What clearing cache does and when you need it

Clearing your PS4's cache removes temporary files that your console stores to load games and apps faster. Over time, these files can become corrupted or outdated, which causes freezing, slow loading, crashes, or games that won't start. Clearing the cache does not delete your saved games, your account, or anything you own — it only removes the temporary speedup files.

You should clear your cache if a game is crashing repeatedly, if the PS4 menu is sluggish, if an app won't open, or if you're getting error codes. It's also worth trying before you contact support about a problem, because a corrupted cache file is often the cause.

Key Takeaways

  • Clearing cache removes only temporary files and does not affect your saved games, accounts, or game libraries.
  • The fastest method is to restart your PS4 in safe mode and select "Clear Cache" from the menu — this takes about five minutes.
  • If safe mode doesn't work, you can manually delete cache files by going to Settings, then Storage, then System Storage, then Saved Data, then the game folder.
  • After clearing cache, your games may take longer to load the first time you play them, because the console is rebuilding the temporary files.

Clearing cache through safe mode (fastest method)

Safe mode is the quickest way to clear cache. Turn off your PS4 completely — not rest mode, but fully off. Hold the power button on the front of the console until you hear two beeps: one when you first press it, and a second one about seven seconds later. Release the button after the second beep.

Your PS4 will boot into safe mode, which shows a blue screen with a menu of options. You'll see "Clear Cache" listed in the menu. Select it and confirm. The console will clear the cache and then restart automatically. This process usually takes two to five minutes.

Clearing cache manually through settings

If safe mode doesn't work or you prefer to clear cache for a specific game, you can do it through the settings menu. Go to Settings, then Storage, then System Storage. From there, select Saved Data, and you'll see a list of games and apps.

Find the game you want to clear cache for and select it. You'll see a folder for that game. Open it, and you may see a folder labeled with numbers or letters — this is often the cache folder. Select it and delete it. The PS4 will rebuild this folder the next time you launch the game.

If you don't see a separate cache folder, the cache is stored inside the game's main folder. In that case, you can delete the entire game folder and reinstall it from your library — this is more thorough but takes longer because the game has to read again.

What happens after you clear cache

After clearing cache, your games and apps will work normally, but they may load more slowly the first time you use them. This is because your PS4 is rebuilding the temporary files. Subsequent launches will be faster as the cache rebuilds.

If you cleared cache because a game was crashing, launch that game and play for at least 15 minutes to let the cache fully rebuild. If the problem returns after that, the issue is likely something other than a corrupted cache file.

When to clear cache versus when to rebuild the database

Clearing cache removes temporary files and is the first thing to try when games are slow or crashing. Rebuilding the database is a deeper repair that reorganizes how your PS4 stores all its files. It takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much is on your console.

Start with clearing cache. If that doesn't fix the problem, then try rebuilding the database. To rebuild the database, go to safe mode (same power button hold as above), select "Rebuild Database," and let it run. Do not turn off your PS4 while it's rebuilding.

Clearing cache won't fix these problems

Clearing cache solves loading and crashing issues, but not every PS4 problem. If your controller won't connect, your internet is dropping, you can't sign into your account, or a specific game won't read, clearing cache won't help.

If you've cleared cache and the problem persists, write down the exact error code you're seeing (if there is one) and search the PlayStation support site for that code. Error codes point to the real cause — whether it's a network issue, a corrupted game file, or a hardware problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my saved games?

No. Saved games are stored separately from cache files. Clearing cache only removes temporary speedup files. Your saved games, accounts, and everything you own stays on the console.

How often should I clear cache?

You don't need to clear cache on a schedule. Only clear it when you notice a problem — freezing, slow loading, or crashes. If your PS4 is running fine, there's no reason to clear cache.

Can I clear cache while a game is running?

No. You must fully shut down your PS4 before clearing cache. If you try to clear cache through settings while a game is open, it won't work properly. Close the game first, then go to settings or restart in safe mode.

What's the difference between clearing cache and deleting a game?

Clearing cache removes only temporary files that speed up loading. Deleting a game removes the entire game from your console and you have to read it again. Start with clearing cache — it's faster and safer.

My PS4 won't boot into safe mode. What do I do?

If holding the power button doesn't work, make sure your PS4 is completely off, not in rest mode. Wait 30 seconds, then try again. If it still won't boot into safe mode, the issue may be hardware-related and you should contact PlayStation support.