Published 27 October 2026
A PS5 that roars like a hairdryer, or switches itself off mid-game with a message saying it is too hot, is one of the most common reasons people bring a PlayStation 5 to our workshop. Sometimes the fix is as simple as moving the console. Sometimes the cooling system inside needs attention. Here is how to tell the difference, what you can safely do yourself, and when it is time for a repair.
How the PS5 keeps itself cool
Every PS5 model, from the original to the Slim and Pro, pulls cool air in through the front and pushes hot air out of the back with one large fan. The main processor sits under a big heatsink, and Sony uses liquid metal rather than ordinary thermal paste between the chip and the heatsink to move heat away quickly. The fan speeds up as temperatures rise, so a louder fan during a demanding game is normal. What isn’t normal is a fan that is loud all the time, a sudden change in noise, or the console shutting down.
Signs your PS5 is struggling with heat
- A warning on screen that the PS5 is too hot, followed by the console turning off.
- The fan running loudly even on the home screen or while streaming video.
- A rattling, grinding or clicking noise from the fan.
- The back of the console feeling much hotter than it used to.
- Random shutdowns or freezes during long sessions.
Start with where the console sits
Most overheating we see starts with the console’s surroundings, and this is free to fix:
- Give it room. Sony recommends leaving space around the console, particularly at the back where the hot air comes out. A closed TV cabinet, a tight shelf or a console pushed against a wall can trap hot air so the PS5 keeps breathing it back in.
- Keep it off soft surfaces. Carpets, rugs and beds block the vents.
- Keep it away from heat. Radiators, sunny windowsills and the top of other electronics all make the fan work harder.
- Use the stand properly. The PS5 is fine standing up or lying flat, as long as it’s on its stand or feet and nothing is covering the vents.
Cleaning the dust out safely
Dust builds up in the vents and on the fan over time, especially in homes with pets or carpets. You can safely:
- Switch the console off completely (not rest mode) and unplug it.
- Vacuum the front and rear vents gently from the outside with a soft brush attachment.
- On the original PS5, remove the white side cover and vacuum the two dust-catcher holes Sony built in for exactly this purpose.
If you use compressed air, short bursts only, and never let the air spin the fan freely: it can damage the fan motor. Keep the can upright so propellant doesn’t spray out as liquid.
Why we don’t recommend repasting a PS5 at home
On many older consoles, replacing dried-out thermal paste is a common DIY fix. The PS5 is different. Its liquid metal is electrically conductive and is sealed in place around the chip. Opening up the heatsink without the right preparation can let it escape onto nearby components and cause a short, which turns an overheating console into one that won’t turn on at all. Fully dismantling the console to reach the heatsink also risks the fan and ribbon cables. This is a job for a workshop with the right materials.
When it needs a repair
If you have given the PS5 plenty of space, cleaned the vents and it still overheats or stays loud, the problem is likely inside. The usual causes are:
- A failing fan: worn bearings cause rattling or grinding, and a weak fan can’t move enough air.
- Dust packed deep inside the heatsink fins, where a vacuum from outside can’t reach.
- A liquid metal problem between the chip and heatsink, which shows up as high fan speeds and shutdowns even in a clean, well-ventilated console.
Carrying on with a console that repeatedly overheats isn’t a good idea. Heat stress over time can lead to more serious faults on the main board, so it is better to get it checked early.
PS5 overheating repair in London
We repair PS5 fan noise, overheating and liquid-metal cooling faults on the original PS5, Digital Edition, Slim and Pro at our workshop at 80 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SY. You can walk in Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, or call 020 7237 6805. See our PS5 repair page and repair prices, or send us a message for a free quote. The price is agreed before any work starts.