The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is an amazing gaming console with awesome graphics and fast performance, but sometimes it can get too hot. Overheating can slow down your games, cause crashes, or even damage your console. If you see a message like “Your PS5 is too hot. Turn off your PS5 and wait until the temperature goes down,” don’t worry! I’ll share easy ways to fix and prevent PS5 overheating, based on my own experience.
Why Does Your PS5 Overheat?
- Dust Buildup: Dust, pet hair, or dirt can clog the vents and fan, blocking airflow. This makes it hard for the console to cool down.
- Poor Ventilation: If your PS5 is in a tight space, like a cabinet or near a wall, hot air can’t escape, causing heat to build up.
- Long Gaming Sessions: Playing for hours, especially with heavy games like Spider-Man 2 or FC 25, makes the console work hard and heat up.
- Faulty Hardware: A broken fan or issues with the liquid metal (a special cooling material in the PS5) can cause overheating.
- Room Temperature: If your room is hot (above 95°F or 35°C), the PS5 struggles to stay cool, as noted by Sony.
Signs of overheating include a loud fan, slow games, crashes, weird screen colors (like green or purple), or the console shutting off suddenly. I noticed my PS5’s fan getting loud during Elden Ring marathons, which pushed me to find these fixes.
1. Check Your PS5’s Placement
The easiest way to prevent overheating is to put your PS5 in the right spot. Sony recommends keeping it at least 4 inches (10 cm) away from walls or objects to let air flow freely.
- Use a Hard Surface: Place your PS5 on a flat, hard surface like a wooden table or TV stand. Avoid soft surfaces like carpets, beds, or couches, which trap heat and collect dust. My PS5 was on a rug, and moving it to a table helped a lot.
- Avoid Tight Spaces: Don’t put your PS5 in a closed cabinet or cramped shelf. I moved mine to an open shelf, and the fan got quieter.
- Vertical or Horizontal: Both positions work fine, but make sure the vents (top and front for air intake, back for exhaust) aren’t blocked. I keep mine vertical with the included stand for stability.
A post on X mentioned that placing the PS5 horizontally helped with overheating in MLB The Show 25, so try switching positions if one doesn’t work.
2. Clean the Dust Regularly
Dust is a big reason for PS5 overheating. It clogs vents and fans, stopping air from moving properly. Here’s how I clean my PS5 every 1–2 months, based on iFixit’s guide:
- Turn Off and Unplug: Always turn off your PS5 and unplug it from power to stay safe.
- Remove Faceplates: Gently lift the corner near the PlayStation logo and slide the faceplate toward the bottom of the console. Do this for both sides (one has the disc drive, the other has the PS logo).
- Vacuum the Vents: Use a vacuum with a hose or a soft brush to clean dust from the vents on the top and sides. I used a small handheld vacuum, which worked great.
- Clean Dust Catchers: The PS5 has two dust catchers (small holes inside the faceplates). Vacuum these carefully to remove trapped dust.
- Check the Fan: Shine a light inside to see the fan. Use compressed air (keep the can upright to avoid moisture) or a soft brush to clear dust from the fan blades. Don’t spin the fan manually it can damage it.
This took me about 10 minutes, and my PS5 ran quieter afterward. suggests cleaning monthly if you have pets or live in a dusty area. A Reddit user found their PS5’s power supply was clogged with pet hair, causing overheating.
3. Take Breaks During Long Sessions
Playing for hours can make your PS5 hot, especially with demanding games. A forum post about FC 25 said the console overheated after 5–6 hours of play. If you see the “too hot” warning, save your game, turn off the PS5, and let it cool for 30–60 minutes. I set a timer to take a break every 3–4 hours during long sessions, which keeps my console happy. If you play a lot, consider an external cooling fan from a trusted brand, but wikiHow warns to choose reputable ones to avoid cheap models that don’t help.
4. Update Your PS5 Firmware
Sometimes, software issues can make your PS5 overheat by overworking the system. Sony’s updates often fix bugs and improve cooling. Here’s how I check for updates
- Go to Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the PS5 home screen.
- Select System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
- Choose Update System Software if an update is available.
I updated my PS5 to the latest firmware, and it helped reduce fan noise during God of War Ragnarök. Check for updates monthly, as suggested by wikiHow.
5. Check Your SSD Heatsink
If you added an M.2 SSD for extra storage, it needs a heatsink to stay cool. Without one, the SSD can overheat and make the whole console hot. I installed a Kingston FURY Renegade SSD with a preinstalled heatsink, and it works great. If your SSD didn’t come with a heatsink, buy one for $10–20, as recommended by Sony. Check that the heatsink is properly attached, as loose contact can cause heat issues.
6. Advanced Cleaning (If Needed)
If your PS5 still overheats after basic cleaning, you might need to clean inside. This is trickier and could void your warranty, so only try it if you’re comfortable or out of warranty. iFixit’s guide helped me:
- Remove the Fan: After taking off the faceplates, unscrew the fan cover and disconnect the fan’s cable using a spudger tool.
- Clean the Heatsink: Use compressed air to clear dust from the heatsink (a metal piece inside). Check the power supply’s vent (honeycomb pattern) for dust and vacuum it.
- Reassemble: Put everything back carefully, following iFixit’s steps in reverse.
7. Watch Your Room Temperature
If your room is hot (above 95°F or 35°C), your PS5 will struggle to cool down. Sony says the console works best between 41°F and 95°F. I live in a warm area, so I use a fan or air conditioner during summer gaming sessions. HowToGeek suggests limiting playtime during the hottest parts of the day if you don’t have AC.
8. Check for Game-Specific Issues
Some games, like MLB The Show 25 or FC 25, can overwork your PS5, especially during certain scenes (like pitching in MLB). A forum post found that changing the pitching camera in MLB reduced overheating. If a specific game causes issues, check online forums for patches or workarounds, like lowering graphics settings in the game.
When to Contact Sony
If you’ve tried everything and your PS5 still overheats, there might be a hardware issue, like a faulty fan or liquid metal problems. Contact Sony at playstation.com/support or call 1-800-345-7669. If your console is under warranty (usually one year), repairs might be free. Don’t open the console if it’s under warranty, as it could void it. My friend sent their PS5 for repair after cleaning didn’t help, and Sony fixed a fan issue for free.
