How to Check for Game Updates on a PS5

The PS5 is a powerful console with amazing features like 4K gaming. When you install games, it can even update them automatically for you. However, there are times when you want to manually check for updates and version of a game.

For new PS5 owners, knowing how to do this helps verify your games. You can use this information to determine if you are up to date, and if not, you can download patches or updates immediately. Outdated versions can be problematic and it is wise to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Keep reading to learn more about PS5 game updates, system updates, and what to do when you can't update at all.

PS5: How to check for game updates

To allow your games to update, your PS5 must remain connected to the Internet. Without it, updates are simply impossible. Once you've established that your console is connected to the internet, you can manually check for updates for each game.

Here are the instructions for manually checking the update status of your game:

1. Turn on your PS5.
2. Go to the home screen.
   
3. Head to the top of the main menu.
   
4. Go to the “Games” tab.
   
5. Scroll through your games until you find the one to check.
   
6. Highlight the game with your cursor.
   
7. Press "Options" on your controller.
   
8. Choose "Check for Updates" from the drop-down menu.
   

If there are no updates, you can continue on your merry way. If any updates are missing from the PS5, the download process will be handled immediately. You will either have to play another game or do something else while your game receives its latest updates.

Users aren't big fans of how you can't check for game updates in your library. Instead, you can only check the latest games you've played. If you want to find a game that you haven't played in a long time, you may need to play it, so it appears in the menu.

Enabling automatic updates for PS5 games

The PS5 comes with auto-update settings enabled. However, if you have already disabled them, you may wish to re-enable the option. Checking for updates on the PS5 is difficult, which is why enabling automatic updates is the best solution.

Below are the steps to follow:

1. Turn on your PS5.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
   
3. Head to "Saved Data and Game/App Settings".
   
4. Select "Automatic Updates" from the list.
   
5. Look for the options "Auto-download" or "Auto-install in rest mode".
   
6. Once you've enabled one or both of them, you no longer have to worry about manually updating your games.
   

Auto-download will always check for the latest updates when you are connected to the internet. Even if your console is in rest mode, it can still handle the download process.

However, if you neglect to enable the automatic installation feature, you will have to install downloaded updates manually. This may take a while, although the upside is that you don't need to close the app or game in question while the update is downloading. However, by having both options enabled, you can avoid pressing additional buttons or waiting.

With a stable internet connection, you shouldn't have any problems with automatic updates.

It doesn't matter if the game you're updating is a digital copy or a hard copy, because the PS5 will install updates for it anyway. However, if you run out of space, you will need to increase storage or delete some games to make room.

Sony is probably making automatic updates the go-to option due to how outdated game versions don't work. Issues and bugs are often fixed when new updates go live, although there are also times when new updates bring serious bugs. In most cases, the newer version of a game is always better.

However, some players like to keep older versions to exploit glitches for speed racing or other purposes. So, these people might not be a fan of forced automatic updates and would probably prefer to have more accessible ways to update games manually.

Checking for PS5 system updates

It is also essential to keep your PS5 firmware up to date. As developers are constantly refining and releasing new firmware, you may need it to fix some underlying issues the PS5 might be experiencing. Thus, you should always check if the console version has the latest patch.

With the latest updates installed, your PS5 can perform better. For example, in September 2022, an update allowed the expansion of the SSD. With this update, users could significantly increase the storage space.

Recently, a minor update landed which claimed to improve system performance. Although not all updates are revolutionary, they can still benefit you in some way.

To update your PS5 system, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS5 from rest mode.
   
2. Go to the Settings menu indicated by the gear icon.
   
3. Head to “System”.
   
4. Choose "System Software" from the list on the left.
   
5. Go to “System Software Update & Settings”.
   
6. Choose "Update System Software".
   
7. Select "Update via Internet" to continue.
   
8. Go back to "System Software", but this time go to "System Feature Updates".
   
9. If there are updates, you can download and install them.
   

Sometimes unexpected errors occur while updating your PS5 firmware. The best way to fix the problem is to restart the update. If even that fails, hope is not lost.

You can download the update file to a USB stick and connect it to your PS5. Here are the steps:

1. On your FAT32 USB drive, create a folder and another folder inside it.
   
2. Name the second folder "UPDATE".
   
3. Save the update file in the folder as "PS5UPDATE.PUP".
   
4. Plug it into your console.
   
5. When your PS5 is in rest mode, press and hold the power button.
   
6. Release the button when you direct a second beep.
7. Select "Update System Software".
   
8. Choose "Update from USB storage".
   
9. Confirm your choice and wait.
   

While this type of issue is unlikely to occur, knowing this backup method will help ensure that your PS5 stays up to date.

Remember to name files and folders exactly as we wrote above, without extra punctuation. This will allow your console to detect and run the files.

Additional FAQs

Why can't I update my PS5?

If your PS5 is not updating, you need to check your internet connection. This is usually the culprit, but if that doesn't work, try restarting the update. The last resort is to download the update file and install it manually.

If all else fails, you may need to perform a factory reset or seek help from customer support.

What is PS5 Safe Mode?

Safe Mode lets your PS5 boot up without compromising any of your game data. You'll never have to use it if your console is working properly. However, in some cases, such as installing updates manually, you will need it.

You can also use safe mode to:

• Change console resolution

• Perform a factory reset

• Change PS5 storage database

How long does it take to update a PS5?

Depending on the file size, this may take a few minutes under the right conditions. However, larger files will take longer depending on your internet connection and if you are downloading other files simultaneously.

More is better

While automatic game and system updates might be handy for most users, others say the current system leaves more to be desired. Nevertheless, the fact that the console downloads and installs out-of-the-box updates can certainly save you time. Make sure you don't forget to check for updates manually as well.

What do you think needs improvement for the PS5 update process? Do you find that your games lack updates? Let us know in the comments section below.