I don’t know why but for some reason I can’t seem to think of my PlayStation console as a computer. That has to do with the fact it has no keyboard, trackpad, or mouse. Then the fact the PS4 connect primarily to my TV, I tend to think of it along the line of a DVD player. For the life of me, I just couldn’t see it as a computer.
That was until this morning when I turned it on, and it kept booting in safe mode. No matter what I did, the damn thing kept booting in safe mode. So I started googling around the internet and came across the following DIY tips on how to exit the safe mode in PS4.
Tip 1 – Use Menu Option to exit PS4 Safe Mode
Connect the controller to the PS4 USB port, and then restart the console. Wait for the PS4 to reboot. There is a good chance you can exit the Safe Mode just as easily, but if it failed, read ahead for a bit more involving solutions.
Tip 2 – Unplug the Machine
You first need to safely shut down the console – you can use the Power Button or the Menu option – making sure you avoid the ‘PlayStation was not shut off properly’ error message. With the console safely shut down, Now unplug the power cable from the power source, and leave it that way for at least 20 minutes. After that period, plug back the power cable and turn on the console. Should this trick not work, keep reading further down.
Tip 3 – Dust up and Clean up the PS4
Dust is always a major problem for most machines when it accumulates inside the console too much, it messes up with the heat dispensation system. That might trigger the self-preservation mechanism to boot in safe mode and even self shut down.
It is therefore imperative that every now and then to dustup and clean up the PS4. Especially it is in an area prone to dust. Speaking of which, it is always recommended that you have a dust cover for your console, but if you didn’t and your machine now needs dust removed, read ahead.
Using compressed air can/ or air blower, point the nozzle some 1-2 inches away from the vents. If you are using a compressed air can ensure you keep it upright to prevent moisture from dropping inside the vent and leading to water damage.
Now press the air can or blow the air blower in short measured bursts. While ensuring you check the vents time and time to make sure all the dust goes out. It is also recommended that you use a microfiber cloth to cover the top, front, and backside of the console to prevent the dust being blown from the vent being transferred to other places.
The microfiber cloth might get dirty before you are finished with blowing the vents. If that’s the case, it is recommended that you take a new piece of microfiber cloth. Under no circumstances should you deep it inside water, wash it, and then re-use it while it is still wet.
Tip 4 – Check the HDMI Cable
If all the above tips failed to work and your PS4 keeps booting in safe mode. The problem might be hardware-related, and HDMI is often the culprit. Double-check the cable making sure it is not disconnected or faulty.
First, disconnect the HDMI cable from both the console and the TV, and check to see if it is faulty. You can try switching the ends of the cable for each port and see if the problem will be resolved. If it fails, then it might be time to get yourself some new HDMI cable.
If all the above fail, then it might be a software issue. Perhaps the console received an update that is buggy and makes it not boot up correctly, or its operating software might have become corrupted. Be that as it may, it might be time to re-initiate the computer; that is returning it to factory setting. If that fails, you might need to reinstall the operating system from scratch.