PS5 not Working — Quick Fix Guide

ps5 not working

The Quick Answer (TL;DR):
If your PS5 is not working, first power cycle the console by unplugging it for 60 seconds. If that doesn't resolve the issue, check your HDMI connection and settings.

Symptoms

• PS5 does not power on or shows no display
• Error messages on screen (e.g., "No Signal")
• Console powers on but freezes during startup
• Controller not connecting to the PS5

Solution 1: Power Cycle the PS5

1. Unplug the PS5 from the power outlet.
2. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
3. Plug the power cord back in and turn on the console.

If the PS5 still does not work, then proceed to Solution 2.

Solution 2: Check HDMI Connection

1. Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS5 and the TV/receiver.
2. If you have another HDMI cable, try using it to rule out a faulty cable.
3. Switch the HDMI port on your TV to a different one (e.g., from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2).
4. Make sure your TV is set to the correct HDMI input.

If the issue persists, then move on to Solution 3.

Solution 3: Update System Software

1. Turn on your PS5 and navigate to the Settings menu.
2. Select "System Software" and then "System Software Update and Settings."
3. Choose "Update System Software" and follow the prompts to install any available updates.
4. Restart your PS5 after the update is complete.

If you still experience issues after updating, then it may indicate a hardware problem.

Is it still broken?

If none of the above solutions work, your PS5 may have a hardware failure. In this case, you should contact PlayStation Support for further assistance or consider taking the console to an authorized repair center.

Want the Best Picture for Your PS5?

If PS5 4K, HDR, or HDMI issues keep coming up, the TV you're using matters as much as the settings. Our best gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox guide covers TVs with 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, sub-10ms input lag, and proper VRR support — so you can run 4K/120Hz without black screen or handshake issues.