Why Your PS5 Is Randomly Shutting Off

Have you ever been playing a video game and you are right in the middle of something when your PS5 just shuts off? It's so frustrating! But don’t worry because we may be able to help you figure out what is wrong.

We will explain some symptoms to watch out for and common reasons why they might be happening. There are also some simple DIY repairs you can try. We even have videos you can watch to help you solve this problem!

Common Symptoms

Here are some things to look out for when your PS5 turns off.

• It only shuts off when playing graphically intense games.
• The PS5 feels very hot when you touch it.
• The fan is very loud before the PS5 turns off.
• There are performance issues with the PS5, like frame drops or graphical glitches.

Common Causes

There are a number of things that could be causing your PS5 to turn off while you are playing it. Once you know what things could possibly be wrong with it, you can follow our steps to troubleshoot the specific problem your console is having. First, here are the most common causes for why a PS5 turns off by itself.

1. Your PS5 realizes it is overheating. It will beep and show a message on the screen. It may also cause the PS5 to turn off. This is most likely because of a plugged heat sink, a non-functioning fan, or bad ventilation. The good news is that it isn't too difficult to disassemble the console to clean everything.
2. Your PS5 is overheating but doesn’t realize it. If this is the problem, the PS5 won't warn you by beeping or causing a message to appear. It will just shut off. This is most likely caused by a clogged power supply or oxidized liquid metal on the APU (accelerated processing unit).
   
3. There is an issue with the power supply. This could be from a problem with the cable or outlet that’s supplying power to the PS5. If your PS5 is not getting enough power, it may randomly turn off.
4. There is a problem with your system’s software. Sometimes software issues can cause your PS5  turn off.
5. The HDMI Device Link is enabled and causing problems. If so, it can cause your PS5 to turn off.
6. Rest mode can also cause issues with the PS5 shutting off. Disabling rest mode can sometimes fix the problem.
7. The worst-case scenario is there is a problem with the hardware of the PS5. If none of the first 6 possible causes seem to be causing your PS5 to turn off unexpectedly, it is best to contact Sony customer support. Alternately, you could also hire a professional to repair the problem. We recommend trying out Shanefix.com if you need additional help.

Easy DIY Fixes to Try

Sometimes the answer really is that easy. This is a list of simple fixes that may solve your problem.

• Start by checking the power cord. A common problem is the cord becoming loose, so just unplugging it and then making sure when you plug it back in it's fulling inserted can sometimes fix the issue. While it's unplugged you should also check the cord for damage. If it looks good, wait a minute, then plug it back into the PS5. You can also try switching the outlet the PS5 is plugged into. If the cord does look damaged, buy a new one. The PS5 uses an IEC C7 power cable like this one from Amazon (paid link): AC Power Cord Compatible with PS5
  If you are using a power strip, double check how much power it supplies. The PS5 draws a lot of power, and not all power strips can handle it. Here is a power strip we recommend that's available on Amazon (paid link): Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
• Check if the problem is a software issue. The easiest way to do that is to make sure your system is up to date. System updates are often released to fix problems users are having, so it is important to update your system. To do this, go to Settings > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Then, select Update System Software. Next, select Update Using Internet, and finally, select Update.
• Disable the HDMI Device Link. The HDMI Device Link matches the power state of your PS5 to your TV which allows the PS5 to turn on when you turn on your TV. But sometimes this doesn't work correctly and that causes issues. To disable it, go to Settings > System > HDMI. Then select HDMI Device Link by hitting the X button on your controller.
• Disable Rest Mode feature. To disable this, go to Settings > Systems > Power Saving. Select Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode, then change During Media Playback and While Playing Games to Don’t Put in Rest Mode.
• Ensure proper ventilation. We recommend storing your PS5 off the floor and placing it horizontally. Also remove any clutter from around your PS5. Check the ventilation areas of the PS5 case. If anything is clogged, clean the area to get better airflow.

If none of those easier fixes work, then you'll need to move on to things that require more time, effort, and skill. 

One of the next things we recommend is cleaning your PS5. Luckily, Sony has designed the PS5 so you can clean the ventilation system without completely disassembling the console. We have a video in the next section of this post that will walk you through how to do that safely. 

How to Clean Your Console

Here is a great video we have created to show you how to clean your console! You want to make sure that you are careful when disassembling it. When cleaning, you will want to find the fan and the heat sink. Both of those areas can get clogged and cause your PS5 to overheat.

How to Respread Your Liquid Metal

This video will walk you through removing any oxidation from the APU and heatsink and respreading your liquid metal. If there are dry spots in the liquid metal your PS5 will overheat and turn off. You may need to periodically check and respread the liquid metal. This video will walk you through how to do it correctly so you don’t damage anything.

TronicsFix YouTube video on How to Fix the PS5 Liquid Metal Problem

Additional Resources

If you are still not sure what to do, we highly recommend checking out Shanefix. They offer repair services for many types of consoles. We don’t want you to buy a new console unless you have to!

Another great resource is the TronicsFix forum, which allows you to interact with a community of game console fixers, from beginners to more advanced. They can offer advice on how to fix your specific problem. Plus, we also have a forum channel on our TronicsFix Discord server.

About the Author

Jocelyn Seaton is a writer for TronicsFix who enjoys helping others learn new things. In her off time you will find her reading and spending time with her family.