The PS5 has come a long way since its slew of early issues upon launch. Thanks to a huge range of patches, gamers no longer have to worry about crashes and bricked consoles quite as often – but that doesn’t mean it never happens.
If you’re struggling with a broken PS5 in 2024, your problems are likely to be less damaging. Glitches during gameplay, a frozen screen, power issues, frequent crashes, overheating, and error codes may not brick your device, but they can still put a damper on your fun! Whether you’re dealing with a software or hardware problem, here are a few ways to troubleshoot some of the most common causes of a broken PS5.
Look for Connection Issues
We get it: when you notice issues with your PS5, it’s easy for your mind to jump to the worst-case scenario. However, it’s also possible that you’ve overlooked a simple problem that’s messing with your system.
Check the power supply for your system, especially if you’re dealing with PS5 overheating issues or your console won’t turn on.
Is everything plugged in as it should be? If you have access to another power cord, try that one instead.
At a minimum, you should always try unplugging your power cord, waiting a few seconds, and then plugging it back in to see what happens. You might also want to switch to a different outlet or power strip in case the power source is the cause of your problems.
If you’re having PS5 video issues, check your HDMI cable while you’re inspecting your other connections. Try swapping HDMI cables to make sure you’re using an undamaged cord, and make sure each end has a secure connection to its port.
Try Rebooting
Sometimes, a manual reboot can clear out any bugs that have your PS5 crashing. To do this, hold down the power button on your PS5 for 15 seconds. The console should restart on its own.
This is especially helpful if your console refuses to turn on after it’s gone into Rest Mode. Once you’re back in the system, you might want to disable Rest Mode. This mode conserves power, but it’s also been historically buggy, so try going without it if you can.
If you’re struggling to make your console start up even though it’s clearly powered on, you may need to power cycle the system. Hold down the power button until the LED stops blinking. Remove the power cord, leave the console alone for 30 minutes, then plug it back in and try starting it again.
Launch in Safe Mode
Just like a desktop or laptop, your PS5 has a Safe Mode feature that lets it launch using only basic functions. This allows you to troubleshoot potential issues.
To reboot in Safe Mode, turn the console off, then hold down the power button for three seconds or until you hear a second beep. Press the PS button on your controller and reboot the console.
From here, you can perform a manual update of your system’s software using a USB drive. You can also reset the system to factory settings, though this should always be a last-ditch effort to fix your console. A system reset will erase all of your save data, so be sure about your decision!
Work Through Common PS5 Error Codes
If an error code pops up on your screen, you’re in luck: your system is telling you exactly what’s wrong. Sometimes, this extra information can help you resolve your own problem without further issues. Here are some common error codes you may be able to fix on your own:
Error Code CE-100005-6 (Disc Error)
If you get a PS5 disc read error, try deleting the installed game and re-downloading it again. Next, grab a microfiber cloth to clean the disc you’re trying to insert. If this doesn’t work, try using a different game disc to see if that works: the first disk may be damaged, causing a disc error.
Error Code CE-108255-1 (Application Error)
This can sometimes happen if the software you’ve downloaded isn’t up to date. First, try to delete and reinstall your game. If this doesn’t work, launch your console in Safe Mode and select Rebuild Database.
Server and Internet Connection Errors
There are several error codes related to server and internet connection issues:
- NW-102254-4
- NW-102265-6
- WV-109168-5
If your PS5 won’t connect, check the PlayStation Network’s status page and socials to see if the servers are down. Restart your connection using a wired connection, if possible. If you’re using a wireless connection, restart your router and modem, and update your router’s firmware if it’s been a while.
Clean Your PS5
If you’re still getting disc read errors, your system’s fans sound louder than a jet engine, or your PS5 won’t stop overheating during play, a buildup of dust within your console may be the culprit.
Cool down your system by blowing dust from inside it. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also remove the case covers to use canned air inside the system, but you’ll want to be very gentle.
Get Professional Repairs
If you’ve tried the basic steps above to no avail, it may be time to see a pro.
Depending on how new your console is, you may be able to have Sony fix the issue under your warranty. For most systems, the warranty lasts one year. To know if you still qualify for repairs, check out the PlayStation support page.
If your warranty has expired, you aren’t out of luck! The right third-party experts can help fix everything from PS5 video issues to connection errors to overheating.
Let Us Fix Your Broken PS5
A glitching or crashing console doesn’t have to mean game over. If you’re struggling with a broken PS5 even after following the troubleshooting tips above, you’re not alone!
At Fruit Fixed, we’re proud to help gamers deal with their frustrating PlayStation errors. From software bugs to damaged hardware, we’ll get to the root cause of your unexpected crash. To get help, swing by one of our locations or learn more about our PlayStation repairs online.
