seconds. The system will come on in Safe Mode.