Should I Put My PS5 in Rest Mode? The Definitive Guide

The question of whether to embrace Rest Mode on your PlayStation 5 is one that sparks debate among gamers. The short answer? Yes, most likely, you should use Rest Mode. It offers several convenient features that enhance the overall PS5 experience. However, like any technology, it comes with nuances and potential drawbacks that warrant consideration. Let’s dive deep into the world of PS5 Rest Mode and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Understanding PS5 Rest Mode

What is Rest Mode?

Rest Mode is essentially a low-power state for your PS5. It’s more than just turning off the console; it’s a middle ground between being fully powered on and completely switched off. In Rest Mode, your PS5 can perform certain tasks in the background while consuming minimal energy. This includes downloading games and updates, charging controllers, and maintaining a suspended state for your games, allowing you to jump back into the action almost instantly.

The Benefits of Rest Mode

• Fast Game Resumption: Perhaps the most significant advantage of Rest Mode is the ability to quickly resume your games. Thanks to the PS5’s blazing-fast SSD, you can go from Rest Mode to gameplay in a matter of seconds, bypassing loading screens and saving valuable time.
• Background Downloads and Updates: Rest Mode allows your PS5 to automatically download game updates, system software updates, and even new game purchases in the background. This ensures that your games are always up-to-date and ready to play when you are.
• Controller Charging: You can conveniently charge your DualSense controllers while the PS5 is in Rest Mode. This eliminates the need to leave the console fully powered on simply to charge your controllers.
• Remote Play: Rest Mode enables you to remotely access your PS5 from other devices, such as your smartphone, tablet, or PC, using the Remote Play feature. This allows you to play your PS5 games even when you’re away from home.

The Potential Drawbacks of Rest Mode

• Power Consumption: While Rest Mode consumes significantly less power than when the console is fully powered on, it still uses some electricity. If you’re concerned about energy consumption, especially over extended periods, completely powering off the console might be a better option. According to Sony’s research, the PS5 uses 0.36 Watts of energy per hour in passive Rest Mode and a maximum of 3.2 Watts when downloading and USB charging.
• Potential for Software Glitches: Although the early issues with Rest Mode causing crashes and data corruption have largely been resolved through software updates, there’s always a slight risk of encountering software glitches. This is especially true if you frequently use external hard drives with your PS5.
• Power Surges: As with any electronic device, the PS5 is vulnerable to damage from power surges. While this is a general risk, it’s slightly amplified when the console is in Rest Mode, as it’s still actively drawing power. It’s recommended to use a surge protector to mitigate this risk.
• External HDD issues: There are issues if you have an external HDD connected. The PS5 may crash after being in rest mode for a long time due to a software problem for years now.

When to Use Rest Mode and When to Power Off

• Use Rest Mode:
  • When you plan to use the PS5 again soon (within a few hours or days).
  • When you want to download games or updates in the background.
  • When you want to charge your controllers.
  • When you want to use Remote Play.
• Power Off:
  • When you won’t be using the PS5 for an extended period (several days or weeks).
  • During thunderstorms or periods of unstable power supply.
  • If you’re extremely concerned about energy consumption.

Configuring Rest Mode Settings

To optimize your Rest Mode experience, it’s crucial to configure the relevant settings:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.
2. Select Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.
3. Choose separate durations for While Playing Games and While Playing Media. You can select between 20 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 5 hours, or Don’t Put in Rest Mode.
4. Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
5. Enable Supply Power to USB Ports to charge controllers or other devices. You can choose between Off, 3 Hours, or Always.
6. Enable Stay Connected to the Internet to allow background downloads and updates.
7. Enable Enable Turning On PS5 from Network if you want to use Remote Play.

Conclusion

PS5 Rest Mode is a valuable feature that can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing convenience. By understanding its benefits, drawbacks, and configuration options, you can make informed decisions about when and how to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Rest Mode

1. Is Rest Mode safe for my PS5?

Yes, Rest Mode is generally safe for your PS5, especially with the latest system software updates. The early issues that caused crashes and data corruption have been largely addressed. However, it’s always a good practice to use a surge protector to protect your console from power surges.

2. Does Rest Mode use a lot of power?

No, Rest Mode consumes significantly less power than when the PS5 is fully powered on. According to Sony, it uses only 0.36 Watts per hour in passive Rest Mode and up to 3.2 Watts when downloading and USB charging.

3. Can a power outage damage my PS5 in Rest Mode?

Yes, a power outage, especially if accompanied by a power surge, can potentially damage your PS5 in Rest Mode. It’s recommended to unplug your console during thunderstorms or periods of unstable power supply. A surge protector can help mitigate the risk.

4. Is it bad to leave my PS5 in Rest Mode overnight?

No, it’s generally safe to leave your PS5 in Rest Mode overnight. It allows you to download updates and charge controllers while you sleep. Just ensure that you have a stable power supply and consider using a surge protector.

5. Do games download faster in Rest Mode?

Yes, games and updates typically download faster in Rest Mode because the PS5 can dedicate more resources to the download process without the overhead of running games or other applications.

6. Can my PS5 overheat in Rest Mode?

It’s unlikely that your PS5 will overheat in Rest Mode under normal conditions. However, if you keep your console in a poorly ventilated area, it’s possible. Ensure that your PS5 has adequate airflow to prevent overheating.

7. Should I unplug my PS5 when it’s in Rest Mode?

It’s generally not necessary to unplug your PS5 when it’s in Rest Mode, unless there’s a risk of a power outage or power surge. However, if you prefer to completely cut off power to the console, you can safely unplug it after it has fully entered Rest Mode.

8. How long can my PS5 stay in Rest Mode?

Your PS5 can stay in Rest Mode indefinitely without any issues, as long as it has a stable power supply and adequate ventilation.

9. Why is my PS5 turning on by itself in Rest Mode?

This can be caused by several factors, including HDMI Device Link (which turns on the PS5 when you turn on your TV), automatic update downloads, or cloud save uploads. You can disable these features in the settings if you prefer.

10. What happens if I unplug my PS5 while it’s in Rest Mode?

Unplugging your PS5 while it’s in Rest Mode can potentially corrupt the console’s files and lead to data loss. It’s always recommended to properly power down the console before unplugging it.

11. Does Rest Mode use more electricity than turning the PS5 off?

Yes, Rest Mode uses slightly more electricity than turning the PS5 completely off. However, the difference is relatively small, especially in passive Rest Mode.

12. Can I use Remote Play while my PS5 is in Rest Mode?

Yes, you can use Remote Play while your PS5 is in Rest Mode, as long as you have enabled the “Enable Turning On PS5 from Network” option in the settings.

13. How do I exit Rest Mode on my PS5?

You can exit Rest Mode by pressing the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller or by pressing the power button on the console itself.

14. What are the best Rest Mode settings for my PS5?

The best Rest Mode settings depend on your individual preferences and usage patterns. However, it’s generally recommended to enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” for background downloads and updates, and “Supply Power to USB Ports” if you want to charge controllers.

15. Where can I learn more about games and the PS5?

You can learn more about games and the PS5 at various online resources, including gaming websites, forums, and communities. You can also explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the educational aspects of gaming.