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For normal daily use, put your PlayStation 5 in Rest Mode when you want suspended games, controller charging, downloads, updates or Remote Play wake-up. Choose Power > Turn Off PS5 when you want the console completely inactive, are leaving it unused for a long time or need a full power cycle. Either way, use the on-screen command and wait for the indicator to finish changing before disconnecting the AC cable.
What is the difference between PS5 Rest Mode and being off?
Sony defines three PS5 power states: on, Rest Mode and off. Rest Mode is a low-powered state; it is not a full shutdown. The indicator is white when the console is on, orange in Rest Mode and off after a complete shutdown.
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Rest Mode keeps selected background functions available. Turning the PS5 off ends those functions and leaves the console unavailable until you start it again.
When should I use Rest Mode?
Use Rest Mode when convenience matters more than eliminating every standby function. Its capabilities depend on settings in Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
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Resume a suspended game or app
A game or app can remain suspended so you can return to it more quickly. A system restart, update or certain software errors can still close the suspended application, so Rest Mode is not a replacement for saving progress.
Charge a DualSense controller
Rest Mode can supply power through the PS5’s USB ports. Enable the USB-power option in the Rest Mode features menu, then connect the DualSense with a USB cable. Charging stops being available after a full shutdown.
Download games and updates
With Stay Connected to the Internet enabled, the PS5 can download PlayStation App-initiated content, pre-orders, game updates and system-software updates while in Rest Mode. Automatic downloads are settings-dependent, and an individual title or account may still require an on-screen confirmation.
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Remote Play can wake a PS5 in Rest Mode when Remote Play, the internet connection and network-wake options are enabled. A PS5 that is fully off cannot be reached by Remote Play wake-up.
When is Turn Off PS5 the better choice?
Select Power > Turn Off PS5 when you need the console fully inactive. The indicator flashes white while the shutdown completes and then turns off.
- Extended absence: Use a full shutdown when the console will sit unused for an extended period.
- Lowest standby activity: Shutdown stops Rest Mode downloads, USB charging and network wake.
- Troubleshooting: Follow a support instruction that calls for a complete power cycle. Sony separately documents Restart PS5, which turns the console off and then back on automatically.
Turning the console off also means pending downloads and updates wait until the PS5 is started again. A suspended game or app is no longer kept available in the background.
Which PS5 power state fits your situation?
| Situation | Recommended state | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want a game or app ready to resume | Rest Mode | Suspended applications can remain available. |
| You want to charge a DualSense | Rest Mode | USB power can remain enabled. |
| You want downloads or automatic updates | Rest Mode | Internet connection must remain enabled. |
| You use Remote Play away from home | Rest Mode | Remote Play and network-wake settings are required. |
| You want the console completely inactive | Turn Off PS5 | The indicator turns off and background Rest Mode functions stop. |
| You are following a troubleshooting power-cycle step | Turn Off PS5 or Restart PS5 | A complete restart may be required. |
Does Rest Mode use electricity?
Yes. Sony says Rest Mode consumption rises as more features are enabled and states that the console does not automatically drop below 0.5 W when those features are active. That is a threshold condition, not a universal model-by-model electricity-cost figure; Sony’s cited guidance does not provide a single cost comparison for every PS5 model.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDisable Rest Mode features you do not need if reducing standby consumption is more important than charging, downloads or Remote Play availability. A full shutdown removes those background capabilities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I safely shut down or unplug a PS5?
- Press the PS button, open the control centre and select Power.
- Choose Enter Rest Mode, Turn Off PS5 or Restart PS5 according to your goal.
- Wait for the indicator to become orange for Rest Mode or turn off completely after shutdown.
- Only then disconnect the AC cable, if necessary.
Never pull the AC cable while the indicator is lit or blinking. Sony warns that an interruption at that point can cause data loss or corruption and may damage the console.
Is Rest Mode bad for a PS5?
Rest Mode is Sony’s intended low-power operating state, not an error condition. The practical trade-off is that enabled background features consume more standby power and keep network and USB functions available; use full shutdown when those functions are unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the PS5 indicator colors mean?
A white indicator means the console is on, orange means it is in Rest Mode, and no light means it is off. If the indicator is still flashing, wait rather than unplugging the console.
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Will a PS5 finish a download after I turn it off?
No. Full shutdown ends the background network activity used for Rest Mode downloads. The download resumes only after the console is powered on and connected.
Can Remote Play turn on a PS5 that is completely off?
No. Remote Play wake-up requires the PS5 to be in Rest Mode with the relevant Remote Play, internet and network-wake settings enabled.
What happens to my open game after I choose Restart PS5?
Restart PS5 performs a complete turn-off followed by turn-on, so an open game or app is not preserved as a suspended session. Save your progress before using it.
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