Orange PS5 Light Signals Rest Mode, Not a Warning, Engadget Says

Rest Mode saves power while allowing the console to perform basic tasks. Depending on the PS5’s settings, it can charge controllers and download games while consuming only a few watts. Entering Rest Mode after a set period of inactivity is part of the console’s factory settings, but Engadget said users can adjust the timer or disable the feature entirely.

To enter Rest Mode after playing, users can press the power button on the front of the console for a moment. They can also press the PS button on the controller to open the control center, then go to Power and select Enter Rest Mode. Engadget warned that users should never unplug the PS5 when the orange light is on because the console is not fully powered off in that state. Instead, users should select Turn Off PS5 from the Power menu and wait for the system lights to go out before unplugging it.

If the PS5 enters Rest Mode from inactivity sooner than desired, the timer can be changed from the home screen by selecting Settings, then System, then Power Saving, then Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode. Engadget said the console has separate settings for media playback and while playing games, and users can also choose to have the PS5 never enter Rest Mode after prolonged inactivity. In the same Power Saving section, Features Available in Rest Mode controls whether the PS5 powers USB ports, updates games, uploads saves to the cloud or supports remote play through a PlayStation Portal or another device.

Engadget said the orange light itself is not a hardware warning, but other signs can indicate that a PS5 needs repair. One common issue is overheating, which can result from blocked or dusty exhaust vents or from the cooling system degrading over time. Possible signs include the console shutting down unexpectedly, extremely hot or loud airflow from its vents, or an on-screen warning about the console’s temperature. If the problem continues after dust is cleaned out and the console is placed in a well-ventilated area, Engadget said it may be worth bringing the PS5 to a professional to have the thermal paste replaced. Repeated overheating can damage internal components and lead to more problems later.

Another frequent PS5 problem is GPU failure, which can appear as visual glitches such as screen flickering, static or multicolored lines. Engadget said these can also be caused by HDMI issues, so users should try another high-quality HDMI cable and another HDMI port on the TV before assuming the GPU is failing. Plugging the PS5 into another monitor or TV is also a step to rule out the display as the root cause. If problems persist, the GPU is likely failing, and because of the specific parts the PS5 uses, the solution is to send the console to Sony for repair or take it to a specialized repair shop.