Is It Bad to Leave Your PS4 in Rest Mode for Days? The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re wondering if you can leave your PS4 in rest mode for days on end? The short answer is: generally, no, it’s not inherently bad to leave your PS4 in rest mode for extended periods, but there are nuances and considerations to keep in mind. Rest mode is designed to be a low-power state that allows your PS4 to perform background tasks like downloading updates, charging controllers, and resuming games quickly. However, consistently relying on rest mode without understanding its implications can lead to potential issues. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding PS4 Rest Mode

Rest mode isn’t simply “off.” It’s a low-power state that allows the PS4 to keep certain functions active. Think of it like a sleeping bear: it’s not fully active, but it’s still aware and can wake up quickly. The PS4 utilizes rest mode to:

• Download Game and System Updates: Arguably, the most useful feature of rest mode.
• Charge Controllers: Keep your controllers juiced up and ready to go.
• Resume Games Quickly: Jump back into your game exactly where you left off.
• Upload Saved Data to Online Storage: Back up your progress safely.
• Remote Play: Access your PS4 from other devices.

The benefits are clear, but is there a hidden cost to constantly using this feature?

Potential Drawbacks of Prolonged Rest Mode Usage

While generally safe, prolonged rest mode usage can present a few potential drawbacks. Here’s a closer look:

• Power Surges: Rest mode still requires a small amount of power. During a power surge, even this low level of activity can be problematic. A surge can potentially damage the console’s internal components. Consider using a surge protector to mitigate this risk.
• Software Glitches: Like any electronic device, the PS4 can experience software glitches. Leaving it in rest mode for extended periods without a full restart can sometimes exacerbate these issues, leading to freezes or unexpected behavior.
• Overheating: While the PS4’s fans are designed to regulate temperature, prolonged rest mode use in a poorly ventilated area could, in rare cases, contribute to overheating. Make sure your PS4 has adequate space around it for airflow.
• Game Corruption (Rare): Although rare, interrupted downloads or updates during rest mode could potentially lead to game data corruption. This is more likely if there’s a power outage during the process.

It’s important to emphasize that these are potential drawbacks, not guaranteed outcomes. However, being aware of them allows you to take preventative measures.

Best Practices for Using PS4 Rest Mode

To minimize any potential risks associated with using rest mode, consider these best practices:

• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Keep your PS4 in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Don’t place it in enclosed spaces or on soft surfaces that can block airflow.
• Use a Surge Protector: Protect your PS4 from power surges by plugging it into a surge protector.
• Periodically Power Down Completely: Give your PS4 a break by completely powering it down every week or two. This allows the system to fully reset and can help prevent software glitches.
• Close Applications Before Entering Rest Mode: Ensure all games and applications are closed before putting the console into rest mode. This reduces the strain on the system’s resources.
• Check for Updates Regularly: Keep your PS4’s system software up to date to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Monitor for Unusual Behavior: Pay attention to any unusual noises or behaviors from your PS4, such as excessive fan noise or frequent crashes. These could be signs of underlying issues.

Conclusion

Leaving your PS4 in rest mode for days is generally safe and convenient, allowing for automatic updates and easy resuming of games. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks and take preventative measures like using a surge protector, ensuring proper ventilation, and periodically powering down the console completely. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of rest mode without significantly increasing the risk of problems. Furthermore, remember that engaging with resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can enhance your understanding of gaming technology and its impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 Rest Mode

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on using PS4 rest mode.

1. Will rest mode overheat my PS4?

Generally, no, rest mode should not cause your PS4 to overheat if the console is properly ventilated. However, if your PS4 is in an enclosed space or an area with poor airflow, prolonged rest mode use could contribute to overheating. Make sure the console has adequate space around it for ventilation.

2. Does putting my PS4 in rest mode make it go faster?

Yes, in some ways it can. When the PS4 is in rest mode, it can dedicate its resources to downloading updates and games more efficiently because it’s not running other applications. This can result in faster download speeds compared to downloading while actively playing a game.

3. Does putting your PS4 in rest mode make it copy faster?

Yes, and this is a good way to speed up the copying process. The PS4 can dedicate more resources to copying data when it’s not actively running a game or application.

4. Do games still install in rest mode?

Yes, this is one of the primary benefits of rest mode. As long as you have enabled the option to download updates in rest mode in your system settings, your games will continue to download and install.

5. How often should I put my PS4 in rest mode?

You can put your PS4 in rest mode as often as you like. According to Sony, it’s designed to be used frequently. Many users leave their PS4 in rest mode almost constantly to take advantage of automatic updates and quick game resuming.

6. Does rest mode cool my PS4?

While rest mode doesn’t actively cool your PS4 in the same way as turning it off completely, some users report that the fan may continue to run for a short period after entering rest mode, helping to dissipate heat.

7. How long can a PS4 stay in rest mode?

There’s no official limit. You can leave your PS4 in rest mode for days, weeks, or even months. However, periodically restarting the console is still recommended to clear the cache and prevent potential software glitches.

8. Can I leave my PS4 on rest mode overnight while updating a game?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the primary uses of rest mode. Just ensure you have enabled the necessary settings to allow updates and downloads in rest mode.

9. Will rest mode use a lot of electricity?

No, rest mode uses very little electricity. The PS4 is designed to consume minimal power in this state. The exact amount depends on your settings, but it’s generally comparable to leaving a TV on standby.

10. Is it better to turn off my PS4 completely or use rest mode?

It depends on your priorities. Rest mode offers convenience with automatic updates and quick game resuming. Turning the PS4 off completely saves more energy and can prevent potential software glitches. It’s a matter of personal preference and usage habits.

11. What settings should I enable for rest mode?

To maximize the benefits of rest mode, enable these settings:

• Stay Connected to the Internet: Allows downloads and updates.
• Enable Turning on PS4 from Network: Enables Remote Play and waking the console via network.
• Supply Power to USB Ports: Allows charging controllers while in rest mode.

12. Can a power outage damage my PS4 in rest mode?

Yes, a power outage can potentially damage your PS4, especially if it occurs during a system update or when data is being written to the hard drive. A surge protector can help mitigate this risk.

13. My PS4 is making a beeping sound in rest mode. What should I do?

A beeping sound in rest mode can indicate a problem, such as a disc ejecting issue or a power supply problem. Try these steps:

• Unplug the console for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
• Check for any obstructions around the eject button.
• If the issue persists, contact PlayStation support.

14. Can I use Remote Play while the PS4 is in rest mode?

Yes, one of the main advantages of rest mode is that it enables Remote Play. You can access and play your PS4 games from other devices, such as your smartphone or computer, even when the console is in rest mode.

15. How do I completely turn off my PS4 instead of using rest mode?

To completely turn off your PS4, press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller. Select “Power” from the quick menu, and then choose “Turn Off PS4.” Alternatively, you can hold the power button on the console itself until it turns off.