How to Turn Off PS5: Every Way to Shut Down Your Console Safely

Turning off a PlayStation 5 involves more than just hitting a switch. Since the console's launch and through various hardware revisions like the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Pro, Sony has integrated multiple power states designed to keep your games updated and your controllers charged. However, knowing how to perform a full shutdown is essential for hardware longevity, energy saving, and moving the console safely. This guide covers every method to turn off your PS5, whether you are using the controller, the physical buttons, or remote features.

Understanding the difference between Power Off and Rest Mode

Before diving into the steps, it is vital to distinguish between a full shutdown and Rest Mode. When you choose to turn off the PS5 completely, the console ceases almost all power consumption (dropping to approximately 0.3W to 0.5W). All applications are closed, and the system software stops running. This is the only state in which it is safe to unplug the AC power cord.

Rest Mode, indicated by an orange light on the console's body, is a low-power state. In this mode, the PS5 can still download game updates, upload save data to the cloud, and provide power to the USB ports to charge your DualSense controllers. While convenient, Rest Mode does not provide the same level of protection against power surges as a full shutdown does. If you live in an area prone to lightning storms or power outages, or if you plan on not playing for several days, a full power-off is the recommended path.

How to turn off PS5 using the DualSense controller

The most common method to shut down the console is through the system's software interface. This is done via the Control Center, which is accessible at any time, even while a game is running.

1. Press the PS Button: Tap the PlayStation logo button in the center of your DualSense controller once. Do not hold it down, as holding it will usually take you back to the home screen rather than opening the quick menu.
2. Navigate to the Power Icon: A row of icons will appear at the bottom of your screen. Use the left analog stick or the D-pad to scroll all the way to the far right. The power icon looks like a circle with a vertical line at the top.
3. Select Power: Press the Cross (X) button on the power icon.
4. Choose "Turn Off PS5": A sub-menu will appear with three options: Enter Rest Mode, Turn Off PS5, and Restart PS5. Select "Turn Off PS5."

Once selected, the screen will display a message stating, "Preparing to turn off your PS5..." The power indicator lights on the console will blink white and eventually turn off completely. Do not unplug the console while these lights are blinking.

Using the physical power button on the console

Sometimes your controller might be out of reach, or the battery might be dead. In these cases, you can use the physical button on the PS5 chassis. The location and feel of this button vary depending on which model you own.

For the Original PS5 (Disc and Digital Edition)

On the original model, the buttons are located on the black glossy center strip. For the Disc Edition, there are two buttons: Power and Eject. The Power button is the larger one located at the bottom (when vertical). On the Digital Edition, there is only one button (Power).

To turn it off, press and hold the Power button. You will hear one beep immediately. Continue holding until you hear a second beep. This second beep signals that the console is initiating a full shutdown. If you release the button after only one beep, the console will enter Rest Mode instead.

For the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro models

In the newer hardware revisions, the power button has been moved slightly and is often more distinct to prevent accidental presses. On many of these models, the power button is located on the lower half of the front plate. The logic remains the same: a quick press or one beep leads to Rest Mode; holding for two beeps leads to a full power-off.

How to turn off PS5 from the login screen

If you have just turned on your console and haven't logged into a user profile yet, you can still shut it down without needing to navigate through the full dashboard.

1. Look at the bottom right or bottom center of the user selection screen.
2. Navigate to the Power icon displayed on the screen.
3. Select "Turn Off PS5" from the resulting menu.

This is particularly useful if the console was turned on by a connected device (like a TV via HDMI-CEC) and you didn't actually intend to play.

Turning off PS5 remotely with the PS App

As of the 2026 system updates, the integration between the PlayStation mobile app and the console hardware is deeper than ever. If you realize you left your console on after leaving the house, or if you are in another room, you can manage the power state from your smartphone.

1. Open the PS App on your iOS or Android device.
2. Ensure your app is linked to your console (this must be set up beforehand under Settings > System > Remote Play).
3. Go to the Game Library or Console Management tab.
4. If the console is currently on or in Rest Mode, you can select the option to put it into Rest Mode or, in some software versions, initiate a shutdown if the console is being accessed via Remote Play.

Note: To fully turn off the console from a phone, you usually need to be using Remote Play. Once the Remote Play session is active, you can access the virtual PS button and follow the standard Control Center shutdown steps.

What to do if your PS5 is frozen (Hard Reset)

Electronics occasionally encounter software loops where the screen freezes and the controller becomes unresponsive. If your PS5 will not turn off through the standard menu, you must perform a forced shutdown.

1. Locate the physical Power button on the front of the console.
2. Press and hold the button down. Do not release it after the first or second beep.
3. Keep holding the button for approximately 15 seconds. The system will eventually cut power to the hardware.

Warning: This should be a last resort. Forced shutdowns can lead to corrupted save data or file system errors. After a hard reset, the PS5 will likely perform a storage repair check the next time it is turned on. Let this process complete without interruption.

Managing power settings for automatic shutdown

To ensure your PS5 doesn't stay on indefinitely when you fall asleep or leave the room, you should configure the auto-off timers. This is a "set it and forget it" way to manage power.

1. Open the Settings menu (the gear icon in the top right of the home screen).
2. Select System.
3. Select Power Saving.
4. Choose Set Time Until PS5 Turns Off.

You can set different timers for when the console is playing media (like Netflix or YouTube) and when it is in a game. For example, you might want the console to turn off after 20 minutes of inactivity during a game, but allow 4 hours during a movie.

How to turn off the DualSense controller separately

Sometimes you might want to leave the console on (perhaps to download a massive 200GB game) but turn off the controller to save its battery.

1. Go to the Control Center (press PS button).
2. Select Accessories (the controller icon).
3. Select your DualSense Wireless Controller.
4. Select Turn Off.

Alternatively, you can press and hold the PS button on the controller for about 10 seconds. The light bar will turn off, indicating the controller is shut down, while the console remains in its current state.

Critical Safety Precautions

The "Golden Rule" of PS5 Power

Never unplug the AC power cord while the power indicator is lit or blinking. The PS5 uses a high-speed NVMe SSD that actively manages data caches. Unplugging the console during a shutdown sequence can cause "bricking" (rendering the console unbootable) or significant data loss. Wait until the lights are completely dark.

HDMI-CEC Issues

Many modern TVs have a feature called HDMI Device Link (HDMI-CEC). This can cause your PS5 to turn on automatically when you switch your TV to the PlayStation's input, or turn off/enter rest mode when you turn off the TV. If you find your PS5 behaving unexpectedly, check Settings > System > HDMI and toggle "Enable HDMI Device Link" to see if that resolves the issue.

Moving the Console

If you are moving your console to a different room or packing it for travel, always perform a full shutdown. Rest Mode keeps the internal components energized, and physical shocks during transport are much more dangerous to an active system than to a completely powered-down one.

Summary of Power States

By following these methods, you ensure that your PlayStation 5 operates efficiently and remains in peak condition for years of gaming. Whether you prefer the convenience of the DualSense menu or the reliability of the physical button, always give the console those few extra seconds to blink and settle before moving on with your day.