Is your PS5 acting up? Have you noticed an unusually loud noise from the console or has it just turned off abruptly? You may be experiencing PS5 overheating issues.
PlayStation 5, SONY’s latest gaming console, is packed with a vast array of features. These features are powered by its temperature-sensitive parts. PS5 overheating is mainly caused by restricted airflow and incorrect positioning.
In this guide, you will learn how to tell if your PS5 is overheating and what to do about it.
Signs Your PlayStation 5 is Too Hot
- The Console Will Flash A Warning. When the temperature of the device ties beyond the normal levels, the console will alert you. You will see warning messages like this: “Your PS5 is too hot. Turn off your PS5, and wait until the temperature goes down“.
- Your PS5’s Cooling Fan Is Way Too Loud. When your console starts to sound like an aircraft, it means the fan is trying hard to keep the console at optimal temperatures. This is especially critical when it starts happening frequently.
- Major Performance Issues. Game lags, slow frame loading, out-sync audio, and screen freezes are signs that your PS5 is overheating. The console will try to reduce CPU and GPU speeds to bring down its temperature and this causes performance issues.
- Graphical Artifacts. Black or white dots, and purple, blue, or green screens are signs of malfunctioning consoles. The malfunction is often caused by poor heat dissipation by the console.
- The Console Feels Hot To The Touch. The console is designed to be able to cool itself to optimal temperatures. It will surely be warm with prolonged use. However, it is a problem when it becomes too hot to touch.
- A Sudden Shutdown. The previous signs build up to this. Modern consoles like the PS5 have built-in protective measures. One of these is an automatic shutdown of the system when the conditions of operation are sub-optimal.
Make sure you also know what it’s covered by the PS5 Warranty.
Overheating: Possible Causes
- PS5 Is In Hot Conditions. Putting your PS5 consoles in cabinets with no wiggle room or closed spaces contributes greatly to overheating. It is not ideal to place your PS5 console on soft surfaces like rugs. Those kinds of surfaces trap the heat, thus causing the console to overheat.
- Not Cleaning The PS5. The PS5 console is just like a regular machine. Dust or dirt particles will accumulate on its fans and restrict airflow. Overheating is a natural consequence if you don’t clean your console.
- Fans Are Not Working. Sometimes, debris, lint, and dirt particles clog the fan vents and prevent them from working. Your console won’t cool appropriately if its fans are not working.
- You Are Playing Nonstop. Playing for long hours increases wattage consumption, which may raise the console’s temperature. It is worse if you are playing games that use a big chunk of the console’s resources.
Did you know that overheating can cause the PS5 green screen of death?
3 Ways To Fix PS5 Overheating Issues
Once you can confirm that you’re experiencing PS5 overheating shutdown, the following are things you should do to fix the issue.
However, if the issue persists after doing all these, you should contact a professional or the SONY Customer Care service.
Solution 1: Check If The Console Fans Are Working
You may accomplish this in two ways:
- Place Your Hands Near The Console’s Air Vents. The fan is still operating if you feel air flowing across your skin.
- Start A Game With The Sound Turned Off. Place your ears near the console. If your console fan is active, you will hear the faint sounds of airflow.
Solution 2: Clean The Air Vents
Do a quick cleanup of your console. Remove the dirt particles that might be obstructing airflow in the vents. To this, follow these steps.
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Step 1: Remove The Side Covers Of The Console.
Switch off your device before you do this. Also, be careful to do it the right way.
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Step 2: Gently Vacuum Air Vents.
Air vents are parts of the console’s design. Locate the triangular shape holes on the console sides and vacuum them. Please, use a low-powered vacuum to do this. Other types of vacuum would cause a build-up of static electricity and damage the console’s internals.
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Step 3: Return the Covers To Their Place.
Switch on the console and see if the issue has been resolved.
Solution 3: Put Your Console On The Right Surface and Space
It is best to position your console vertically. Ensure that about 10 inches of space are around the air vents of the console.
Also, always ensure the console is on its stand no matter where you position it.
Avoid positioning your console directly on the floor or on soft surfaces like rugs or carpets.
They contribute to a quick build-up of dust particles in the air vents.
How Does Overheating Affect The PS5’S Health?
PS5 overheating damages the console’s hardware and reduces its lifespan drastically. The CPU, GPU, RAM, and M.2 storage drive within the console are designed to operate within a specific temperature range.
When the console operates at temperatures outside that range, these parts start to malfunction.
They eventually get damaged if this happens consistently.
Also, the machine’s lifespan is shortened whenever it happens.
Find out more about the PS5 graphics card.
How To Open And Clean Your PS5?
Your PS5 overheating fix may require that you open and clean your console.
The process is easy but requires care: you will need cleaning brushes/low-powered vacuum, screwdrivers, isopropyl alcohol, and tweezers. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Turn off and unplug the PS5 console.
- Remove the console’s side covers and its fan.
- Remove and clean the fan.
- Vacuum the air vents and front pins.
- Clean and wipe everything with a microfibre cloth.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how you can clean your PS5 the right way.
How Do You Keep A PS5 Cool Inside A Cabinet?
- Ensure The Cabinet is Not Cramped. There should be wiggle room for the console to allow for proper airflow.
- Position The Console Vertically. Ensure the console is mounted upright. This allows it to maximize its air vents and get proper airflow.
- Get a Cooling Fan. You can also purchase a cooling fan to keep the console’s environment cool whenever it is running, but this is optional.
Can Overheating Cause The PS5 To Turn Off?
Yes. The lack of airflow can cause PS5 consoles to overheat. When this happens, the console shuts down immediately to protect its hardware. The console turns off because of the sensors SONY incorporated into the console’s design.
That’s why you may experience sudden PS5 overheating shutdowns. Although it may be annoying, it is a measure to protect your PS5 from serious damage.
Is It OK To Leave The PS5 On Overnight?
Yes. PS5 consoles are designed with newer technology such that they consume less electricity and are less prone to overheating. The consoles also have sensors that detect hot temperatures. In such cases, the console alerts you and automatically shuts down to prevent hardware damage.
While it is OK to leave your PS5 on overnight, you should understand that it is not an optimal use of the console.
And if you have to do so, ensure the console is kept in a suitable condition—with a constant electricity supply and proper ventilation.
Take Care of Your PS5 and Avoid Overheating
Any electrical gadget will heat up when used intensively and without enough airflow.
The PS5 overheating and turning off is unavoidable if you fail to maintain or position it properly.
Ideally, you should take adequate precautions to keep the console from overheating.
Nonetheless, if you’ve already been having difficulty managing the temperature, the solutions discussed earlier in this article will help you resolve your PS5 overheating issues.
