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How To Clear Cache On PlayStation? [PS3, PS4, PS5]

We explain how to clear the cache on PS3, PS4, and PS5.

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A PlayStation cache is a temporary storage area that stores the frequently needed data related to your console’s installed apps and games. Therefore, these games will load quicker the next time you play them. Clearing your PlayStation’s cache is helpful when your games are slowing down, or the system fails to install new games or apps. 


Key Takeaways

  • A cache holds temporary data related to the games and apps on your console.
  • You can clean the PlayStation cache by rebuilding its database, restoring the file system, clearing the system cache from Safe Mode, and power cycling the console.
  • The benefits of this process include an optimized console performance, increased RAM storage, error-solving, and elimination of corrupt data.

Note: Power cycling is shared among all three models to delete the cache data, while rebuilding the database is common to PS4 and PS5.

Methods Difficulty Rating

Power Cycling
Rated: 2/10

Rebuild Database
Rated: 4/10

Clear Game Cache
Rated: 3/10

Safe Mode
Rated: 5/10

PlayStation 3

PS3 offers three different ways to eliminate its cache data. All the methods worked well for me; however, remember that deleting the cache from Game Data Utility only clears it for a particular game. 

Clear Game Cache

This is how you can proceed to clean the cache for a specific game:

  1. Open Game Section: Come to the Dashboard > Select Game > Scroll to Game Data Utility.
    Game Data Utility In Game Section
    Game Data Utility In Game Section (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Delete Cache: Highlight the game you want to clear the cache for > Press the Triangle button on your controller > Hit Delete in the side menu.
    Delete Cache
    Delete Cache (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Safe Mode 

First, I booted the system into Safe Mode by holding the Power button on the PS3 until two beeps were audible. Then, I selected Restore File System, which restarted the console to clear the piled-up cache.

Restore File System
Restore File System (Image By Tech4Gamers)

PlayStation 4

Similar to PS3, this model lets you wipe the cache for particular games or the whole console. If the problem resides in a specific game, I only delete that game’s cache instead of the entire PS.

Clear Game Cache

Move ahead with the following instructions:

  1. Access Game Data: Go to Settings from the Dashboard > Scroll to Application Saved Data Management.
    Select App Saved Data Management
    Select App Saved Data Management (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Go To Data Storage: Pick Saved Data In System Storage > Delete.
    Choose Saved Data In System Storage
    Choose Saved Data In System Storage (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Erase Game Cache: Mark the games you want to clear the cache for > Delete.
    Select And Delete Game Cache
    Select And Delete Game Cache (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Clearing the game data means you will lose your game progress, including the achievements, characters, and more. Therefore, as a precaution, I backed up the game data to Online Cloud Storage (you can also copy it to an external storage device). Consequently, the progress was restored after the cache cleared.

Backup Data
Backup Data (Image By Tech4Gamers)

PlayStation 5

The cache for PS5 can be cleared by accessing the Clear Cache And Rebuild Database option in the Safe Mode. However, I prefer using the Settings menu for games cache since it is quick and reliable. 

Clear Game Cache

Take note of the following method:

  1. Open Game Data Settings: Click on the Settings gear on the Dashboard > Head to Saved Data And Game/App Settings.
    Pick Saved Data And Game/App Settings
    Pick Saved Data And Game/App Settings (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Open Storage: Choose Saved Data (PS5) on the left menu > Console Storage.
    Access Console Storage
    Access Console Storage (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Delete The Cache: Move to the Delete tab > Select the games > Delete > OK.
    Delete Game Data
    Delete Game Data (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Remember: Upload the game data to Cloud Storage or a USB device before deleting the cache.  
Back Up PlayStation Data
Backup PlayStation Data (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Safe Mode

Eliminate the cache in Safe Mode with these steps:

  1. Select Clear Cache: Enter Safe Mode > Move to the fifth option, Clear Cache And Rebuild Database.
    Clear Cache And Rebuild Database
    Select Clear Cache And Rebuild Database (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Finalize Cache Clear: Go with Clear System Software Cache > OK.
    Choose Clear System Cache
    Choose Clear System Cache (Image By Tech4Gamers)

When Should You Clear PlayStation Cache?

Deleting cache is a necessary troubleshooting step in several situations, for instance, when your console’s performance is getting slower than usual and is often lagging. Moreover, glitches, bugs, or frequent crashes and freezes could hint at a need for cache clearing.

In addition, eliminating the cache data can help when the storage is almost full and you need space to store updated data for your games and apps. Similarly, resort to the process when you face PlayStation or in-game errors.


Pros And Cons Of Clearing Cache

ProsCons
✅ Resolve prolonged loading time issues❌Removes unsaved data
✅ Free up space in the RAM storage❌Reset certain preferences
✅ Eliminate glitches, freezes, and system crashes.❌Signs you out of accounts
✅ Boost console's functioning ❌May impact offline gaming

Final Words

With this simple troubleshooting technique, I fixed the PS5 errors WS-116521-6 and  CE-107891-6 on my console; hence, they are proven to work. Additionally, by clearing the cache, I noticed an improved PS performance since the process eliminates any corrupt data. However, I would only recommend doing so once a month or when your console malfunctions; otherwise, it is not necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Would I Need To Clear PlayStation Cache?

Issues like slow loading times, abrupt crashes, errors, and glitches may compel you to clear your PlayStation cache.

Will Clearing PlayStation Cache Delete My Games?

Deleting the cache does not delete your PlayStation games and apps.

Will Erasing The Cache Improve My Console’s Performance?

Eliminating the cache clears out temporary files and glitches in the storage, thus boosting the console’s speed.


More About PlayStation: 

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