Why Is My PS5 Turning On by Itself?
Why Is My PS5 Turning On by Itself?
4 Answers

A PS5 turning on by itself can be a little mysterious, but don’t worry, it’s usually down to a few common issues that are fairly easy to fix.
First off, let’s talk about power settings. Your PS5 might not actually be off. It could be in rest mode, which is a low-power standby state. If you’ve got it set to stay connected to the internet, it might turn itself on for updates or downloads. Also, there’s a scheduled power-on feature that some folks might have activated without realizing it. So, go into your power settings and make sure your PS5 is set to completely shut down, and turn off any scheduled startups.
Then there are the external factors. HDMI-CEC is a sneaky feature that might be to blame. This setting lets your TV control connected devices through the HDMI port. So, when you turn on the TV or switch the input, your PS5 might wake up too. Same goes for other devices like soundbars that are on the same connection. Try disabling HDMI-CEC on your TV and see if that helps.
And don’t underestimate the power of stray signals. If you’ve got other Sony gadgets around, like an old TV remote, they might send signals that accidentally wake up your PS5. Keeping those remotes at a distance or making sure other devices aren’t interfering could solve the problem. Also, check any external storage devices connected to your PS5, as they can sometimes cause unexpected behavior if they’re not working right.
Software updates are another thing to look out for. Sometimes the system or game updates might trigger the PS5 to power on automatically. Make sure your system software is up to date to patch any bugs that might be causing the issue. And, if you’ve enabled the voice activation feature, certain sounds could be mistakenly turning it on. Double-check those settings, too.
Hardware issues, though less common, could be the culprit. For instance, a faulty power supply unit or motherboard might cause the console to turn on by itself. Strange voltage fluctuations or a glitchy component might be to blame. In such cases, reaching out to Sony support or visiting a certified repair center is a good move.
Lastly, network settings could play a part. If you’ve got the remote wake-up feature activated, and there are security gaps in your network, someone else might be unintentionally waking up your console. Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date and that your network settings are secure to avoid any hiccups.
I hope this helps get your PS5 back to normal! If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Sony support for more detailed assistance.

If you’re scratching your head wondering why your PS5 keeps turning on all by itself, you’re not alone. There are a bunch of reasons this could be happening, and the good news is that there are fixes too!
Why’s My PS5 Acting Like a Poltergeist?
- HDMI Device Link Shenanigans: Ever noticed your PS5 spring to life when you switch on the TV? That’s the HDMI Device Link doing its thing. It’s pretty neat for lazy couch days but can be a real pain if it decides to act up when it’s not quite invited.
- Rest Mode Blues: While your PS5 is snoozing in Rest Mode, it might wake up for some background chores like downloading updates or syncing data. Especially if you’ve got it hooked to the internet, it could rouse itself to take care of business.
- Updates Galore: Your console’s like a digital busybody, always checking for the latest system or game updates. Once it spots an update, bam, it’s alive! This can happen even when it’s chilling in Rest Mode, depending on your setup.
- Remote Play Hijinks: Remote Play lets you play your PS5 games on other devices. But if someone tries to access it remotely, your PS5 might decide it’s time for a little wake-up call.
What’s the Fix?
Let’s sort this out with a few tweaks:
- Cut HDMI Device Link’s Cord:
- Head over to “Settings.”
- Click on “System.”
- Find “HDMI.”
- Switch off “Enable HDMI Device Link.”
No more uninvited PS5 wake-ups whenever your TV decides it wants company.
- Tweak Rest Mode Settings:
- Jump into “Settings” and click “System.”
- Navigate to “Power Saving.”
- Inside “Features Available in Rest Mode,” turn off “Stay Connected to the Internet.”
This’ll keep your console in dreamland without those random wake-up calls for updates.
- Disable Remote Play: To cut off Remote Play shenanigans:
- Dip back into “Settings.”
- Choose “System.”
- Find “Remote Play” and flip “Enable Remote Play” off.
No more surprise visits triggering a PS5 revival.
- Try Safe Mode: If all else fails, reboot your PS5 in Safe Mode. Reset a few settings, but rest easy—your data’s safe.
- Pull out all peripherals, like you’re prepping for a major reset.
- Power it off completely.
- Hold that power button until you hear a second beep (around seven seconds).
- Plug in the controller via USB and press the PS button.
- Go for “Reset PS5.”
That should iron out any stubborn quirks. Hopefully, with these steps, your PS5 will behave itself and stop the spooky antics.

Hey there! If your PS5 has decided it likes to turn on by itself, you’re not alone. Let’s break down the potential culprits and see how we can get it back under control.
HDMI Device Link (CEC) Mischief
Here’s the scoop: The HDMI-CEC feature is supposed to make life easier by letting your PS5 and other gadgets talk to each other—like your TV. But sometimes, it gets a bit overzealous. Turning on your TV might give your PS5 the nudge it doesn’t need.
What to do:
- Kill the HDMI Device Link: Head to Settings > System > HDMI and turn off “Enable HDMI Device Link” and “Enable Power Off Link.”
- Mess with TV settings: Before flicking off the TV, switch its HDMI input to anything that’s not your PS5. Or let it wallow in “No Signal” mode.
Faulty Controller Shenanigans
Sometimes, your controller might just go rogue on you, or maybe there’s a third-party accessory that’s playing games (pun intended) when it shouldn’t. Dust, stuck buttons, or Bluetooth interruptions could be causing all kinds of chaos.
Your action plan:
- Check your controllers: Turn off your controllers by pressing the PS button for 10 seconds, and unplug anything wired. See if it’s still acting up.
- Reset those controllers: Find the reset button on the back of your controller, grab a pin, and push it in. After 5 seconds, reintroduce the controller to the PS5.
System Software Hiccups
Ah, software glitches. When your PS5’s firmware is outdated or a system file is having a bad day, things can start acting weird, including random wake-ups.
Try this:
- Firmware update: Go to Settings > System > System Software > Update Available and keep your PS5 patched up.
- Rebuild the database: Launch Safe Mode (hold the power button for 7 seconds until it beeps twice), then pick “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.” Don’t worry; your saved stuff will be safe.
Power Supply or Hardware Drama
Sometimes the villain is a dodgy power cable or an internal hardware issue. Maybe there’s a voltage hiccup or something’s gone awry inside with the SSD or APU.
Roll up your sleeves:
- Double-check the power setup: Make sure the power cable’s snug on both ends. Try another outlet just to be sure.
- Get nerdy with diagnostics: Use third-party software like the PS5 Code Reader to spot issues, or shout out to Sony if the warranty’s still your friend.
Environmental Gremlins
Is your PS5 cooking from too much heat or is it near other electronics that have it in a tizzy? Things like routers or microwaves could be messing with its vibe.
Here’s what you wanna do:
- Give it some air: Let the PS5 breathe—keep at least 10–15 cm of space around it and shoo away the dust with compressed air.
- Move it out: Find a spot away from objects giving off strong electromagnetic waves.
Extra Handy Tips
- If the hiccup won’t quit, you might need to back everything up and do a factory reset through Safe Mode.
- Stay on top of those error codes. Head to Settings > System > Error History for clues and to tackle specific issues.
Tackling these will usually get your PS5 to stop its solo adventures. But if it keeps up, it might be time for professional help or swapping out a part. Good luck!

So, your PS5 has been turning on by itself, huh? Here’s a rundown of some things that could be causing it—and how you might fix it.
1. HDMI Device Link: Did you know that your PS5 can turn on automatically when the TV is switched on? This happens because of the HDMI Device Link feature. If this is driving you crazy, just head over to Settings > System > HDMI, and flick off the ‘Enable HDMI Device Link’. Easy-peasy!
2. Rest Mode Settings: This one’s a sneaky culprit: your PS5 loves to wake up from Rest Mode to grab updates or downloads. You can tame this behavior by going into Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Features Available in Rest Mode, and making sure ‘Stay Connected to the Internet’ is turned off.
3. Software Glitches: If it’s been a while since your last update, software glitches might be causing your PS5 to act up. Check for any new updates by making your way to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update. Keeping things fresh with updates is always a smart move.
4. Controller Issues: Could it be your controller? Sometimes, a funky DualSense controller has it in for your PS5. Grab a USB cable, connect your controller, and look for updates under Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Device Software.
5. Remote Play Activation: Oh, Remote Play can be a tricky one! Maybe it’s causing your PS5 to spring to life. Save yourself some headaches by heading to Settings > System > Remote Play and switching off ‘Enable Remote Play’.
If you’re still scratching your head about what’s going on, try doing a power cycle on your PS5 or, if you’re feeling brave, consider a factory reset. Just make sure the console is chillin’ in a well-ventilated area and that all the cables are snug and secure.
Still not working? No worries—check out PlayStation Support for more guidance. Good luck!