How to fix a corrupted database on PS4 

A corrupted database on PS4 occurs when the system’s organized data collection becomes damaged or inaccessible. This can prevent you from accessing, editing, or updating data on your console, leading to various gameplay and system performance issues. It can even lead to losing your saved game progress.

Signs of a corrupted PS4 database

When you own a PS4 (or PS5), it is very important that you understand how it works to detect any subtle changes. That knowledge allows you to act promptly once any issue manifests with your console, preventing damage or data loss.

You may have a corrupted PS4 database if you experience:

• Slow game loading times
• Difficulty reading game discs
• Sluggish menu navigation
• Stuttering during gameplay
• Error messages about database corruption

What causes game data corruption and how to prevent

By understanding what causes PS4 corrupted data, you take action to prevent it and ensure your console works appropriately all the time.

Game data can become corrupted due to:

Improper game installation

This can happen when the installation process is interrupted or when there are issues with the installation media. For example, if a game disc is scratched or dirty, it may lead to incomplete or faulty installation, resulting in corrupted game files.

Prevention: If installing from a disc, clean it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. For digital installations, ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient free space on your hard drive. And, most importantly, don’t interrupt the installation process.

Interrupted downloads

When downloading digital games or updates, sudden internet disconnections or system shutdowns can leave files partially downloaded or improperly written. This incomplete data can cause corruption issues when the game tries to access these files.

Prevention: Use a stable internet connection for downloads and avoid putting your PS4 in rest mode during large downloads. Don’t turn off your PS4 during downloads or updates. If you must stop downloading, use the PS4’s cancel function rather than forcing a shutdown.

Hardware issues

Hard drive failures or developing bad sectors can lead to data corruption. As the drive struggles to read or write data correctly, it may save game files incompletely or with errors, resulting in corrupted data.

Prevention: Regularly rebuild your PS4’s database to maintain hard drive health, and always handle your PS4 gently to avoid physical shocks to the hard drive. Keep the console in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, which can damage the hard drive. Consider upgrading to an SSD for improved reliability.

Sudden power loss during saving or loading

If the power is cut while the PS4 is writing game data to the hard drive (such as during a save process), it can result in incomplete or corrupted save files. The sudden interruption prevents the system from properly closing files, potentially leading to data inconsistencies and corruption.

Prevention: Use a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power outages, and always save your game and exit appropriately before turning off your PS4. If possible, wait a few seconds after saving before exiting a game or turning off the console to ensure all data has been written to the drive.

How to fix a corrupted PS4 database

Depending on the severity or cause of the corruption, you can solve the issue on your own by following a few steps. However, if you’re unsure if you can perform a step, contact professional help to prevent damage to your console or losing your game data.

Rebuilding the database

Rebuilding the database is often the most effective solution for fixing corruption issues. It reorganizes your system’s data, potentially resolving corruption issues without deleting your saved games or other data.

1. Turn off your PS4 completely and wait for the white light to stop blinking.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds).
3. Connect your controller with a USB cable.
4. In Safe Mode, select “Rebuild Database” (option 5).
5. Wait for the process to complete, which may take several hours.

Initializing the PS4

If rebuilding the database doesn’t work, you may need to initialize your PS4. Be aware that this will delete all data on your console. Therefore, make sure your game’s progress is backed up to your cloud account or on an external storage device.

1. Enter Safe Mode as described above.
2. Choose “Initialize PS4” (option 6).
3. Select “Full” initialization for a thorough reset.

Check our guide for external HDDs and SSDs and see our pick for best gaming storage devices.

Delete and reinstall the game

If the issue is because of installation errors, the easiest way to fix data corruption within your PS4 is by uninstalling and reinstalling the game.

1. Go to Settings > System Storage Management > Applications.
2. Find the corrupted game and press Options.
3. Select “Delete” and confirm.
4. Reinstall the game from your disc or the PlayStation Store.

Restore licenses

Sometimes, corrupted data is due to licensing issues:

1. Go to Settings > Account Management.
2. Select “Restore Licenses” and confirm.
3. Restart your PS4 and try the game again.

Professional data recovery

If you’ve tried all these methods and still can’t access your data, consider professional help. SalvageData offers specialized data recovery services for gaming console hard drives, including the PS4. Our experts can often recover data from severely corrupted or damaged hard drives, potentially saving your game and other important information.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular maintenance and proper usage of your PS4 can significantly reduce the risk of database corruption and ensure a smooth gaming experience.