Luckily, there’s a way to fix it and enjoy the PS5 without fearing these random shutdowns.

How to Prevent Your PS5 From Shutting Down Randomly

If you’re part of the minority whose PS5 randomly shuts off, it can put a damper on your enjoyment of the console. Here are seven ways to troubleshoot and fix a PlayStation 5 that won’t stop turning off by itself.

1. Make Sure You’ve Connected the PS5’s Power Cable Properly

Before you start changing any settings, make sure that you’ve connected the power cable properly. If the power cord is loose, it can cause the power to cut off, which will shut down your PS5 incorrectly. If the problem persists, it could be that you’re using a damaged power cable, and you should try changing it to see if that fixes the issue.

2. Connect Your PS5 to the Power Outlet Directly

Suppose you’ve connected the PS5 to a power extension together with other devices that consume a lot of power. This scenario can lead to the console not getting enough juice when needed, triggering a random shutdown.

To fix this problem, plug the PS5’s power cable into the wall outlet directly. If this doesn’t work, the issue could be the outlet itself, and you should try connecting the power cable to a different outlet to see if the problem persists.

3. Update the PS5’s Firmware

Sometimes, a simple PS5 shutting off randomly fix can be to update your PlayStation 5. With your PS5 system online, head to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.

Next, select Update System Software and then choose Update Using Internet. Then, select Update to begin downloading and installing the latest firmware.

4. Disable Rest Mode

If you notice that your PS5 is shutting down during Rest Mode, you might have to turn off the feature. To disable Rest Mode, go to Settings > System > Power Saving.

Pick Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode and set the During Media Playback and While Playing Games options to Don’t Put In Rest Mode on their respective drop-downs.

No one knows why the PS5 randomly shuts off during Rest Mode, which is why disabling it is the only way to fix it for now until Sony provides a solution. Doing this will ensure that the console doesn’t automatically enter Rest Mode when you’re away long enough.

The PS5’s HDMI Device Link could be the reason why your PS5 randomly turned off. To disable this feature, go to Settings > System > HDMI. Select HDMI Device Link and hit the X button on your Dual Sense controller to toggle it off.

6. Rebuild the PS5’s Database

To rebuild the PS5’s database, start by turning off the PS5. Next, you need to enter Safe Mode by holding the power button on your console for about five seconds. While doing this, the PS5 will beep twice before entering Safe Mode.

You can’t use your controller wirelessly while the system is in rest mode, so connect the Dual Sense controller to the PS5 using a USB-C cable and switch it on. From the list of available options, choose Rebuild Database and then OK.

Now, wait for the database to rebuild.

7. Fix the PS5’s Overheating Issues

If your PS5 is overheating, it can shut itself down to protect its internal components from getting damaged. When it overheats, you’ll most likely get an error message telling you that the “PS5 is too hot. Turn off your PS5, and wait until the temperature goes down.” As the warning says, just switch off the console, let it cool down, and things should be fine.

Sometimes, you might not get a warning that the console is overheating, and you’ll notice the PS5 randomly turns off. However, you can still tell it’s an overheating problem if the console feels very hot to the touch, the fan is making a lot of noise before turning off, or you’re experiencing performance issues, such as unexplained frame drops or graphical glitches.

You can fix most of these issues by making sure your PS5 is well-ventilated in the following ways:

Ensure nothing is blocking the PS5’s air vents, as obstructing the air vents can disrupt its internal airflow. Don’t place the console on the carpet or couch; make sure it’s in an open area and on a surface that’s cool and won’t absorb heat, such as a wooden, tiled, or stone surface. If you’re going to place the console vertically, make sure you’ve attached the PlayStation 5 stand to ensure the bottom vents have enough airflow. Use a compressed air can to clear dust (a well-known heat trapper) and other debris from the air vents.

While you’re at it, you can clean the fan as well to ensure it’s working properly and is not circulating dust inside the PS5’s casing. It might seem intimidating at first to remove the faceplates and the fan to give it a good cleaning, but it’s easier than most people think.

Once you rectify the overheating issues, hopefully, the PS5 turning off by itself will stop.

When Should You Contact Sony for a Fix?

If your PlayStation 5 keeps turning off after trying the above solutions, you might be one of the unlucky few who got a defective console. Your best bet at a solution is to contact PlayStation customer support so that you can send your unit in for repairs. Before sending it in, however, make sure the PS5 is still under warranty and not physically damaged in any way.

Enjoy Your PS5 Without Random Shutdowns

If you have a PS5 that’s shutting off randomly, we hope the troubleshooting steps mentioned above will help you fix the issue. That way, you can get back to enjoying your PS5 without worrying that it will turn off at any moment. And if not, you can always contact Sony for a fix or, in the worst-case scenario, a replacement.