Fix: PS5 console turns off while playing games

Many PS4 owners complained about the console turning off while playing games. This issue seems to occur more frequently when playing PS5-exclusive games.

Update March 2023:

There’s a class action lawsuit filed against Sony that says the PS5 is affected by a defect that causes the console to suddenly crash and shut down while users are playing video games.

According to the plaintiff’s notes:

[…] PS5 contains a defect that causes the console to suddenly crash and power down while the user is playing video games that they purchased (the “Console Defect”).

While the PS5 can be used for many entertainment purposes, playing video games on the console is its primary function. The Console Defect affects users’ ability to play video games and compromises the primary function and overall usage of the PS5.

You can read the class action complaint on ClassAction.org.

Why does my PS5 keep turning off by itself?

The power supply vent area of the PS5 contains a bunch of little holes. If these holes get clogged with dust, the power supply can overheat and force the console to shut off.

Many PS5 owners seem to agree this is the root cause of the issue.

It’s the power supply vent area. If you take your PS5 panels off and then take the fan out, shine a flashlight down that hole. You’ll see an area with a bunch of little holes – this is housing the power supply. When these holes get clogged with dust, no air can get through and the power supply ends up overheating after a while and forcing your console to shut off.

Well, until the judge returns the verdict for the class action lawsuit, you can follow the troubleshooting steps below and see if they fix your problem.

How to fix PS5 turning off while playing games

Check for overheating issues

PS5 games may sometimes cause the console to overheat. When your PS5 overheats, it automatically shuts down to prevent hardware damage.

There’s no alert or notification on the screen, the console simply turns off by itself.

PS4 games don’t usually cause the console to overheat. However, many PS5 games, albeit not all, may sometimes strain the Power Supply Unit (PSU), causing it to overheat and shut down.

To fix the problem, you need to open your PS5 console, get to the PSU, and clean the dust from the vents. The PSU has little vents that get caked with dust occasionally.

You need to remove the dust from the PSU and heatsinks to prevent overheating issues. Use a soft brush and a small vacuum to get the job done.

⇒ Important Note:

Opening your PS5 may void the warranty of the console. If you don’t want to run this risk, contact PlayStation Support.

The PSU draws more power when playing PS5 games which causes it to choke and shut down if there’s too much dust on the vents and heatsinks.

You need to remove the fan and then take a closer look at the PSU. You can use a flashlight to detect dust easier. Check if dust choked the vent holes.

If this is the case, this indicates the fan can’t exhaust the hot air.

Dust can definitely block air intake to the PSU. Clear the dust to solve the problem.

Additionally, move your console to a horizontal position and check if you notice any improvements.

Rebuild your database

Try rebuilding your database and check if your console shuts down less frequently.

Press the Power button to turn off your console.
Then press and hold the Power button again.
Wait until you hear the second beep and release the Power button.
You can now connect the controller with the USB cable.
Press the PlayStation button on your controller.
Select Rebuild Database.

Back your PS5 up and do a factory reset

Try doing a factory reset and check if this solution solves the problem. But first, don’t forget to back up your data.

Go to Settings.
Select System.
Then select System Software.
Go to Reset Options.
Select Reset Your Console.
Then select Reset.

Contact Sony and get your console serviced

If the issue persists, contact Sony Support for further support. Have your console serviced. If need be, Sony will replace your console with a new one.

Conclusion

If your PS5 turns off while playing games, open your PS5 console, get to the PSU, and clean the dust from the vents and heatsinks. Additionally, rebuild your database.

If the issue persists, back your PS5 up and do a factory reset.

If nothing works, contact Sony and get your console serviced.

Did you manage to fix the problem? Comment down below.

Note: This guide was updated in March 2023 to include additional information about the class action lawsuit filed against Sony.