Why Does PS5 Shuts Off While Playing? (Let’s Fix it Fast!)

If your PS5 shuts off while playing, there are only three possibilities: overheating, storage issues, or power deficiency. It’s one of them for sure!

When overheating, your PS5 will definitely turn off at some point, while when the power is not enough to handle the utilization, it may reboot or power off.

In turn, if there is a faulty sector or corrupt data in your hard drive, the PS5 system may run into a failure, turning the console off.

Don’t worry–whatever it is, this quick guide will help you solve it!

PS5 Shuts Off While Playing – [Fixed in 3 Ultimate Solutions]

Note: Make sure to update your PS5 to the latest firmware version!

1. Check & Prevent Console Overheating

The most common cause, even almost guaranteed, why the PS5 shuts off while playing is due to hardware overheating.

Almost any electronic device has the so-called “thermal margin”, which is the absolute maximum operational temperature.

When the thermal margin is exceeded, the device shuts off automatically to prevent the head from damaging the hardware components.

While gaming, the hardware is under heavy utilization, which increases the HW temperature, causing the PlayStation 5 to shut down and not turn on.

The PlayStation 5 thermal margin is around  ~203°F or ~95°C🔥

• The only solution is to stop the overheating!

⚠️Important: Your console could be overheating because of a hardware defect with the cooling fan, so verify that your PS5 is making a loud noise while gaming (you must be able to hear the fan RPM).

There are several things you could do to stop the PS5 from overheating:

1.1 – Reposition your PlayStation 5

One of the most effective techniques is to relocate your PlayStation 5 to improve the airflow around the console.

You must keep the machine at a considerable range of about 3–4 inches from each wall and away from heat conductors.

In addition, it’s strongly recommended to avoid horizontal positioning as the PS5 is designed to stay vertical, which is the best position for effective cooling.

1.2 – Cool Down the Environment

The environmental heat is another major factor in console overheating.

To put this as concisely as possible, we can say that the warmer the room, the warmer the PS5 will be.

So, you must cool down the environment by opening a window or turning on the AC.

1.3 – Clean the Console Internally

The most effective way to clean a PS5 console is to disassemble the machine and remove the dust from the ventilation fan.

While you’re at it, you’ll also be able to properly unclog the vents, which is guaranteed to stop the overheating immediately.

⚠️Warning: Opening up your PS5 console voids the warranty!

Here’s a detailed step-by-step tutorial to clean your PS5 internally:

✅ – Remove the Panels: 

First, you need to remove the top and bottom panels by pushing them to the right until they come loose. You may need to apply more force if you feel resistance, but don’t overdo it.

✅ – Undo Cooling Cover: 

The next step is to unscrew the cooling fan cover by using a Torx 8-bit. You need to remove the 4 screws that hold everything in place. 

✅ – Remove the Plastic: 

Now, you can gently remove the plastic trim by pulling it inwards with your fingers, which will release it from the clips, so you can take it out.

✅ – Remove Connector: 

The next step is to pry out the little plastic cover, which is on top of the fan connection by using a screwdriver.

This will allow you to pull out and wiggle the connector until the fan comes loose.

✅ – Clean the Hardware

Here comes the most important step–cleaning! 

Now, inspect the hardware of the console for any dust accumulation, especially near the vents.

Clean the interior however you can (vacuum, compressed air, etc) and make sure to remove every bit of debris you find. On the side, also clean the removed fan from any dust or debris.

• Don’t forget to wipe everything clean when you’re ready and avoid too much liquid.

When you are ready, you should assemble your PlayStation 5 back together and test for overheating.

2. Resolve Potential PS5 Storage Issues

Well, in many cases, the PS5 randomly shuts off while playing games because of a potential operating system failure.

On many occasions, this is caused by corrupt data, faulty storage sectors, or a specific game/app. 

At this point, the best thing you could do is test whether the PS5 shuts off while playing any game on your console, or just one specific game.

So, if the problem occurs only while playing a new game that you’ve recently downloaded, a quick reinstallation would probably be enough.

If, however, the PS5 shuts down while playing any game, we have got a much better solution!

You must first enter “Safe Mode” by turning off the console and holding the Power button until you hear the 2 x beeps.

Now, connect your controller via USB cable and follow these steps:

2.1 – Clear the PlayStation 5 App Cache:

From the “Safe Mode”, choose the “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database” option and select “Clear System Software Cache”.

This will sign you out of your accounts in apps and games. When ready, don’t jump into gaming just yet, enter “Safe Mode” again!

2.2 – Rebuild the PlayStation 5 Database

Now, choose the “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database” again, but this time go for the “Rebuild Database” option and wait out the process.

When ready, you can sign back into your account and test whether the PS5 will continue turning off while playing.

3. Ensure Proper Console Power Supply

So, the PlayStation 5 withdraws constant power (not scaling) but uses variable frequencies for essential components such as the CPU (processor) and the GPU (graphics card).

Under heavy utilization while gaming, the variable frequency can cause issues when the power is too weak. 

On the other hand, it’s also possible that your power line is fluctuating, causing the machine to lose power while under heavy utilization.

The bottom line here is that you need to verify a proper PS5 power supply!

Quick Tip: If you face similar problems with other appliances in your home, such as weak or flickering light bulbs, restart the power from the circuit breaker.

3.1 – Check the Power Cord

The first thing to do is check the power cord of your PlayStation 5 and whether there are any signs of wear and tear.

Sometimes, when there is a power deficiency, something unusual, such as melted plastic, bent prongs, or ripped cable, can be seen.

If everything with the cord looks fine, also inspect the power outlet.

3.2 – Remove All Wall Plugs

The next step is to remove all smart plugs, external connectors, dividers, and extenders from the wall outlet near your PlayStation 5. 

3.3 – Plug your PS5 Directly 

Finally, connect your PlayStation 5 tightly to the wall and make sure that the power cable is firmly plugged on both sides.

Then test if the PS5 shuts off while playing demanding games.

Note: If you’re unable to identify where the problem comes from, or you suspect that your PS5 has a hardware defect, get in touch with PlayStation®5 Support.