When Call of Duty won’t update on PS5, clear the update queue, check PSN status, free space, then rebuild database if needed.
If your PlayStation 5 stalls on a Call of Duty patch, don’t wait out a spinning bar. This guide lays out quick wins, deeper fixes, and safe last-resort steps. You’ll move from simple checks to advanced tools without risking saves.
Call Of Duty Won’t Update On PS5: Quick Wins
Start with the basics. These take minutes and often unblock the patch. Move through them in order.
Power Cycle And Clear The Queue
Press the PS button, cancel the stuck update, and power down the console fully. Unplug for one minute, then boot and re-try the download from your Game Library.
Confirm Internet And PSN
Run “Test Internet Connection” from Settings > Network. If speeds look fine but downloads crawl, check PlayStation’s service status. If the network is degraded, wait and retry.
Free Storage Headroom
Call of Duty patches can be large and need extra space to unpack. Aim for generous free space on the internal SSD before you pull the update.
Restart The Update From Game Library
Highlight the game, press Options, delete the failed update or pause/resume. If it still loops, delete the game data entry for the update only, not your save files, then start fresh.
Early Triage Table: Symptoms, Causes, Checks
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck at “Preparing” | Corrupt temp data | Cancel, reboot, try again |
| Slow download | Network congestion | Test connection; switch to wired |
| Stops near 100% | No unpack space | Clear 50–100 GB headroom |
| Error CE-10002-3 | Install failure | Rebuild database |
| Error NP-103105-0 | PSN hiccup | Check service status |
| “Can’t find update” | License cache | Restore licenses |
Network Tweaks That Help Big Games
Large patches stress spotty Wi-Fi. A few changes can stabilize the pull.
Prefer Ethernet Or 5 GHz
Use a cable when possible. If you must stay wireless, pick the 5 GHz SSID and keep the console near the router.
Set DNS Manually
In Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced, set DNS to a reliable resolver. This can reduce lookup stalls during content delivery.
Pause Traffic On Your Network
Streaming, cloud backups, and downloads on other devices slow your COD patch. Give the PS5 the lane for a bit.
Storage And Data Hygiene
Call of Duty installs are hefty. A tidy drive prevents unpack failures and install errors.
Check Free Space
Go to Settings > Storage and review Console Storage. Delete unused captures, demos, or games you won’t play soon. Keep a cushion for big seasonal downloads.
Move Or Delete Add-Ons You Don’t Use
COD bundles ship with add-ons and packs. Remove modes you don’t play to free space, then reinstall only what you need after the core update lands.
Keep System Software Current
Install the latest PS5 system software. Some update failures trace back to base firmware gaps that a system update fixes.
Mid-Path Fixes: Clear Caches And Licenses
If the quick wins didn’t work, refresh the PS5’s caches. These steps are safe and preserve your saves.
Clear Cached Power State
Shut down, unplug for a minute, then hold the power button once before plugging in again. This drains residual power and flushes cached state that can block installs.
Restore Game Licenses
Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. This refreshes entitlements so the console can validate the patch.
Rebuild Database From Safe Mode
Power the PS5 off. Hold the power button until the second beep to enter Safe Mode. Pick “Rebuild Database.” This scans and re-indexes content so the update can apply cleanly.
When The Update Still Fails
At this stage, the console likely needs a deeper reset of game files or a clean patch path. Try the steps below, top to bottom.
Delete And Reinstall The Game
Back up saves to cloud or USB. Delete the game application only, then reinstall from your Library. Pull the latest version rather than stacking patches on a bad build.
Install The Patch Before Add-Ons
After reinstall, launch the base game and let the mandatory update complete first. Add extra packs after the core version is stable.
Safe Mode: Update System Software
In Safe Mode, pick “Update System Software.” Use internet or a USB file from the PlayStation website. A clean system layer often resolves stubborn install errors.
Official Checks Worth Doing Midway
Two official pages save time during troubleshooting: PlayStation’s service dashboard and the Safe Mode guide. Bookmark both so you can verify outages and follow the exact menu names.
Check the PlayStation Network status if downloads stall or sign-in errors appear. For Safe Mode steps and menu names, use Sony’s Safe Mode guide.
Call Of Duty Update Still Stuck? Advanced Paths
If you’re still blocked, one of these advanced routes usually closes the loop.
Rebuild Database Again After Clearing Space
Big patches create large temp files. Free extra space, reboot to Safe Mode, and run Rebuild Database once more to give the installer a clean index.
Switch Content Delivery Region
Sign out, reboot, and try the download again. Content servers can be region-based; a fresh session may hit a healthier route.
Try A Different Network
Tether from a phone (watch the data cap) or move the console to a friend’s router for the download. A clean path can reveal if your home ISP is the bottleneck.
Troubleshooting Table: Actions, How, When To Use
| Action | How On PS5 | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel & Restart Update | Options on game tile | Progress bar freezes |
| Power Cycle | Full shutdown, unplug 60s | System feels stuck |
| Test Connection | Settings > Network | Slow or failed downloads |
| Free Storage | Settings > Storage | Near capacity or 100% stalls |
| Restore Licenses | Users and Accounts > Other | “Can’t find update” type errors |
| Rebuild Database | Safe Mode option | Install errors or CE codes |
| Update System | Safe Mode > Update | System firmware behind |
| Reinstall Game | Delete app, reinstall | Repeated patch failures |
Why Call Of Duty Updates Fail On PS5
COD titles mix large packs, shifting playlists, and frequent hotfixes. That cadence means lots of file changes. On a full drive or a flaky link, a single bad chunk can stall the install. Rebuilding the database and clearing space gives the installer a clean map. Stable networking keeps the payload intact. That’s why the order above works: it removes the most common blockers first.
Notes On Warzone, MW II, And MW III
These entries share engines and content packs. A pack mismatch can cause “Ready to play” loops or missing textures. After a clean reinstall, install only the modes you use. Launch once before pulling extras so the base version sets correctly.
Error Codes You Might See
Codes vary by cause. CE-10002-3 points to install failure. NP-103105-0 shows a login or network issue. SU-101193-5 relates to system update problems. Treat codes as hints: match them to the tables above to pick the next action.
Prevent The Next Stuck Update
You can avoid many stalls with small habit tweaks.
Schedule Big Downloads
Set auto-downloads, then leave the console idle on a stable link. Pulling patches overnight prevents home network crowding.
Keep A Storage Cushion
Leave a wide buffer on the internal SSD. COD seasons expand and contract; extra headroom avoids the last-gig squeeze during unpack.
Back Up Saves Regularly
Use cloud saves on PlayStation Plus or copy to USB. If you ever need a reinstall, you’ll be ready.
Step-By-Step: Safe Mode And Rebuild Database
Here’s the Safe Mode flow in one place so you don’t have to hunt through menus.
Enter Safe Mode
Power off fully. Hold the power button until you hear a second beep. Connect a controller with a USB cable and press PS.
Choose The Right Options
Try “Update System Software” first if the console firmware is behind. If the game still fails to install cleanly, choose “Rebuild Database.” This does not delete saves; it rebuilds the library index and file map.
When To Consider A Factory Reset
Most players won’t need this. If system updates, database rebuilds, and clean reinstalls still fail, a reset can remove hidden corruption. Back up saves and captures first. After reset, pull the latest system update, install Call of Duty, then add only the modes you play.
Common Missteps That Waste Time
A few habits keep the loop going. Skip these and you’ll save a night of retries.
Relying On Rest Mode Mid-Patch
Rest Mode is handy, but a flaky link can pause content delivery while the console sleeps. For a big COD season, leave the PS5 awake until the progress bar finishes.
Installing Every Pack At Once
Piling campaign, co-op, and HQ packs before the base update lands can create conflicts. Install the core game, patch, launch once, then add only the modes you actually play.
Keeping The Drive Red-Lined
Living at 95% full leaves no room for unpacking and patch swaps. Treat space as part of maintenance. Move captures to USB and archive old games so COD always has breathing room.
Ignoring Error Codes
Codes point to the tier of fix. Network codes nudge you toward router tweaks. Install codes point to Safe Mode or storage. Reading the screen trims your path dramatically.
Fast Checklist
Cancel the update → power cycle → test the network → free space → restore licenses → rebuild database → update system → reinstall the game. With that order, most COD patches on PS5 install cleanly. Stay patient.