How to Install PS4 System Updates without an Internet Connection

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

The new PlayStation 4 requires immediate firmware updates upon first connecting the system. Ideally, this can be done by connecting your console to the internet. But what if you are experiencing router or connectivity issues when you bring your new system home? Here's how you can install the 1.7.5 system update using a USB memory stick and your PC.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Downloading the System Update

1
Obtain a big enough USB drive. Your drive must have at least 2GB of free space, and be formatted to the FAT32 file system
2
Insert the USB into your computer. Insert the drive into the USB port on your PC.

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3
Open the drive. Open the drive to view the contents.
4
Create the folder. Create a folder in the base directory with the name "PS4".
5
Create the subfolder. Open the PS4 folder and create another folder inside of it named "UPDATE".
- Keep in mind that both the PS4 and UPDATE folders must be named exactly as they are typed here (no quotes) with capital, single-byte characters in order to be recognized by the system.
6
Download the update. Download the system update file from the official site into the UPDATE folder.
- The file in question is named PS4UPDATE.PUP, and should be the only thing inside the UPDATE folder at the end of this step.
7
Remove the USB. Click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in your system tray and remove the USB storage device from your PC.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Installing the Update

1
Turn off your PS4. Make sure your PS4 console is completely powered down before proceeding.
2
Inert the drive. Insert the drive containing the update into one of the USB slots on the front of the PS4.
3
Reboot in Safe Mode. Touch and hold the power button on your PS4 for at least seven seconds. This starts your system up in safe mode, which is the only way to install updates on the PS4 without an internet connection.
4
Follow the prompts. Select "Update System Software" from the options menu, and follow the directions to complete the installation.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I download the file if my internet is down?

Community Answer

You need to be able to connect to the internet somehow to download the file. If you have no internet connection at home, you can use a computer at a public library, community college, community center, etc. Or, if you have a data plan on your phone, you may be able to use it as a mobile hotspot and connect your computer to its internet. If none of this is an option, you will just have to wait.
Question

How do I connect a PS4 to a mobile hotspot?

Community Answer

Enable a hotspot on your phone. Go to settings on your PS4 and select "WiFi" for internet connection type. Find your hotspot and connect to it. If you assigned a password to your hotspot when you enabled it, you will likely have to enter it in order to connect with your PS4.
Question

In game software updates on games such as Lego Dimensions, how is this done without any internet access?

A Google User

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you will need internet to download game updates. You can try turning on your hotspot from your phone or taking your PS4 to a friend's house that has an internet connection.