Upgrading the firmware version on your gaming console might enhance the unit's overall performance and stability, include workarounds for various issues, and improve different features. You can view the online user's guide in the PS5 console's Settings menu.

Update using a computer:

  • Turn off your PS5 console.
  • Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS5" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
  • Download the PS5 console update file below and save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file as "PS5UPDATE.PUP".
  • * There must be approximately 1,1GB of free space.
  • Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS5 console.
  • Start your PS5 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  • Select Update System Software.
  • Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.

If your PS5 console does not recognize the file, check that the folder names and file name are correct. Enter the folder names and file name using uppercase letters.

Perform a New Installation of the System Software:

  • Turn off your PS5 console.
  • Press and hold the power button until your console beeps.
  • Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS5" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
  • Download the reinstallation file below and save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file as "PS5UPDATE.PUP".
  • There must be approximately 1,2GB of free space.
  • Plug the USB drive containing the file into the PS5 console.
  • Start your PS5 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  • Select Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software).

If your PS5 console does not recognize the file, check that the folder names and file name are correct. Enter the folder names and file name using uppercase letters.

PlayStation system software update failed:

  • If your console does not recognize the update file, check that the USB is in FAT32 format and that the folder and file names are correct. Enter the folder and file names in single-byte characters using uppercase letters.
  • If this process fails, you may need to reinstall the system software. This process is the same as a 'factory reset' and will return the console to its original state - if possible, back up your system dat

If you have updated the firmware and it either faulty or has caused a drop in the overall performance of the device, applying a previous version is handy as regards recovering the console's functionality. On the downside, downgrading the firmware isn't always possible.

When it comes to applying a certain firmware, as this process is not without risks most of the times, it is recommended that this task be initiated by a power user in a steady power environment, such as the one provided by a UPS unit. However, the installation can also be performed by a regular user at their own risk.

As for the installation method, given the large variety of gaming consoles and the various ways for applying a firmware, before even considering an upgrade or a downgrade, it's best that you carefully read and understand the installation steps, and initiate the process only once you have familiarized yourself with the update method.

What's New:

Version 23.02-08.20.00:

  • Music in the control center is now much easier to use. With its two-column layout, you can easily browse various categories, playlists, and songs.
  • You can avoid unintentionally broadcasting your surroundings while broadcasting games with your PlayStation VR2.
    • Go to Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR2, and turn on Block See-Through View on TV to prevent the camera see-through image from being displayed on your TV while using your PS VR2.
  • If you say "What's new?" via Voice Command on any screen, you can now check for new PS5 features.
    • Currently, Voice Command (Preview) is only available in English for players with accounts for PlayStation Network in the US and UK.
  • We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.

Version 23.02-08.00.00:

  • Dolby Atmos is now supported, and you can enjoy 3D audio on HDMI devices that support Dolby Atmos.
    • Enjoy an immersive audio experience with your supported HDMI device while playing PS5 games that support the Tempest 3D audio technology.
    • Media apps that support Dolby Atmos can now deliver the spatial sound experience with your supported HDMI device.
    • To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format (Priority), and then select Dolby Atmos.
  • You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8 TB to expand storage space on your PS5.
  • The screen reader now supports Turkish, Swedish, and Portuguese (Portugal).
  • The Access controller is now supported.
  • You can now use an assist controller.
  • You can now assign a second controller to a user who's logged in to your PS5 as an assist controller. This allows you to use the main controller along with the assist controller to control your PS5 as if you were using one controller.
  • To use an assist controller, go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Use Second Controller for Assistance, and then turn on Use Assist Controller.
  • You can use an assist controller when using a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller as the main controller.

Other updated features

Game Base

  • You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the Friends tab.
  • The joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join.
  • You can join a friend's game directly by pressing the options button and selecting Join Game, or by selecting Join on their profile card.

Parties

  • When someone's sharing their screen in a party, you'll now see a preview of their Share Screen. You can find this in the Parties tab.
  • You can now start a private party without creating a group.
  • You can now invite players who aren't group members to a private party.
  • You can now send party invitations to groups, in addition to individual players.
  • You can now react to messages with emojis.
  • It's now easier to access media shared in your groups. Select Shared Media from the options menu in the messages card.
  • The usability of cards in the control center has been improved.
  • Activity cards have been improved. When multiple activities are in progress, the newest one will appear as a standalone card in the control center. The consolidated activities card will also continue to be displayed.
  • Game Help cards have been improved.
  • In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.
  • When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints.
  • The console navigation experience has been improved.
  • When moving the cursor while navigating the console, the sound effect you hear when you reach the point where you can't move any further is now more pronounced and noticeable.
  • You can now get haptic feedback through vibrations on your controller while navigating your PS5. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers, and then turn on Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation.
  • In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you've entered and the highest place you've achieved.
  • On the player profile screen, you'll now see Most played games.
  • In game library, you can now search for games just within your game library.
  • Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.
  • Go to Settings > Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information > Guide and Tips, and then select Discover Tips to view all the tips.
  • Simplified Cangjie has been added to text input methods for Chinese (Traditional).
  • To use the Simplified Cangjie input method on the on-screen keyboard, go to Settings > System > Language > Input Language > Chinese (Traditional), and then turn on éæ.
  • To use it on an external keyboard, go to Settings > Accessories > Other Accessories and select Chinese (Traditional) for Type, and éæ for 輸�...��*.
  • You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5's beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode. Go to Settings > System > Beep Sound.
  • To adjust the beep sound volume, select Volume.
  • To mute the beep sound, turn on Mute Beep Sound.
  • The video output information screen displayed in Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output has been redesigned to make it easier to view.
  • To see your current resolution, color format, and HDCP version, select Current Video Output Signal.
  • To see the support status of HDR (high dynamic range) and VRR (variable refresh rate) for each of the available frequencies for your HDMI device, select Information for the Connected HDMI Device.
  • Voice Command has been improved.
  • The help content of Voice Command has been improved.
  • You can now navigate between help content pages using Voice Command.
  • Help content will be hidden after some time has passed.
  • If you say "What's new?" via Voice Command on any screen, you can now check for new PS5 features and the latest information about PlayStation Plus.
  • Currently, Voice Command (Preview) is only available in English for players with accounts for PlayStation Network in the US and UK.
  • The PS5 QR code login screen has been redesigned. The QR codes are now much larger.
  • We've updated the device software of the DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, PlayStation VR2, and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers to improve stability.
  • We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.

Version 23.01-07.60.00:

  • This system software update improves system performance.

Previous Release Notes:

Main features in this system software update

  • 1440p video output has been expanded on PS5.
    • VRR (variable refresh rate) is now supported for 1440p resolution.
    • More modes and HDMI devices are now supported. To check if your HDMI device supports this, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Test 1440p Output.
  • You can now transfer data between PS5 consoles.
    • Easily transfer all of your PS5 data to another PS5. This process doesn't remove or modify your data on your original PS5.
  • You can now join Discord voice chats on your PS5.
    • Link your Discord account to your account for PlayStation Network. Use the Discord app on your mobile device or computer to get a Discord voice chat going on PS5. You can also let your Discord friends see when you're online and what you're playing.
  • Voice Command now supports using your voice to save video clips of your gameplay.
    • Say "Hey PlayStation, capture that!" to save a video clip of your recent gameplay. The default duration saved is based on your settings.
    • You can also save a specific duration of your gameplay, from 15 seconds to 60 minutes. For example, to save 5 minutes, say "Hey PlayStation, capture the last 5 minutes".
    • Say "Hey PlayStation, start recording" to manually start a new gameplay recording. You can then say "Hey PlayStation, stop recording" to end the recording and save the video clip.
    • Currently, Voice Command (Preview) is only available in English for players with accounts for PlayStation Network in the US and UK.

Other updated features

  • The following improvements have been made to the screen reader feature.
    • The screen reader now gives more detailed guidance when navigating the console. It will now tell you which direction you can move from the currently selected component, as well as your current position in a component with multiple items.
    • When using the screen reader in the web browser, you'll now see borders around the section that's being read aloud.
    • The screen reader was updated to correctly read aloud certain key terms.
  • The following features have been added to game hubs:
    • Every game will have a timer on the game hub tracking total time played.
    • Game progress will also be displayed for games that have a maximum number of story activities.
  • A Friends Who Play tile has been added.
    • You can see which of your friends own the game and who is currently online.
    • By selecting the tile, you can see what your friends are doing, and you can also access your friends' profiles where you'll be given more interaction options.
  • The trophy tile has been moved and updated so it's easier to access and displays your trophy progress.
  • Competitive multiplayer cards can be displayed in full screen. By selecting Start Activity, you'll be taken straight to that match. The prominent placement and size of the card makes an easy option for multiplayer.
  • The following update has been made to the cross-play feature.
    • In-game session cards of cross-play games, you can now see the members who are playing on other platforms.
  • The following features have been added to Game Base.
    • You can now send a Share Screen request or start sharing your screen with a friend, directly from their profile. Select the Share Screen icon on your friend's profile.
    • You can also send a Share Screen request to your friend from PlayStation App.
    • On the voice chat card, a joinable icon will be displayed for party members playing a game you can join. You can join the game directly by selecting the player, and then selecting Join Game from the menu.
  • Friends that are active on PlayStation App will now show up as online on your friends list.
  • We made the following improvement in game library:
    • You can decide the default sort order for games within gamelists.
    • Use filters in your library to easily find PS VR- and PS VR2-compatible games.
  • The following settings have been added to game presets.
    • You can set your preferences to manage who can join and who can invite other players to multiplayer sessions you've created for supported games.
    • Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > Online Multiplayer Sessions, and select your preferences in Who Can Join and Who Can Invite.
  • When downloading or installing a game, the way your saved data is checked has been changed.
  • If it's a PS4 game and you have no saved data in console storage, you'll now be notified if PS4 saved data is available in cloud storage.
  • If it's a PS5 game that can use PS4 saved data, and you have no saved data in console storage, you'll now be notified if PS4 saved data is available in cloud storage.
  • To download your saved data from cloud storage, press the PS button to expand the notification, and then select Download PS4 Saved Data.
  • You can now select which Media Gallery files to manually upload to Captures on PlayStation App. Existing content policies still apply.
  • The following changes have been made to the on-screen keyboard.
    • When you start entering characters, suggestions appear at the top of the on-screen keyboard. If you press the R1 button, instead of entering the first suggestion, you'll now just select it. To enter the selected suggestion, press the cross button.
    • If you see learned suggestions that you want the console to forget, you can delete them from the options menu. (Only for Japanese keyboard) The suggestions that appear while entering characters are now shown in both half-width and full-width characters.
  • Unicode 15.0 emoji can now be displayed.
  • The time required for performing integrity checks on downloaded data has been greatly reduced. This process is done while the [Copying...] label is displayed on the downloaded item in the Downloads/Uploads control in the control center.
  • The way installed games are started has been changed.
  • If your PS5 has the download version of a game that you haven't purchased (such as those that other users on your PS5 have purchased), and if you have the disc version, you can now play the installed download version by inserting the disc (without installing the disc version).
  • Similarly, if you've installed a game using the disc, and you've purchased the download version of the game, you can now play the installed disc version of the game without inserting the disc.
  • The hint system has been expanded to display a list of objectives if the game provides them. Select any objective to see a more detailed video or text hint.
  • You can now view and manage your authorized apps in Settings.
  • Authorized apps are third-party apps and services that you've linked your account for PlayStation Network to. When using an authorized app, you give permission to share your account data with that app.
  • To view and manage your authorized apps, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Authorized Apps.
  • We've updated the device software for DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers.
  • The update will improve stability.
  • You can now update the DualSense wireless controller device software with a wireless connection.
  • If you have trouble updating the device software wirelessly, connect your controller to your PS5 using the USB cable to update it. You'll be able to update wirelessly for the next update.
  • DualSense Edge wireless controller and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers already support wireless updates for the device software. This update isn't required for performing wireless updates for these controllers.
  • The following issues or problems have been resolved.
    • An error dialog message that gave misleading information referring to parental control restrictions when using the web browser was fixed.
  • An update was made to address an issue causing some IPS LCD monitors to flicker when VRR (variable refresh rate) is turned on. This update may help solve this issue on these monitors.