Why is your Sony PS5 overheating? How to fix it

The Sony PlayStation 5 or simply the PS5, is one of the best gaming consoles around right now. A massive update from the PS4 consoles, the PS5 (launched in 2020) is equipped with more powerful internals including much faster SSD storage, which allows it to load bigger games up and do it faster. However, the PlayStation 5 is not completely invulnerable to performance issues.

Ask anyone who has played on the console for long enough and PS5 overheating will be a topic that comes up. With newer games becoming resource-heavy, the console can run warmer than usual. However, while some of this heating is normal, excessive heating could be a hint at other issues. Here’s a deeper look into the most common Sony PlayStation 5 overheating queries, including how you can easily fix this issue.

5 Frequently asked questions about an overheating Sony PS5

1. Is it normal for a PS5 to get hot?

2. Can overheating damage my PS5?

3. Why is my PS5 overheating?

4. How long can you play on a PS5 before it begins heating up?

5. How to keep your PS5 cool

1. Is it normal for a PS5 to get hot?

The short answer is yes. Like most gaming laptops and desktops, consoles like the Sony PS5 will also heat up when in action. A temperature of up to 65-degrees Celcius to 75-degrees Celcius is considered normal. However, under extra load (long gaming sessions, excessive room temperature, etc) the console can even get hotter than 100-degrees Celcius.

2. Can overheating damage my PS5?

As mentioned above, if the temperature of your PS5 hovers around the expected range, then it is unlikely to get damaged. Most modern gaming consoles and other systems are designed to handle that kind of heat during usage. The PS5 also features a thermal shutdown feature, which will automatically power off the system if it gets too hot, before any damage is caused.

ALSO READ: Sony PlayStation evolution: From 480p to 4K

This is also your primary symptom for overheating. Regular, spontaneous shutting down of your PS5 may indicate that it is overheating frequently. So yes, while overheating will not directly damage your console, it will prompt your PS5 to shut down frequently, making the gaming experience very annoying.

3. Why is my PS5 overheating?

There are three major reasons why your PlayStation may be overheating. The first is inappropriate positioning. If your PS5 is placed too close to the walls, shelves or other appliances that can block its airflow or add additional heat to the PS5, the console is likely to heat up faster.

The second possibility is malfunctioning fans. The PS5 is an air-cooled console and relies on a heat sink and internal fans to cool the system during gaming. Any kind of failure in these fans would mean heat generated inside the components cannot be released outside, causing the console to overheat and eventually shut down.

The third possibility for overheating could be a build-up of dust over the fans. When dust or other particles like pet fur gather over the internal components of your PS5 over time, it can block the fans’ movement and cause them to slow down. It can also cover the surface of the heat sink, preventing it from releasing heat as it is supposed to.

4. How long can you play on a PS5 before it begins heating up?

Despite its integrated fans, the PS5 will not be able to push heat out effectively during really long gaming sessions, because after a point, the console will begin generating heat faster than the fans can push out. A clean and neatly maintained PlayStation 5 may be able to game for four-five hours before it starts getting too hot and triggers an automatic shut-down. However, this number may also vary based on the game you’re playing.

5. How to keep your PS5 cool

The Sony PlayStation 5 is already designed to be cool. Hence, all you need to do to make sure your console is working fine is some basic, timely maintenance. To clean your PS5, gently open up the console’s side covers and use a small vacuum cleaner to clean the air vents and front pins. You can then use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to clean the fans. Remember to be gentle so you don’t bend or damage the fans.

ALSO READ: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc vs Digital Edition: Which is right for you?

Also remember to place the console in a clean area that is as far away from dust exposure as possible. If you live in naturally warmer climate, consider getting an appliance like an AC or air cooler to keep your surroundings cool. You should also place the PS5 vertically, and away from walls and other appliances for the best airflow.

If these methods don’t help your PS5 run cooler, you may be facing a larger hardware issue. In this case, consider taking your console to the nearest service centre to get it checked. Otherwise, these basic tips to keep the PS5 clean and running in a nice, cool environment should help it stay clear of any overheating problems.