There’s nothing quite more frustrating than your PS5 shutting off by itself right before you’re about to shoot the last opposing soldier in Call of Duty. Your PS5 turning off randomly is one of the more severe issues plaguing this new console. But don’t worry! There are a few possible solutions you can try yourself that will get your console up and running again in no time.
You can fix your PS5’s random shut-off issue by placing the console in a well-ventilated area, disabling the HDMI Device Link feature, disabling Rest Mode, and updating it to the latest system software, checking for power trips, rebuilding the PS5 database, or performing a factory reset.
The PS5 seems to shut off more frequently while running PS5 exclusive games. Let’s look at some of the reasons why your PS5 keeps turning off by itself before jumping onto the various fixes you can try.
Why Does Your PS5 Keep Turning Off By Itself?
If your PS5 is shutting off randomly during gameplay or while in rest mode, the problem can be because of the following reasons.
First, consider the behavior you’ve seen and ask yourself if it’s turning off by itself, or turning on by itself, in which case you can reference our separate post. And if your PS5 won’t turn on at all, you definitely have a different solution path here.
For now, though, let’s turn our attention back to why your PS5 keeps turning off.
Your console is overheating
Your PS5 will shut down automatically if it overheats. If your console reaches a high temperature, it will display a message on your screen (‘Your PS5 is too hot’) before turning off.
Your PS5 is in Rest Mode
PS5s in Rest Mode have been known to shut off randomly. If you’ve enabled Rest Mode, your console might switch off without further instructions.
HDMI Device link
The HDMI Device link is a Sony-exclusive feature that links your PS5 to your TV. If you’ve enabled this feature, your console will turn on and off simultaneously as your TV. In simpler words, shutting down your TV will automatically shut down your PS5.
Outdated software
You might need to update your PS5’s system software. An overdue software update can corrupt data and result in incompatibility issues.
Glitchy power supply unit
If your console’s power supply unit is defective, your PS5 will start turning off. This is because your PlayStation will not get enough power to function correctly.
Over-exerting the PS5
If your PS5 keeps shutting off randomly while you’re in the middle of a game, it can be because you’re putting too much load on the console.
This can happen if you’re trying to download or install a game while currently playing something else.
How to Fix a PS5 Shutting Off Randomly
If your PS5 keeps shutting off randomly, it’s advisable to try the following fixes yourself before sending your console back for repairs:
1. Check for overheating
An overheated PS5 will shut off automatically to cool itself down. It’s important to place the console in a well-ventilated area with plenty of cool air.
Dust can also build up in the vents, causing your PS5 to overheat. However, regularly cleaning your console can help solve this problem.
There are a few easy ways you can identify an overheating console, such as:
- The console’s fan will make a lot of noise.
- The console will feel very warm to the touch.
- The PS5 will take a long time to load.
- The screen will change color or become distorted.
Fortunately, there’s no need to completely disassemble your console to clean it thoroughly. You need a few additional tools to get the job done.
The most important thing you’ll need is an effective tool that blows the dust and debris out of your PS5, such as a compressed air can or a dust blower.
You’ll also need a T8 Torx screwdriver to disassemble the fan because you can’t perform a thorough cleaning without removing the fan first.
2. Disable the HDMI Device Link feature
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Go to the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Select ‘System.’
- Select ‘HDMI’ and then turn off ‘HDMI Device Link.’
- Restart your PS5 to refresh the altered setting.
However, make sure your TV has this feature before trying this fix.
3. Disable Rest Mode
The PS5’s Rest Mode feature is a common cause for most of the problems plaguing this console. Here’s what you need to do to disable it:
- Go to ‘Settings.’
- Select ‘System.’
- Select ‘Power Saving.’
- Select the first option. This will allow you to control when the console can enter Rest Mode.
- Change ‘While Playing Games’ and ‘During Media Playback’ to ‘Don’t Put In Rest Mode.’
- Confirm the changed settings.
4. Check for system software updates
Updating your console’s system software can help solve the random shut-off problem and enhance your PS5’s performance.
Ensure the PlayStation is connected to the internet before updating its operating system. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Go to ‘Settings.’
- Select ‘System.’
- Select ‘System Software.’
- Click on ‘Update and Settings.’
- If there is an update available, there will be a message stating ‘Update Available’ right next to ‘Update System Software.’ Once you see this message, click on ‘Update System Software.’
- Confirm the update and wait for your console to complete the installation.
5. Check for power trips
If you have connected your console’s power cable to a faulty or defective plug or have connected it to an extension cord that’s already supplying power to multiple other devices, the power can trip and shut down your PS5.
You can check whether the main plug is defective by connecting your console to a different one.
Alternatively, if you’re using an extension cord, try connecting your console to the socket directly and see if that solves the problem.
6. Rebuild the PS5 database
Rebuilding your PS5’s database will completely reset the console’s software and remove any bugs that might have been causing the problem.
You’ll need to first put your PS5 into ‘Safe Mode’ for this fix. Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn off your PS5
- Hold the console’s power button for about 10 seconds, or until you hear two successive beeps.
- Connect your controller using a USB cable, and then press its PS button. This will put your console into Safe Mode.
- Scroll down and choose ‘Rebuild Database.’
- Select ‘OK’ and then wait for the process to complete. This can take a couple of hours, but there’s no need to worry as you won’t lose any data.
Make sure you don’t turn off your console during the rebuild process.
7. Back up your PS5 and perform a factory reset
If none of the aforementioned solutions work, you can try performing a factory reset and see if that fixes the problem. However, make sure you backup all your data to an external drive before moving on to the following steps:
- Go to the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Select ‘System.’
- Choose ‘System Software.’
- Select ‘Reset Options.’
- Click on ‘Reset Your Console.’
- Select ‘Reset.’
8. Contact Sony customer support
If none of the solutions work, you might have gotten a defective console. In this case, the only thing you can do is get in touch with PlayStation customer support and send your PS5 in for repairs. However, make sure the console is still backed by warranty and not damaged physically before sending it back in.