How to clear the cache on a PS4 or PS5
Your PlayStation console’s speed can be improved, and occasionally certain problems, including sluggish loading times, can be resolved by clearing the cache. Here is a detailed how-to guide for the task.
Why clear the cache on your PlayStation device?
Every gaming console, such as the PlayStation 4 and 5, has a cache, which is a kind of memory used to hold temporary data. The device performs better overall by loading photos, icons, and other small data files more quickly, thanks to the cache.
The PS and installed games boot up faster and function more smoothly thanks to the cache memory. However, the opposite may occur if the cache overflows or if the data becomes corrupted. Cache files will take a while to load, and you may encounter annoying game lags and glitches.
It might be time to clear the cache if your games aren’t running as smoothly as you’d like, your PlayStation device seems like it might turn on faster, or you’re having trouble joining in on online games. By doing this, you can enhance the functionality of your console, free up storage for upcoming temporary data, and even fix some of the issues and quirks that arise from a full cache.
It is safe for your smartphone to remove the cache, so don’t worry. Your PlayStation system is not being factory reset, which would erase all of its memories. Game consoles can occasionally delete their cache on their own, but other times they require help.
Until you clear the game data, in which case you will lose your in-game progress, your games and accounts will remain intact. In addition to the game cache, other files that you might need to back up before cleaning are included in the category of game data. Since we are concentrating on that today, we will refer to PS game data as the game cache for the sake of simplicity. But take note that it also contains other significant files.
How to clear the cache on PS4
There are two main types of cache on PlayStation devices: the system cache and game data.
- The system cache stores temporary files and data that the device needs to access frequently.
- The game data is specific to a particular game. It stores small, supplementary files and helps games load and run faster.
You can attempt wiping the system, game data, or both if you’re having performance issues and want to know how to get your PS4 to operate more quickly. Some difficulties, like sluggish load times, can be resolved by clearing the system cache, while other game-specific problems, such corrupt saved game data, can be resolved by clearing the game cache.
Clearing the system cache on a PS4
To clear the system cache on your PlayStation 4:
- Completely turn off the game console without entering “Rest Mode.” Press the PS button on the controller to go to the home screen, then select “Power” > “Turn off PS4” or press and hold the power button on the console.
- Wait until the indicator light stops flashing.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the console when the indicator light goes black.
- Wait at least half a minute.
- Plug the power cord back into the device and turn it on.
Clearing the game cache on a PS4
Note: You can remove game data, including the game cache, on the PlayStation 4. Your in-game progress would be lost if you deleted the game data. Therefore, you have two options: either make a backup of the files linked to your progress, or come to terms with having to restart the game.
To clear the game cache on your PlayStation 4:
- Open the “Settings” menu (located at the top of the dashboard).
- Select “Manage saved application data” > “Saved data in system storage.”
- Optional step: Select “Upload to online storage” or “Copy to USB storage device” to back up your game data.
- Select “Delete.”
- Select the game whose cache you want to clear.
- Mark the saved data files that you want to delete.
- Select “Delete” and “OK.”
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How to clear the cache on a PS5
Clearing the cache on a PlayStation 5 isn’t much different from the PS4. You can remove the system cache, the game cache and data, or both, depending on the problems you’re experiencing.
Clearing the system cache on a PS5
To clear the system cache on your PlayStation 5:
- Turn off the PS5 without entering “Rest Mode.” Press the PS button on your controller, then select “Power” > “Turn off PS5” or press and hold the power button on the device until you hear two beeps.
- Wait until the indicator lights on the console stop flashing.
- Press and hold the power button on the console to turn it on again. Wait until you hear two beeps.
- The device will enter “Safe Mode.” Connect your PS5 controller to the console using the USB cable. Connecting the controller is necessary to use the “Safe Mode” menu.
- Press the PS button on the controller. Select “Clear cache and rebuild database” > “Clear system software cache.”
- Select “OK.”
Clearing the game cache on a PS5
Note: Game cache and other files, like saved progress, are included in the game data saved on a PlayStation. If you clear it without backing up your files to the cloud or an external device, you will lose your in-game progress.
To clear the game cache on your PlayStation 5,
- Select “Settings” at the top of the Home screen.
- Select “Saved data and game/app settings” > “Save data (PS5)” or “Saved data (PS4)” (games meant for PS4 are located under the second option).
- Select “Console storage.”
- Optional step: Select “Upload to cloud storage” or “Copy to USB drive” to back up your game data.
- Select “Delete.”
- Scroll down and mark the game whose cache you want to delete.
- Select “Delete” and “OK.”
Although clearing the cache won’t increase gaming internet speed or lessen lag from a sluggish connection, it can fix bugs or slow loading times and enhance the console’s overall efficiency.