The PS5 protects itself when it overheats: first the fan speeds up, then a warning appears saying the console is too hot, and if the temperature keeps rising, it switches itself off. Most of the time, the cause is dust in the cooling system or the console being placed in the wrong spot. On older PS5s, ageing liquid metal under the heatsink can also be to blame.
What to try at home
- Give your console some space. Sony recommends leaving at least 10 cm of free space around the console. Don't put it in a closed cabinet, next to a radiator or on a carpet.
- Clean the vents on the front and back with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a soft brush. Don't push into the fan or spin it up at full blast with compressed air.
- Dust catchers: the original PS5 has two holes under the side cover that you can vacuum dust out of. Sony's guide explains how.
- Update the system software – Sony also adjusts fan control in its updates.
- Leave the console switched off to cool down, then try it again.
When to bring it in for repair
- The console is loud even in the menu or straight after switching on.
- The overheating warning keeps coming back, even with free space around it and clean vents.
- The console switches off and then won't start, or gets stuck on a blue light.
- The console is more than two years old and has never been opened.
What we do in our workshop
We take the console apart right down to the heatsink and clean the heatsink fins, fan, air ducts and dust catchers. Then we put it under load with a game and monitor the temperatures and fan speed.
The PS5 cools its processor with liquid metal rather than standard thermal paste. This isn't replaced during a routine clean – opening it up unnecessarily would do more harm than good. On some older consoles, however, the liquid metal shifts and oxidises over the years, and temperatures rise even after cleaning. In that case, we renew it – we'll always tell you first and you'll confirm the price in advance.
You'll find the cleaning price for your PS5 version on the PS5 repair page and in our guide How much does console cleaning and HDMI port repair cost. You can bring your console to our shop in Hradec Králové, or use our free courier pickup anywhere in the Czech Republic.
FAQs
Will I lose my games and saves during cleaning?
No. Cleaning doesn't touch the storage, and your console will start up afterwards with everything that was on it.
Is it better to stand the PS5 upright or lay it flat?
It makes no difference to cooling – Sony supports both positions. What matters is free space around it and vents that aren't covered.
How often should I clean my PS5?
In an ordinary home, roughly once every two years; with pets or in a dusty environment, as often as once a year.
Will cleaning void the warranty?
Opening the console outside an authorised service centre may void the manufacturer's warranty. If your console is still under warranty, try making a warranty claim with the retailer first.