PS5 Keeps Turning Off - How To Fix Your PS5 Turning Itself Off

There are many different problems while using a console. But if your PS5 keeps turning off, you might be a little peeved. You've fought relentlessly for hours, overcoming near-impossible odds to reach the final showdown. You prepare to strike the final blow, time slows down, and then BAM. Your PS5 switches itself off. Not ideal, as the kids say.

While your console switching itself off once might strike you as odd, if it's doing it over and over again, that's a sign of a more serious issue. Not to mention the inconvenience of your games being forever interrupted.

So what can you do to prevent your Ps5 keeps turning off problem? Well, luckily there are a few fixes you can try before hitting up Sony for repairs. Let's see.

How To Fix Your PS5 Turning Itself Off

If you find your console repeatedly switching itself, there are several steps you can take:

• First, and most obviously, check that the power cable is plugged in properly. If it's loose, then this could explain why the power keeps cutting out. Also do a visual inspection for any damage, in case you need to change the cable.
• Check to see if your PS5 needs to update its software. The console will typically do this automatically. But if you aren't online, this may not happen. You will need an internet connection to do this, then do the following:
  • Go to Settings
  • Next, go to System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings
  • Select Update System Software, followed by Update Using Internet
  • Finally, press Update

If simple fixes don't work, it's time to look at other options.

Avoid Overheating

If these simple fixes don't resolve the issue, consider how you've set up your PS5. If you don't give your PS5 enough space for it to be properly ventilated, this can cause issues with overheating. Sony recommended the following:

• Ensure that the air vents on the sides and back of the PS5 console are not blocked or obstructed. Make sure there is at least 10 cm of free space around each side of the console. 
• Do not place the console on a carpet or rug with long fibres. 
• Do not place the console in a narrow or cramped space. Do not allow dust to build up in or around the PS5 console's air vents.

Overheating can also be a sign that your PS5 needs cleaning, as a build-up of dust can stop the vents from working efficiently. If the fans are particularly loud, this can also be a warning that your console is getting too warm. It's good practice to prevent overheating anyway, as this can damage your console.

• Read More: How To Connect PS5 Controller To iPad

Disable HDMI Device Link

This seems to apply particularly to anyone who uses a soundbar alongside their television. But the HDMI device link syncs your PS5 to your TV, so when the TV turns off, so does your console.

Exactly why this seems to affect soundbar users more than others is unclear. But it's worth turning this feature off, to see if it helps. To do this, go to Settings > System > HDMI > HDMI Device Link. Then turn it off.

Turn off Rest Mode

Fingers have been pointed at Rest Mode standing over the body while holding a knife. For some reason, it does appear that having Rest Mode on can prompt sudden shutdowns on your PS5. So turning it off may fix the problem.

• Open the PS5 Settings menu 
• Navigate to Power Saving 
• Select Rest Mode 
• Click Don’t Put in Rest Mode 

That should hopefully fix the problem, if not look at the rear of your console.

Use the Rear USB Ports

Another slightly obscure fix, but it does seem to have helped some people. While the front USB port is usually a lot more accessible than the ones on the rear, there are suspicions that a bug linked to the front ports is causing the PS5 to shut down.

So if you need to plug something in, such as your controller or an external hard drive, try using the rear ports, and see if this makes a difference.

• Read More: PS5 No Sound: How To Fix The PS5 No Sound Issue

Rebuild PS5 Database

Possibly the most complex solution, but worth trying if none of the previous fixes has helped. Rebuilding your console database is an option that can often resolve unexplained issues with your PS5. To do this:

• Start by putting your console in Safe Mode. If you haven't already, turn off your console.
• Then press and hold the power button, and wait until you hear two beeps, seven seconds apart.
• Connect your controller to your console via USB, and press the PS button on your controller.
• When the Safe Mode menu appears, select Option 5 - Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
• Then select Rebuild Database.

This will scan your drive and create a brand new database with all the content on your system. You won't lose any content by doing this, so it's well worth a try.

Why Does Your PS5 Keep Turning Off?

There are a few common reasons that your PS5 might be turning itself off on a regular basis, such as problems with temperature or loose cables. These reasons might include:

Your PS5 overheating. If you're playing for extended periods, that can cause your console to warm up. If it gets too hot, you should receive a warning message. But if you choose to ignore that message, the console will shut itself down, in an effort to prevent damage. This is probably the most common cause.

A loose cable. It's surprising how often issues like this actually have a very simple cause. And mercifully, an equally simple solution.

Out of date Firmware. If you haven't updated your PS5 software for a long time, this has the potential to cause a compatibility issue. The software may also be corrupted over time, prompting the console to shut down.

Some users have reported issues related to using the front USB ports. Quite why this would cause the PS5 to turn itself off is unclear. But there you go.

There is also a suspicion that using an HDMI link can be a factor. An HDMI link will sync your PS5 to your TV's power state. So if your TV goes into Rest Mode, it will do the same to your PS5.

Finally, it's possible that your console or power brick has developed a more serious issue. So try the solutions we've outlined above, and see if they work. If not, we recommend contacting PlayStation Support for additional help and advice.