How to Power Down or Enter Rest Mode on Your PS5
4 June 2025The PlayStation 5 offers three distinct power modes: On, Off, and Rest Mode. While On and Off are self-explanatory, Rest Mode functions more like a low-power sleep state. It allows your console to perform certain background tasks — such as charging controllers and downloading updates — without being fully switched on. Here’s a clear explanation of how to shut down your PS5 or activate Rest Mode, depending on your needs.
Switching Off Your PS5
When the console is turned off, all running applications and games are fully closed. It’s important to power down your PS5 completely if you’re planning to unplug it. This precaution helps prevent potential data corruption and protects the hardware from unexpected power cuts. It also allows the console to cool down properly after long gaming sessions and contributes to energy savings.
There are two simple methods to switch off the console:
- Using the Power Button: On the front of the console, you’ll find a narrow, unobtrusive button. If you own the Disc Edition, it’s located just below the Eject button. On the Digital Edition, it’s the sole button on the console. Hold this button down until you hear a second beep — this confirms the console is powering off.
- Via the Controller: Press the PS button on your DualSense controller to bring up the Control Centre. Scroll to the right to access the Power options. Select Turn Off PS5, and the console will shut down completely.
Activating Rest Mode
Rest Mode is the PS5’s equivalent of standby or sleep mode. When activated, the console dims its power usage but continues performing useful tasks in the background — such as charging peripherals or downloading patches and updates. It’s particularly handy for downloading large game files more efficiently or leaving games suspended for a quick resume without long loading times, made possible by the console’s ultra-fast SSD.
To activate Rest Mode:
- Press the PS button on your controller.
- Navigate to the far right of the Control Centre and select the Power icon.
- Choose Enter Rest Mode from the available options.
While in Rest Mode, avoid unplugging the power cable, as this may damage the system or result in corrupted files.
Customising Rest Mode Settings
You can adjust the features available during Rest Mode to suit your preferences. To do this:
- Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.
- Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
From here, you can control whether the console keeps USB ports powered (ideal for charging), maintains an internet connection for updates, or allows Remote Play and remote wake-up via the PlayStation app.
For those keen on saving energy, it’s also possible to disable all features in Rest Mode, reducing power use to less than 0.5 W.
Additionally, you can set the duration of inactivity before the console automatically enters Rest Mode. Navigate to Settings > System > Power Saving, then select Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode. This feature helps avoid unnecessary power usage if you forget to manually turn off or rest the console.