www.makeuseof.com 6 Ways to Stop Your PS5 From Randomly Shutting Down

By Chifundo Kasiya Share Tweet Share Email

Is your PS5 shutting down of its own accord? You need to nip that behaviour in the bud, so try some of these tips.

After getting a PS5, a few players have reported that their console shuts down during gameplay. For others, these shutdowns happen when their console is in Rest Mode. What’s worse is that they seem to happen for no reason.

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 experiencing random shutdowns, it can put a damper on your enjoyment of the PS5. So instead of scratching your head or thinking of sending the console back for repairs, try the following troubleshooting steps.

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 should change it and 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 power when needed, triggering an incorrect shutdown.

Plug the PS5’s power cable directly into the outlet to fix this problem. If this doesn’t work, the issue could be the outlet itself. Try connecting the PS5’s power cable to a different outlet to see if the problem is gone.

3. Update the PS5’s Firmware

Sometimes, you can fix the random shutdowns by simply updating 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.

Related: How to Fix PS5 Wi-Fi Issues: A Troubleshooting Guide

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 Rest Mode is causing these random shutdowns. So the best way to avoid them is to disable the feature altogether. Doing this will ensure that the console doesn’t automatically enter Rest Mode when you’re away long enough.

Related: PlayStation 5 Tips and Tricks You Must Know

5. Disable HDMI Device Link

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

Related: How to Enable 120Hz Output on PS5

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 using a USB-C cable and switch it on. From the list of available options, choose Rebuild Database (the fifth option) and then OK.

Now, wait for the database to rebuild. Keep in mind that this process can take a few hours to complete.

When to Contact Sony for a Fix

If any of the solutions above don’t work, 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 console in for repairs. Before sending it in, make sure the PS5 is still under warranty and not physically damaged.

Enjoy Your PS5 Without Random Shutdowns

If your PS5 is shutting down 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 go off at any moment. And if not, you can always contact Sony for a fix.

Chifundo is a writer for MakeUseOf. He initially studied banking but discovered a passion for writing and became a freelance writer on Upwork in 2017. He has written articles, blogs, essays and web content for dozens of clients. Chifundo loves that writing allows him to learn and explore different topics and turn them into engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps people. In his spare time, he designs and codes websites and makes video games.

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