The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of a gaming console, so it’s no surprise that it warms up. But, there are a few things you can do to help keep it running cool and avoid overheating. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why your PS5 is overheating, and more importantly, how to fix it.
Signs of a PS5 Overheating
If your PS5 is too hot, you will know about it. The console’s temperature can impact a number of things, and the first one you will probably experience is unusual sounds. To prevent overheating, your PS5 ventilation system may begin to roar, making the console much louder than normal.
You will also notice signs of overheating while playing games. This can include slow loading times, or a warning message, particularly with graphically demanding games. Game crashes can also occur, enough times to drive most gamers crazy. Not all games will work, with some failing altogether. A flashing blue light on your PS5 can be another telltale sign of an overheating issue.
You can tell if your PS5 is too hot by just touching it. Poor airflow and an increased internal temperature will be obvious if you place your hands on the PS5 console. This needs addressing immediately to prevent overheating and causing a big issue with your PlayStation. The good news is that it’s usually a quick fix and you can start playing again in no time.
Reasons For Your PS5 Overheating
There are a number of things that could be causing your PlayStation 5 to overheat. We’ve highlighted the most common reasons below:
- Physical damage to the console
- Obstructed vents
- Out of date software
- Too many applications and processes running
- It hasn’t been turned off in a while
- Poor internet connection
Now we will go through how to troubleshoot these issues to understand what is causing your PS5 overheating problem, and how to make it go away.
Check The PS5 For Any Physical Damage
Unfortunately, physical damage could be the cause of your PS5 overheating, and if it is, it could be a serious problem. Unlike temporary software or CPU issues, physical damage could mean the console needs a repair or even replacement. This is why it’s important to eliminate this issue first.
Check the exterior case for any cracks, scratches, or other signs of damage. Then, open up the case and take a look at the internal components. Make sure that all the connections are secure and that there are no loose wires or other signs of damage. If everything looks good, then it’s unlikely a physical damage issue – which is good news.
Make Sure All Air Vents Are Clear
Periodically cleaning your PS5 can help to improve its performance and extend its lifespan. One important task is to clear the vents, which can become blocked with dust and lint and cause the PS5 to overheat. Although there are many reasons for overheating issues, dust and debris are the most common cause. By not giving your PlayStation 5 proper airflow and room to breathe, you could cause irreversible damage.
Here’s how to clear PS5 vents:
- First power down the console and unplug all cables.
- Next, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any debris or dust buildup from the vents. You can also lightly vacuum the dust.
- Be careful not to insert anything into the vents, as this could damage the internal components.
- Once the air vents are clear, you can plug the console back in and turn it on. You should check for dust buildup and clear the vents regularly.
To prevent dust accumulation, it’s advised to keep your PS5 standing upright in a space with good ventilation. Storing your PS5 in an enclosed space can result in excessive heat. It’s also advisable to avoid storing your PS5 in places with a warm temperature, such as spots in direct sunlight.
It’s worth noting that while a PS5 cover may look cool, it can be a cause of overheating and Sony actually advises against using a cover on your console. They can restrict airflow and result in the PlayStation becoming too warm.
Update Your PS5
Just like any other device, out-of-date software can cause issues with your PlayStation. It may mean that the console is having to work in overdrive, which can cause it to get too hot. It’s a good idea to regularly check for software updates to avoid this issue.
Here’s how to check for a PS5 software update:
- First, you’ll need to power on your PS5 and open the Settings menu.
- From here, navigate to the System tab and select System Software Updates.
- If there’s an update available for your console, it will be listed here.
- Simply select Update and follow the prompts to install the update.
Disable Unnecessary Applications
When you stop playing games or using an application on the PS5, it doesn’t mean it’s completely closed. This can result in a lot of background processes running, overworking your CPU, and causing your PS5 to overheat. To ensure this isn’t causing problems with your console, you will need to close any unused applications.
Here’s how to close applications on the PS5:
- Go to the home screen and scroll over to the application you want to close.
- Press the “options” button on your controller.
- Select “quit application.”
- This will close the application and take you back to the home screen.
- To close all applications at once, simply hold down the “options” button on your controller for a few seconds. A menu will pop up with the option to “close all applications.”
Closing unused applications regularly on your PlayStation is one of the easiest but most effective ways to keep it from overheating. Close any game you are not playing, and don’t leave things running in the background.
Restart Your PlayStation
Sometimes it’s as easy as just needing a restart. If you’re a regular player, it may be that you just put your PlayStation 5 to rest mode or standby. This might mean that your device goes days, weeks, or even months without a proper shutdown. Doing this will mean your console needs to work harder and could be a cause to PS5 overheating issues.
Here’s how to restart a PlayStation 5:
- Press the PlayStation symbol on your controller.
- Navigate to the power option on the bottom menu that appears.
- Select the restart PS5 button.
- Wait for the restart process to complete and for your device to turn back on.
The truth is that heavy gameplay can cause PS5 overheating problems, and you should give your console a break from time to time to prevent it from getting too hot.
Still Having PS5 Overheating Issues?
If you have followed all of the instructions in this post and your console is still overheating, it could be signs of a bigger problem. The last step in the process is to reach out to Sony to discuss proper diagnostics and repair.
You should avoid gaming too much in the meantime, as it can cause further heat damage to your device.
