“Data corrupted” error on PS5: how to fix it step by step

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a technical marvel, featuring lightning-fast SSD storage and incredible graphical power. However, like all complex computing systems, it is not immune to data integrity issues. One of the most alarming messages a PS5 owner can encounter is the "Data Corrupted" error. This error typically appears when trying to launch a game, access a saved game file, or even during a system update.This critical issue signals that essential data—whether it's the core game files, a crucial system file, or your personal save data—has been damaged and cannot be correctly read by the console’s operating system. The problem is widespread enough that understanding its root causes and applying systematic solutions is essential for any PS5 owner.

💾 The PS5 "Data Corrupted" Error: Step-by-Step Fix Guide

This comprehensive, human-optimized guide will break down why this data corruption occurs on the PlayStation 5 platform and provide a structured, step-by-step troubleshooting plan, moving from simple software fixes to complex database rebuilds, to ensure you can protect your game progress and restore your console's functionality.

💥 Understanding the Context: Why Data Becomes Unreadable

The PS5 stores three primary types of data: System Software, Game Installations, and Save Data. The "Data Corrupted" error means the integrity of the data has been compromised, making it logically unreadable.

• The Problem: Data corruption on the PS5 often happens during a write process—when the console is actively saving data to the SSD. If the process is interrupted, the file might be left incomplete or scrambled.
• The Consequence: When the console later tries to read this damaged file, it hits an inconsistency (a broken header, a missing chunk of data) and immediately throws the "Data Corrupted" error, forcing the application or system function to halt.

The most common triggers for this interrupt and subsequent corruption include:

Unexpected Power Loss: The console loses power (e.g., a power outage) while actively saving a game or writing a system update.

External Drive Issues: A poorly formatted, disconnected, or failing external USB drive (used for PS4 games) is the source of the corrupted files.

Software Glitches: A rare bug in the game or system software causes an incorrect write command, leading to file damage.

📉 Core Causes of PS5 Data Corruption

Identifying the source of the corruption is key to selecting the right fix.

Problem Area	Detailed Explanation (Simple Technical View)
Improper Shutdowns	Any time the PS5 is shut down by unplugging it or a power outage, the write cache (temporary data waiting to be saved) is lost, resulting in incomplete and corrupted files on the SSD.
Corrupted Database	The console maintains a database to index the location and status of all installed games and save files. This database can itself become fragmented or corrupted, leading the console to misread or fail to find game files, flagging them as corrupted.
Faulty External Storage	If a PS4 game installed on an external drive throws this error, the drive's formatting, connection (USB port damage), or mechanical health is the most likely source of the data read failure.
System Software Glitches	A rare issue where the operating system itself is unstable or a recent update failed to install correctly, leading to incorrect read/write permissions for certain data blocks.
SSD Hardware Failure	The least common but most serious: A sector on the internal NVMe SSD has physically failed, making any data stored there permanently unreadable.

⚡ Quick Fix for Impatient Users: Deleting and Reinstalling

If the error is confined to a single game (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring):

Delete the Game: Navigate to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps, select the corrupted game, and Delete it.

Clear Saved Data (CAUTION): If the issue persists after reinstalling, you may have corrupted save data. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Delete Saved Data. Only delete the specific game’s save file after ensuring a recent save is backed up to the cloud.

Reinstall: Re-download and reinstall the game completely.

🛠️ Detailed Solutions: Step-by-Step Recovery

Follow these steps sequentially. They move from simple software repairs to advanced console-level database restoration.

Step 1: Check for System Software Update

Ensure your PS5 is running the latest, most stable operating system version.

1. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
2. Select Update System Software and apply any pending updates.

Step 2: Use Safe Mode to Rebuild Database

This is the most effective fix for errors caused by a corrupted index/database file and does not delete your games or saves.

1. Turn the PS5 completely OFF (do not use Rest Mode).
2. Press and hold the power button, releasing it only after you hear the second beep (about 7 seconds later). This launches Safe Mode.
3. Connect your DualSense controller via a USB cable.
4. Select Option 5: Rebuild Database.
5. Allow the console to complete the rebuild (this may take anywhere from a fewminutes to several hours, depending on your storage use).

Step 3: Check and Repair External Storage

If the corrupted game is located on an external USB HDD/SSD:

1. Completely disconnect the external drive from the PS5.
2. Plug the drive into a PC and run a disk utility check (like Windows chkdsk) to verify its health.
3. If the drive shows errors, it should be replaced. If it seems fine, plug it back into the PS5 and try Option 6: Clear Cache and Rebuild Database from Safe Mode.

Step 4: Verify Cloud Synchronization (PS Plus Essential)

If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, your save data should be backed up.

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Cloud Storage.
2. Check the date and time of the last save uploaded to the cloud for the problematic game.
3. If the cloud save is more recent and valid, you can safely delete the local corrupted save (Step 5) and then Download to Console Storage.

Step 5: Delete Corrupted Save Data Locally

If the error is tied to a specific save file (and not the game installation itself):

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Console Storage.
2. Select the game and identify the corrupted save file (it may have a warning icon or be listed as "Corrupted").
3. Select the file and choose Delete.

Step 6: Reset PS5 to Factory Settings (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a full factory reset may be required to fix deep-seated system software corruption. Warning: This deletes ALL user data, games, and saved files on the console.

1. Back up all your save data to the Cloud or a USB drive.
2. Enter Safe Mode (Step 2).
3. Select Option 6: Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) or Option 7: Reset PS5 (if you don't have a USB drive with the system file).

🔄 Alternative Solutions: Hardware Check

If the error persists across multiple applications and only returns after a rebuild, you may have a serious hardware issue:

• Internal SSD Replacement: If the console is out of warranty, and you are comfortable withhardware repair, replacing the internal NVMe SSD with a new, compatible, and verified drive is the next step.
• Contact Sony Support: If the console is still under warranty, do not attempt self-repair. Contact PlayStation Support immediately for warranty service, asrecurring corruption suggests a failure of the internal SSD or theconsole's memory controller.

🛡️ How to Avoid Future Data Corruption

A few simple habits can drastically reduce the risk of recurring corruption errors:

• Always Use Rest Mode/Proper Shutdown: Never unplug the console without a full, proper shutdown (Power > Power Options > Turn Off PS5). If the power goes out frequently, invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
• Maintain Cloud Saves: Ensure your PS Plus subscription is active and that Auto-Sync is enabled (Settings > Saved Data > Sync Saved Data) to always keep a clean, remote backup of your progress.
• Format External Drives on PS5: Only use external drives that have been formatted directly by the PS5 to ensure the file system is optimized for the console.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does "Rebuild Database" delete my game saves?

No. Rebuilding the database is like defragmenting and re-indexing alibrary. It only rearranges and re-catalogues existing data; it does not delete any installed games or save files.

Can the data corruption spread to my cloud saves?

It is highly unlikely. The corruption is usually localized to the momentof failure on the console's physical SSD. Cloud saves are typically aprevious, clean version. Always check the timestamp before deleting thelocal file.

What is the difference between Option 6 and Option 7 in Safe Mode?

Option 6 (Reset PS5 - Reinstall System Software) is the most thorough reset and requires a USB drive with the system update file. Option 7 (Reset PS5) is a full factory reset but uses the system software already stored on the console. Option 6 is generally cleaner.

✅ Conclusion and Call to Action

The PS5 "Data Corrupted" error is a major stumbling block, but theconsole's Safe Mode provides powerful tools, particularly the Rebuild Database function, to restore data integrity. By being systematic and ensuringyour power supply and external storage are reliable, you can keep yourPS5 running flawlessly and protect your valuable game progress.

Worried about losing your high-level progress?

➡️ If you have an active PS Plus subscription but are unsure how to confirmthat all of your critical save data is safely stored in the cloud, letme know the name of the game and I will provide the precise steps toforce a manual cloud save upload!

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