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PS5 won’t turn on – possible causes and how to fix

Last Updated on January 11, 2024
Having trouble with your PS5? It seems that the console won't turn on. Don't worry, our expert technicians are here to help you fix the issue efficiently.
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If your PS5 won’t turn on and you’re looking for possible ways to fix it, then we have you covered right here. 

Now, there are quite a few reasons why your console is not turning on – it can be due to power issues or hardware or software problems. If it’s a minor issue, some basic troubleshooting should work, and you will have your console running up and fine within no time. 

With that being said, we have listed some possible reasons why your PS5 is not turning on, along with solutions for them. If none of these methods work, you should get in touch with the Sony support. 

Why my PS5 won’t turn on

  • Fault with the power supply
  • Rest mode glitch
  • Clogged vents
  • Damaged cable
  • Hardware issues
  • Software problems 

How to fix PS5 that won’t turn on

Step

1

Check the power adapter

The most common reason why your PlayStation 5 won’t turn on is because of an interrupted power supply. For instance, if the power adapter or the cable is damaged, your console won’t turn on. To ensure that your PS5 is getting an uninterrupted power supply – 

  • Check if the power adapter is working properly
  • See if the power outlet is functional
  • Check if the cables are not frayed or damaged

Step

2

See if there are any loose cable connections

If there are any loose cables and connections, then it is possible that the console won’t start up because of it. 

  • See if the power adapter is plugged in firmly
  • Check if the main power cable is connected properly to the console
  • Look for any damaged or frayed cables that might be malfunctioning
  • Also, check if the display cables, like the HDMI cable, are plugged in properly

Step

3

Try power cycling

If you see a white light blinking on your console, then you should try to power cycle it. Here’s a rundown on how to do it – 

  • Press and hold the power button until the light stops blinking
  • Unplug the power cable and then wait for 20 minutes or more to let the remaining power drain
  • Plug the power cable again and try to turn the PS5 on

Step

4

Clean the fans and ensure proper ventilation

As mentioned before, overheating can cause damage to fragile internal components. This is why it is important to ensure that the console gets enough cooling. To do that, you can – 

  • Place the PS5 in a well-ventilated area away from the sunlight
  • Clean the fans thoroughly with compressed air
  • Consider investing in additional cooling equipment

Step

5

Try to insert a disc

Now, this is a method that might work for consoles with disc drives. Try to insert a game disc into your console. If it goes in without a hitch, then your PS5 should turn on. You can try power cycling and manually rebooting it.

Step

6

Perform a manual reboot

If you have used the rest mode on your PS5 before, then it is possible that your console is stuck in that state. To try and troubleshoot your console, all you have to do is press and hold the power button for 15 seconds and reboot it. If it works, your console will turn on and work as normal.

Step

7

Try restarting PS5 in safe mode

If your PS5 starts up but the software system does not start, then you can try resetting your console.

Here’s how you can restart your console in safe mode – 

  • Press the power button to turn the PS5 off. For reference, you can read our guide on how to turn off PS5 safely
  • Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds, and wait until you hear a second beep
  • Try connecting your controller to the console, and click the PS button
  • When the safe mode menu appears, select ‘Reset PS5’
  • Wait for the console to restart

Note that resetting your console will erase all the game data from it – so you should use this as a last resort. 

Step

8

Get in touch with Sony support

If nothing seems to be working, then it’s a cue for you to get in touch with Sony support. You can also try getting assistance from the online forum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my PS5 erase data?

Yes, if you reset your console using the safe mode, then your data on the device will be erased. This is why you can consider saving the data using a PlayStation Plus subscription or an external hard drive.

Conclusion

If your PS5 won’t turn on, then most likely, it is because of some hindrances in the power supply. Thankfully, they can be easily solved by changing cables, switching outlets, or even changing the power adapter. However, if your console still does not start, then it might be a hardware or software issue. In this case, we suggest you to contact the Sony support. 

On the same note, if you’re facing any other issues on your console, you can check out our guides on how to clear the cache on a PS5 and how to factory reset a PS5.

Nitisha is a content writer and editor and she has over 3 years of experience in writing about video games and tech.