If you’re here, that means you’re asking yourself: “Why does my PS5 keep turning off?” And if you’ve ever browsed the PlayStation 5 subreddits, you know you’re not alone. Gamers everywhere are venting their frustration over PS5 consoles that randomly shut down, mid-game, mid-menu, even mid-thought. Whether you’re battling a boss in Elden Ring, swinging through Miles Morales, or grinding in Baldur’s Gate, nothing kills the mood faster than a sudden blackout.

It’s not just you. PS5 turning off randomly is a widespread problem, and the internet is full of theories and solutions. Some Reddit threads swear it’s overheating caused by dust; others say it’s a faulty power supply, a bad HDMI setup, or even just poor placement of the console. The advice is scattered, and trying to piece it all together can feel like a side quest with no map.

That’s why we’re here. We’ve consolidated the most common causes and fixes into one place, so you can troubleshoot your PS5 without endlessly scrolling forums. We’ll take you through the possible solutions, so you can stop worrying about your console and get back to gaming.

Let’s dive in and figure out what’s going on with your PS5. Together, we’ll fix this! (And no, taking it apart with no plan isn’t the first step.)

1. Overheating: The Common Culprit

Your PS5 works hard, especially during marathon gaming sessions. Overheating is one of the most common reasons your PS5 might keep turning off. If the system runs too hot, you may see a warning before it powers off—but don’t count on it. Sometimes it just shuts down without a word.

Start with your PS5’s environment:

Is it in a tight space, a closed cabinet, or near a heat source? These setups restrict airflow and can cause overheating.

Move your console to a well-ventilated area where air can circulate freely.

If you’ve addressed placement and it still overheats, dust could be the issue.

2. Is It the Power Supply?

If your PS5 isn’t overheating but still shuts down randomly, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) could be the culprit.

These are the signs of a PSU problem on PS5:

Burning hot bottom screw. After a shutdown, touch the bottom of your console. If it feels unusually hot, your PSU might be overheating.

Delayed restart. If your PS5 doesn’t turn back on immediately after shutting down, it’s another potential sign of PSU trouble.

Here’s how to fix it:

Test your power outlet. A short or surge in your outlet can cause random shutdowns. Plug your PS5 into a different outlet to rule this out.
Upgrade your power cable. A thicker, higher-gauge power cable may handle the power load better, especially if your current cable is underperforming.

If the issue persists, consult a repair technician. Replacing a PSU is not a DIY-friendly fix, and attempting it could void your warranty.

3. Blame the Dust (Again)

If you’ve already moved your PS5 to a well-ventilated area and it’s still shutting down, dust buildup may be the hidden culprit. Many users focus on cleaning the fan, but the PSU vent and internal components are also critical for good airflow.

Dust collects everywhere, from the fan to the PSU vent and heatsinks. If left unchecked, it can block airflow, overheat components, and trip the system’s safety shutdown.

A dirty PSU vent is particularly problematic since it directly affects the power supply.

How to clean your PS5:

Vacuum the dust collection holes. Sony designed specific dust collection holes in the PS5 for easy maintenance. Use a vacuum to remove debris. Avoid canned air, as it can push dust further inside.

Clean internals if necessary. If vacuuming doesn’t solve the issue and your warranty is void, carefully remove the panels and clean the PSU vent and internal components with a small vacuum attachment or dry air can.

For a more detailed guide, read our blog “How to Clean PS5 in 5 Easy Steps.”

If you’re uncomfortable opening the console, take it to a professional technician for a thorough cleaning.

4. PS5: Vertical vs. Horizontal?

You’ve seen it in the ads: the PS5 standing proudly upright, dominating your entertainment center. But is vertical positioning really the best option? For some users, standing the console vertically has caused significant problems.

Should PS5 be vertical or horizontal?

The PS5 uses liquid metal to cool the CPU. When the console is vertical, this liquid can pool unevenly over time, leaving some areas of the CPU exposed. This can cause “heat blooms,” where certain parts of the CPU overheat, eventually leading to random shutdowns or even permanent damage. If the liquid metal’s seal fails, it can leak onto the board, creating a short circuit.

If your console is shutting down and you’ve noticed the bottom feels especially hot when it’s vertical, switching to a horizontal setup might make a noticeable difference. It’s a simple change, and for many users, it has been a game-changer (pun intended).

5. Are HDMI and USB Accessories Causing PS5 Overload?

Let’s take a break from the dust drama and talk about another culprit behind PS5 turning off: your HDMI and USB setups. Believe it or not, having too many devices connected to your PS5 can occasionally lead to performance hiccups or even random shutdowns.

Your PS5 might be turning off because …

HDMI daisy chains. If you’re using an HDMI splitter, capture card, or daisy-chained setup, you might be pushing your PS5 a bit too hard. While these setups are often harmless, some users have reported that reducing connected HDMI devices helped stabilize their console.

USB overload. Plugging in multiple USB-powered accessories (like headphones, external drives, or charging cables) can strain the console.

Quick Tip: Unplug any unnecessary devices and test your PS5 with just the essentials connected.

6. Advanced Solution: Replace Liquid Metal

The PS5 uses liquid metal for cooling, which offers excellent heat dissipation but comes with risks. Over time, the liquid metal can dry out, shift, or pool unevenly, especially if the console has been running vertically.

If you’ve ruled out overheating, power supply issues, and external factors, you might want to look into PS5 liquid metal replacement.

Replacing liquid metal is an advanced procedure that involves opening the console and handling sensitive components. Unless you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast, it’s best to have a professional handle this one.

Final Thoughts on Why Does Your PS5 Keep Turning Off

Dealing with random PS5 shutdowns can make you feel like your console is actively trying to ruin your gaming experience. Sometimes it feels like the PS5 was doomed from the start, with overheating, dust issues, and overly sensitive components all working against you.

But here’s the thing: it’s not the end of the world. You’ve got solutions! And if all else fails, well… maybe the PS5 just wasn’t meant to be. But hey, there’s always PC gaming or Xbox – we won’t tell Sony.

For now, take a deep breath, grab a vacuum, and let’s get your PS5 back in the game. Because honestly, Elden Ring isn’t going to beat itself.