As someone who spends many hours on PS5 games, I know what it feels like when the warning message ‘Your system is too hot. You never want it to happen when the game stops working or the fan starts making sounds like jet engines.
In this guide, I’ll explain why is my PS5 overheating, share my personal experiences related to this problem, and offer solutions and steps to fix it. If you want uninterrupted gaming sessions and to stay safe while playing, then this guide is for you!
Why Does My PS5 Keep Overheating
Here are some possible causes for why my PS5 is overheating:
- The PS5 Is in a Closed Space. The placement of your PS5 consoles in cabinets with no room for wiggle or open spaces is a major cause of overheating. It’s not a good idea to put the PS5 console upon soft or rough surfaces, such as a rug. These surfaces trap the heat, causing the console to overheat.
- Dirt and Dust Buildup. The PS5 console functions just like any other console. Dust and dirt particles get caught on its fans, impeding airflow. Overheating is the natural result of not taking care to clean your console
- Fans Aren’t Working. Sometimes, debris, dust, dirt, and lint could block fan vents, preventing them from functioning. The console will not cool properly if its fans aren’t functioning properly.
- You’re Playing All Night. Playing for long hours can cause a rise in wattage consumption, increasing the console temperature. This is especially true when your games consume large amounts of the console’s resources.
Also read: PS5 Controller Not Charging: Top Fixes & Solutions 2025
Signs that your PS5 is running hot.
Not sure whether your PlayStation 5 is overheating? Here’s how you can tell whether or not its performance needs to be adjusted:
- It’s like it’s a heating element. If it becomes uncomfortable to touch or you receive the “Your PS5 is too hot” warning message, it’s overheated.
- The fan won’t quit. A constantly running or unusually loud fan typically indicates that your system is struggling to cool down.
- Your games may lag or even freeze during battle. Slow load times and sudden freezes can be a sign of trouble.
- You’ll see strange images. White, black, or purple streaks and dots during play could indicate heat issues.
- Your screen is ablaze. If it suddenly transforms from black to white to purple or green, it’s not an actual graphics update. It’s the PS5 waiting for a cooldown.
How to Fix PS5 Overheating Issues
There is no need for advanced tools to resolve most PS5 overheating issues. Here are the methods I’ve tried to solve a hot PS5 console:
Power Down and Unplug
Turn off your PS5 totally and unplug the power cable. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before doing anything else.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Overheating issues often result from improper placement. To ensure optimal ventilation for the PS5, place it in an open area with at least 4 inches of clearance on both sides, and consider placing it on an open desk rather than drawers or cabinets where dust might collect. Also, try not to put your PS5 on fabrics that trap heat, such as carpet, rugs, or fabric mats.
Use the Stand Correctly
Sony disputes claims that placing their console in vertical orientation may lead to excessive heat; both orientations are safe. That is an excellent result! Indeed, Sony would not sell stands that work with PS5, whether lying or standing, in case they could damage the whole console. Use that stand, it’s included with every console and assists by allowing airflow.
Clean the Internal Fan
PS5 owners should regularly unbox and clean out the cooling fan inside with compressed gas (like what is often used to clean keyboards and other electronic devices). Dirt and dust buildup can block the console’s cooling fan, leading to PS5 overheating issues.
Clean the Power Supply
As soon as your ventilation becomes polluted with dust, the risk of contracting a fever increases significantly. Unfortunately, the only way to clean the vent is to take it apart with a screwdriver. To save yourself this trouble, initially follow this step and clean its fan at least once every month instead.
Also read: How to Stop Laptop From Overheating
Adjust Performance Settings
In System Settings, Saved Data > Game/App Settings Game Presets, select the Performance mode rather than Resolution Mode. This helps reduce graphical load and internal heat. Clearing the system cache and rebuilding databases in secure mode could be helpful if the device is running slowly.
Overclocking or External Add-Ons
Overclocking your CPU or GPU may increase performance, but can produce substantial heat. External cooling systems or accessories might not work effectively and restrict essential ventilation areas, potentially decreasing ventilation rates.
Avoid overclocks or third-party modifications that increase heat production, as this could increase its levels. The PlayStation 5 cooling system was specifically tailored for this hardware; adding accessories could actually do more harm than good.
Contact Sony Support
If none of the solutions solve PS5 overheating issues, Sony offers methods to get help from PlayStation Support or their repair site. PlayStation Support will require that you follow our troubleshooting steps first; otherwise, you should go directly to their repair site for authorization, return, and shipping instructions. You’ll need evidence of purchase before you can send the item for repair.
Final word
Understanding why my PS5 overheating will help me resolve problems and keep the console functioning efficiently. Dust accumulation, inadequate ventilation systems, or hot conditions are common culprits; being aware of warning signals, such as loud fan noise or on-screen messages, could prevent further damage before taking necessary measures. Simple steps like moving the console into an open area, cleaning the vents, or taking breaks can solve most issues. In the long run, maintaining the room cool and regularly cleaning can prevent overheating entirely.
FAQs: PS5 Overheating
Is PS5 overheating normal?
Slight warmth is normal, but extreme heat or shutdowns are signs of overheating.
Can overheating damage my PS5?
Yes, prolonged overheating can affect hardware and performance.
Does playing in 4K or VR cause overheating
High-performance modes generate more heat, so ensure proper cooling.
Can I fix PS5 overheating myself?
Basic cleaning and proper ventilation help, but internal repairs should be handled by professionals.
Why is my PS5 fan so loud?
Loud fan noise usually indicates high internal temperatures or dust buildup.
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