Quick answers
To put your PS5 into rest mode:
- Briefly press the power button on your PS5 console, then select “Enter Rest Mode” on the quick menu.
- Or from the control center, go to Power > Enter Rest Mode.
To turn off your PS5 completely:
- Hold down the power button on your PS5 console until you hear one beep.
- Or from the control center, go to Power > Turn Off PS5.
Rest mode suspends your PS5 into a low-power state while keeping games / apps suspended in memory. This allows you to instantly resume where you left off. Turning off completely powers down the PS5.
When should you use rest mode vs. turning off?
Here are some guidelines on when to use rest mode versus turning off your PS5 completely:
Use rest mode when:
- You want to resume your game or app quickly where you left off.
- You are taking a short break and will return to your game/app soon.
- You want to keep downloads or updates running while the PS5 is “asleep.”
- You want the PS5 to charge controllers in the background.
Rest mode keeps the PS5 in a low-power suspended state, allowing you to instantly resume games/apps. It also keeps downloads and updates running.
Turn off the PS5 completely when:
- You are done using the PS5 for the day.
- You won’t use the PS5 again for an extended period.
- You need to unplug or move the PS5.
- You are having technical issues and want to power cycle the PS5.
Turning off the PS5 completely powers it down. This is recommended when you’re done using it for the day or will be away for an extended time. It resets the console fully.
How to put your PS5 into rest mode
Putting your PS5 into rest mode is simple – there are two ways to do it:
Via the power button:
- Press the power button on your PS5 console briefly (do not hold).
- This will bring up a quick menu. Select “Enter Rest Mode” on this menu.
- The PS5 will enter rest mode, indicated by a pulsing orange light on the console.
Pressing the power button briefly brings up a quick menu with the “Enter Rest Mode” option. Select this to put the PS5 to sleep.
Via the control center:
- Press the PS button on your DualSense controller.
- Go to the control center menu.
- Navigate to Power > Enter Rest Mode.
- The PS5 will now enter rest mode.
The control center provides a menu option to directly put the PS5 into rest mode. Navigate to Power > Enter Rest Mode.
How to turn off your PS5 completely
To turn off the PS5 completely (power down):
Via the power button:
- Press and hold the power button on your PS5 console.
- Continue holding until you hear one beep.
- This will initiate the full shutdown sequence.
- The PS5 power light will go from white to orange to off.
Holding the power button (rather than a quick press) will turn the PS5 off after the single beep.
Via the control center:
- Press the PS button to bring up the control center.
- Navigate to Power > Turn Off PS5.
- Confirm that you want to turn off the system.
- The PS5 will shut down completely.
The control center provides a “Turn Off PS5” option. Select this and confirm to fully power down the console.
PS5 rest mode vs. turn off comparison
Here is a quick comparison of PS5 rest mode vs. shutting down:
| Feature | Rest Mode | Turned Off |
|---|---|---|
| Power state | Low-power suspended | Fully off |
| Resume gameplay | Instantly resume | Full restart |
| Keeps downloads running | Yes | No |
| Charges controllers | Yes | No |
As you can see, rest mode keeps the PS5 in a low-power state allowing you to instantly resume gameplay. It also keeps downloads running and charges controllers.
Benefits of using rest mode
Here are some of the benefits of using rest mode on your PS5:
Resume gameplay instantly
Rest mode keeps your games and apps suspended in memory. This allows you to resume exactly where you left off within seconds. You skip loading screens and can instantly pick up gameplay.
Keep downloads or updates running
If you have game downloads or system updates running, rest mode will keep these running in the background. The downloads will be ready when you wake up the PS5.
Charge DualSense controllers
Your PS5 will charge any connected DualSense controllers while in rest mode. This means they’ll be fully juiced up when you resume playing.
Remote connectivity
You can connect remotely to your PS5 to manage your game library, store, etc. while it’s in rest mode. Just use the PlayStation app on your mobile device or PC.
New notifications
Your PS5 will wake itself from rest mode to notify you of any new downloads or updates that need your attention.
Tips for using rest mode
To get the most out of using rest mode on your PS5, keep these tips in mind:
- Close your games and apps before entering rest mode for a smooth, instant resume.
- Make sure your PS5 firmware and games are updated before resting.
- Connect your DualSense controllers for charging while asleep.
- Rest mode keeps your PS5 updated and game downloads running.
- Don’t unplug the PS5 power cord while in rest mode.
Properly exiting games, keeping software updated, charging controllers, and not disconnecting power will help you utilize rest mode effectively.
Reasons your PS5 won’t enter rest mode
In some cases, your PS5 may fail to enter rest mode when you try to activate it. Common reasons include:
Overheating issues
If your PS5 is overheating for some reason, it may refuse to enter rest mode as a safety precaution. Ensure your PS5 has proper ventilation.
System software issues
Glitches with the system software can sometimes prevent rest mode from working. Try restarting your PS5. Rebuilding the database from safe mode may also help.
External storage problems
Issues with your external storage devices can block rest mode. Try disconnecting external hard drives or SSDs.
Accessories causing conflicts
Some PS5 accessories like controllers, cameras or headsets can sometimes interfere with rest mode. Disconnect them before resting.
Network connectivity problems
If your PS5 is having issues connecting online, it may not be able to enter rest mode. Check your internet connection.
Conclusion
To summarize, putting your PS5 into rest mode suspends it into a low-power state while keeping your games ready to resume instantly. This is ideal when you’re taking a short break or want downloads to continue. Turning off the PS5 completely powers it down, and is best when you’re done using it for the day or need to unplug it.
Rest mode provides great benefits like instant resumes, charging controllers, and uninterrupted downloads. Be sure to close apps, update software, connect controllers, and not unplug the PS5 while at rest. If you have problems activating rest mode, troubleshoot overheating, software glitches, external storage, accessories, and network issues.