Like any modern device, your PlayStation 5 regularly receives updates that bring new features, fix problems, and patch security issues. While your PS5 is capable of keeping itself up-to-date, you can also check for updates manually when needed.

Here's how to update your PlayStation 5, and what to do if the update doesn't work correctly.

How to Update Your PlayStation 5 Manually

From your PS5's home screen, select the Settings gear at the top-right of the page. This will bring up the options menu for your console.

In this list, scroll down to the System heading and select it.

Next, make sure you have the System Software section highlighted on the left. Then pick System Software Update and Settings from the list of options.

Now you should select Update System Software.

The most convenient option, as you'd imagine, is Update Using Internet. When you select this, your PS5 will check for the latest patches and let you know if it finds any to download. Once the download completes, your system must restart to apply it.

See below for more info on updating over USB as a fallback method if needed.

Meanwhile, you'll see You have the latest version of the system software if your console is already updated. Have a look at Sony's PS5 update page if you're curious about what's new.

How to Make Sure Your PS5 Updates Automatically

Updating your PS5 by hand is easy enough, but you don't want a poorly-timed system update to waste your time when you sit down to play. Thus, it's worth changing a few settings to make sure your PS5 installs these updates when you're not using it.

First, in the same System Software Update and Settings menu as above, enable both Download Update Files Automatically and Install Update Files Automatically, if they aren't already. These options let your system apply future updates automatically while your PS5 is in Rest Mode, so you don't have to check for them on your own.

Keep in mind that if you have a game suspended in Rest Mode when your PS5 applies an update, it will close and you will lose any unsaved progress.

Next, head to Settings > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and make sure you have Stay Connected to the Internet enabled, so that your system downloads updates even while asleep.

Once you've done this, you're set up for automatic PS5 updates. Make sure you put your PS5 into Rest Mode, and don't shut it down fully, so your system can apply updates when you're not playing.

See our guide to auto-updating games on PS5 if you'd like these to happen while in Rest Mode too.

If You Can't Update Your PS5

If there's an update available, but your PS5 won't install it, make sure that your system is connected to the internet. To check this, go back to the main Settings menu of your console and select Network > Connection Status. Make sure that you're online and connected to PlayStation Network. If you can't get online, check our guide to fixing PS5 network issues.

In case you see an error message that the download failed, hit the PS Button on your controller, choose Download/Uploads from the Control Center, and select the update. In the resulting menu, choose View Error Info and then Try Again.

In case your PS5 is permanently offline or has a major update problem, you can update the console using a USB drive. To do this, you'll need to format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT using your computer. Once formatted, create a folder called "PS5" (in all caps) on the drive. Inside that folder, make another folder called "UPDATE" (also in all caps).

Then, download the latest PS5 update file from Sony's PS5 system software page. Make sure you grab the PS5 console update file; the PS5 console reinstallation file below it is for completely reinstalling the system software, which is akin to a factory reset. Place the PS5UPDATE.PUP file (don't change the name) in the UPDATE folder.

Now, connect the USB drive to your PS5. Go to Settings > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software > Update from USB Drive to install it.

See Sony's PS5 update instructions for more help on updating your PS5 via USB if needed. That page also guides you through updating with Safe Mode on your PS5 if you can't update normally.

Your PS5 Is Updated and Ready

Keeping your PS5 updated will let you enjoy the latest features and best system stability. Thankfully, the system will do this for you with the right options enabled, so you don't have to run it manually very often.

Now that your PS5 is up to date, don't forget to get the most out of all its features!