Keeping your PS5 Slim on the latest system software ensures you get the newest features, security patches, and performance improvements. As of April 2026, the current build is 26.03-13.20.00, part of the 26.x firmware family. Updates install in 5-15 minutes depending on your internet speed and the patch size.
The console checks for updates automatically in rest mode if you have it enabled and connected to the internet. If you've been offline for a while or keep your console fully powered off, you'll need to trigger the check manually. Here's how to do it and what to do if something goes wrong.
Check Your Current Firmware Version
Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. The current installed version is listed at the top. Knowing your firmware helps if you run into a known bug that was fixed in a later build.
If you're more than a couple versions behind, you may be missing recent additions like GameChat improvements, PSSR-enhanced playback, and messaging emoji reactions. The 26.03-13.20.00 build from April 2026 requires those features.
Update Over WiFi
The simplest method for most people. Make sure your PS5 Slim is connected to your network by checking Settings > Network > Connection Status. Then head back to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and select Update System Software.
The console searches Sony's servers automatically. If a new version is available, you'll see the details. Choose Update and the download starts. On a typical broadband connection, the download takes 1-3 minutes for a minor patch and up to 10 minutes for a major one. The console restarts once it's done installing.
Update Over Wired Ethernet for Speed
If you want the fastest possible download, plug an ethernet cable directly into the back of the PS5 Slim. The console automatically detects the wired connection and prioritizes it over WiFi. Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status to confirm you're showing a wired connection.
Then run the same update path: Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software. Wired connections are typically faster and more stable, which matters for bigger firmware downloads that can run several gigabytes.
What Each Update Brings
PS5 system updates ship with security fixes, bug patches, and new features. The 26.x firmware line introduced GameChat improvements for party audio and messaging emoji reactions. PSSR-enhanced playback came in an earlier 26.x build for better upscaling and image quality on compatible displays.
Minor updates (like 26.03 to 26.04) are usually stability patches or security fixes. Major version jumps (25.x to 26.x) bring user-facing features. If you have the disc version, updates also include Blu-ray drive compatibility patches and improved read speeds for game discs.
Enable Automatic Updates in Rest Mode
To never worry about updating manually, enable automatic downloads. Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Toggle Download Update Files on. If you want installation to happen automatically too, toggle Install Update Files on as well.
The console needs rest mode enabled (not fully powered off) and an active internet connection for auto-updates to work. If you always shut down completely, you'll need to trigger updates manually each time. Auto-updates also require enough free storage space, which brings us to the next point.
Free Up Space Before a Big Update
System updates need scratch space, usually 1-2GB free even if the download file itself is smaller. If your internal SSD is nearly full and the update fails with a vague error, this is likely the culprit. The PS5 Slim's storage capacity varies by SKU, so check your box label if you're unsure.
Original disc bundles shipped with 1TB SSDs, but Sony has revised the Digital Edition (CFI-2100/CFI-2116 series) back down to 825GB. Either way, aim for at least 5GB free before attempting a major firmware update. Delete game captures or archive installed games you're not playing through Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
Fix a Stuck or Frozen Update
If an update download hangs at a certain percentage or the console freezes during installation, force a restart. Hold the power button on the front of the PS5 Slim until you hear a second beep, which takes about 7-10 seconds. The console shuts down completely.
Power it back on and try the update again. It resumes from where it left off, not from zero, so you don't lose the progress. If it hangs again, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting 2-3 minutes for it to fully reconnect. ISP-side DNS or DHCP glitches are a common cause of stalled downloads.
Switch to Public DNS If the Update Won't Connect
If the update check times out or shows an error connecting to Sony's servers, your ISP's DNS may be the problem. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Choose your current network, then select Advanced Settings. Change DNS Settings to Manual.
Enter Cloudflare's DNS (1.1.1.1 for Primary, 1.0.0.1 for Secondary) or Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Save the changes and reconnect. Re-run the update check from System Software Update and Settings. Public DNS servers are often faster and more reliable for reaching Sony's update endpoints during peak hours.
Use Safe Mode for a Fresh Update Attempt
If the console boots normally but the regular update path keeps failing, Safe Mode can bypass the issue. Fully power down the PS5 Slim, then press and hold the power button. Release it after you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds). Connect a DualSense via USB-C and press the PS button.
You'll see the Safe Mode menu. Select Update System Software and choose Update Using Internet. Safe Mode loads a minimal environment with no user software running, so a corrupted partition or conflicting game data won't interfere. This preserves all your saves and installed games.
For extreme cases where the console won't boot at all, the recovery option is to reset the console. That's Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console, and you'll want to back up your saves to PS Plus cloud storage or a USB drive first.
