Tech Reference

How to clear the cache on your PS4 to help it run faster

Written by William Antonelli and Chrissy Montelli
ps4 power button
To clear your PS4's cache, you'll need to fully power cycle it. Tech Insider
Updated
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Nearly every device and app has a cache. The cache stores temporary data, like pictures and icons, and lets your device load that data quickly. It can help make webpages, menus, and games start faster than they would normally.

But if your cache gets too full, it can have the opposite effect: Eventually, your console will start slowing down.

If your PlayStation 4 is running slowly or giving you error messages, try clearing the cache to smooth things out.

How to clear the cache on your PS4

Clearing your PS4's cache involves giving it a full power cycle.

1. Turn off your PS4. It needs to be completely turned off to clear its cache — Rest Mode won't work.

While the PS4 is shutting down, its indicator light will blink. Wait until it stops blinking and just goes black.

A PlayStation 4 console. The power button and power indicator are highlighted.
You shouldn't unplug your PS4 while it's in Rest Mode — turn it off first.  Sony

2. Disconnect the PS4's power cord from the back of the console. Don't just unplug the cord from the wall — it needs to be disconnected from the PS4 itself to clear the cache. Depending on what version of the PS4 you have, the power cord might be in a different spot than in the photo below.

A diagram showing where the PS4's power cord and HDMI cord should be plugged into.
Disconnect the power cord, also called the AC power cord.  Sony

3. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug the cord back into the PS4 and turn it on.

You've power cycled your PS4, and cleared the cache along with it.

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WillAntonelli
William Antonelli
ExperienceWilliam joined Business Insider in 2019 to help found Tech Reference, a vertical dedicated to answering the internet’s most common questions about the gadgets they buy. In that role, he helped grow the vertical into a powerhouse that attracted over 20 million pageviews a month. He also wrote and edited one of Business Insider’s most successful stories: How to take a screenshot on Windows.William later became one of Business Insider's lead consumer tech reporters, writing roundups and reviews about gadgets ranging from smartphones to gaming PCs. He also established key industry contacts at brands like Apple, Google, Nintendo, and more. He’s also cited on the Wikipedia page for Among Us, an honor above all others.William’s work for Business Insider has included reviewing the best gaming laptops, publishing previews of new Nintendo games and consoles, and comparing Apple’s latest releases so readers know what’s worth their money. Across all assignments, he’s been praised for his depth of knowledge and research skills.In addition to his work at Business Insider, William’s writing has appeared in outlets like The Guardian, Polygon, Thomson Reuters’ Context, and more. He's also a regular guest on TV stations like CBS and NBC, where he provides expert analysis on AI, consumer tech, and Silicon Valley moguls.Why you can trust WilliamWilliam believes the goal of journalism should be to tell the truth, not sell products. In his reviews, William never hesitates to call out a product’s flaws, but he also has no issue complimenting features that genuinely add value.When reviewing a product, William doesn’t test it in a vacuum. He tries to incorporate each product into his daily routine to get a better sense of how it’ll work for the everyday user. And when writing, he focuses on reader comprehension. He’s talented at explaining complicated concepts in ways that all readers can understand, without losing depth or nuance — or his distinctively engaging voice.Expertise
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Consumer Technology (Laptops, PCs, video games and gaming consoles, smartphones, more)
  • Social Media (TikTok, X, Meta, more)
  • Internet Culture (Memes, influencers, viral trends)
  • Disinformation
EducationWilliam graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 2018. There, he studied English, communications, and adolescent education, alongside reporting news for the university’s radio and TV stations.Outside workWhen he’s not reporting, you can usually find William biking through Central Park, playing video games, or at home listening to music and writing fanfiction. He’s also a co-manager of the New York Mandolin Ensemble, one of NYC’s premier string orchestras.You can contact him at w.antonelli322@gmail.com, visit his official website at williamantonelli.com, or follow him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher and BlueSky @wantonelli.bsky.social.
Chrissy Montelli
Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her at chrissymontelli.wordpress.com.