13 Easy Ways to Stop Your PlayStation 5 from Overheating

A guide to stopping your PS5 from getting too hot and why it happens

Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: January 16, 2025 Fact Checked

It can be frustrating when you're playing the latest next-gen games and suddenly, you see a message informing you that your PS5 is getting too hot. It will either advise you to allow your system to cool or if it's really hot, it will shut down automatically. Luckily, we're here to help you fix this issue. This wikiHow article teaches you why your PS5 is getting too hot and what you can do to fix it.

Why is my PS5 overheating?

Your PS5 may overheat due to lack of airflow, dust blocking the vents, being in the vertical position, or continued use. To fix the issue, keep your PS5 in a cool, well-ventilated area, clean the vents and cooling fans, switch it to the horizontal position, and shut down your PS5 periodically to allow it to cool.

1

Keep your PS5 well ventilated.

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There may not be enough airflow around your PS5. Make sure the area you keep your PS5 in is a cool area. Keep it away from any other devices that give off heat. Make sure there are a couple of inches on all sides of your PS5 to allow for air to flow to keep your PS5 well-ventilated.
- You may also want to consider keeping your PS5 in an open area, such as on top of a cabinet or off to the side, rather than inside a media cabinet where it may collect dust.

2

Allow your PS5 to cool.

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If you are playing your PS5 for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to take a break every so often. When you take a break from gaming, be sure to shut down your PS5 for about an hour so that it can cool.

3

Place your PS5 in the horizontal position.

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The PS5 is designed to stand on end in the vertical position or lay flat in the horizontal position. However, the PS5 uses a liquid metal cooling system that transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink. When the PS5 stands in the vertical position, it causes the liquid metal to pool at the bottom of the CPU. This can cause dry spots on the CPU where heat will build up. Furthermore, in some cases, this can cause the liquid metal to leak and damage other internal components. Place the PS5 in the vertical position to avoid problems with the liquid metal cooling system.^{[1]
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4

Clean the vents and fans.

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The ventilation system could be blocked by dust and debris. The most common reason for a PS5 overheating is a build-up of dust and debris in the ventilation system. First, use a dry brush and a vacuum hose to clean any dust accumulating in the vents on the top sides of the PS5. Then remove the panels on top and bottom and use a brush and vacuum hose to clean the fans inside the PS5.
- It's recommended you take the time to clean the vents and fans at least once per month.

5

Clean the power supply.

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If your PS5 continues to overheat after cleaning the fans, there may be dust build-up on the power supply. You'll need to remove the panels to the PS5. Then, you will need to remove the cooling fan. Shine a flashlight down inside the inner panel and look for a vent that has a honeycomb pattern. If that vent is dusty, clean it with a vacuum hose extension. If your PS5 continues to overheat, you may need to disassemble your PS5 completely and clean the inside.

6

Make sure your SSD has a heatsink.

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If you've installed an M.2 SSD expansion, make sure you have added a heatsink to go along with it. Sony recommends you install a heatsink along with your SSD. Some M.2 SSDs come with a heatsink. If yours did not come with a heatsink, you can purchase an SSD heatsink for under $20.

7

Check for updates.

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Your PS5 firmware may be out of date. Updates often contain security and other patches to make your system run more smoothly. If your PS5 keeps overheating, try checking for updates. Use the following steps to do so:^{[2]
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- Select the Settings/Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select System.
- Select System Software.
- Select System Software Update and Settings. Update Available if an update is available.
- Select Update system software.

8

Put your PS5 in performance mode.

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The graphics mode may be too demanding on the hardware. Many PS5 games allow you to select if you want to play the game in a resolution mode, which favors graphics over performance, or performance mode, which allows for a higher framerate at the cost of some graphics settings. Performance mode is less demanding than graphics mode. You can change these settings in the Settings menu of most games. You can also set your PS5 to play in performance mode by default. Use the following steps to do so:
- Select the Settings/Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings
- Select Game Presets.
- Select Performance Mode or Resolution Mode.
- Select Performance Mode.

9

Clear the system software cache.

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A full or corrupt cache can put strain on your console. The cache stores temporary files and data that make it easier for your PS5 system to access and improve performance. However, the cache may get cluttered or have some corrupt files over time. This can cause your system to work harder, which may cause it to overheat. Use the following steps to clear the cache:^{[3]
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- Power off your PS5.
- Press and hold the Power button until your heat two beeps to enter Safe Mode.
- Connect the controller to your PS5 using a USB cable.
- Press the Home button on the controller.
- Select Clear Cache and Rebuilt Database.
- Select Clear System Software Cache.
- Select Ok.

10

Rebuild the system database.

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The database may be corrupt and straining the hardware. The system database is how the PS5 organizes files and data. Over time, it may become corrupt or fragmented. This can also force your system to work harder. Use the following steps to rebuild the database:
- Power off your PS5.
- Press and hold the Power button until your heat two beeps to enter Safe Mode.
- Connect the controller to your PS5 using a USB cable.
- Press the Home button on the controller.
- Select Clear Cache and Rebuilt Database.
- Select Rebuild Database.
- Select Ok.

11

Get a cooling stand or fan.

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There are a variety of cooling stations available that will provide additional cooling as well as charge your controllers when you're not using them. They start at around $36. You can also purchase a cooling fan that attaches to your PS5's vents for around $20.

12

Reset your PS5 settings.

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Incorrect or corrupt settings could lead to performance issues. If you continue to experience overheating issues, your settings may need to be reset. This will erase your games and user data, so back up your system first. You can do so using an external hard drive or USB drive. Use the following steps to reset your PS5:^{[4]
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- Connect an external hard drive (optional).
- Select the Settings/Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select System.
- Select System Software.
- Select Back Up and Restore (optional)
- Select Back Up Your PS5 (optional)
- Select the data you want to back up and select Next (optional).
  - After resetting your system, select Restore PS5 to restore the data.
- Go back to the "System Software" menu.
- Select Reset Options.
- Select Reset Default settings and follow the instructions.
  - If the option doesn't work, return to this menu and select Reset PS5.

13

Contact PlayStation Support.

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If you cannot stop your PS5 from overheating, it likely needs repair. If you've tried everything, there may be a problem with your console's hardware. Contact Sony for repairs. If your console is new enough, it may still be under warranty. Use one of the following steps to contact PlayStation Support:^{[5]
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- You can contact PlayStation support online at https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/.
- You can call PlayStation support at 1-800-345-7669.