Why Your PS5 Might Be Slower Than It Should Be (And How to Fix It)

It’s been approximately four years since Sony’s next-generation console, the PlayStation 5. More than just a step up from the PS4, the console elevated console gaming to new heights with its cutting-edge hardware and compatibility. Now that it’s inching closer to five years, many players have experienced the PS5 running slower over time. If you have experienced the same and might be wondering why your PS5 might be slower than it should be, follow these tips on how to fix it.

PlayStation 5 Maintenance Tips

To keep your PS5 in peak performance condition follow these tips regularly to ensure a smooth and optimal gaming experience. Whether you own the original PS5 or the slim edition or even the pro model. these PS5 maintenance tips will help you squeeze every ounce of performance from the console. While keeping control of lagging issues and keeping it bloody clean!

Cleaning the vents and fan every month

One of the biggest issues with a PlayStation 5 is its fan’s “ability” to accumulate dust and grime. Cleaning out the vents and fan every month can help the user with any heating or noise issues from the console. Like its predecessor, Sony has made the PS5 in a way that anyone with the proper set of tools can open it for maintenance. The side plates on the console can be very easily taken off by your hands. (Set it down and gently take off the cover- don’t pop it like your old Ford.

Why your PS5 Might be slower can also be caused by the clogging of the fan. Just using a normal cloth and a set of earbuds can easily clean out any dust from the fan. Pressurized air cans are also a great way to remove any dust particles, but keep in mind to not directly use the air on the fan while it’s in the assembly. (Unplug the connecter cable and take out the fan from the console before cleaning it)

Keep the console in a ventilated area

Now that you are familiar with how to clean the console it is necessary to keep the device in a cool and ventilated place. Ensure that there is breathing room for the console to ventilate in air and keep the machine cool. Always ensure no items are blocking the ventilation system of the console as it messes up with the power supply and the fan

Placing the console within an inch of a wall, lamp, media cabinet or any other object hinders its ability to circulate air.

Pro Tip: (This comes from experience) Never place the console in a place where there are crumbs, chipped-off wall paint, or any other loose material. The console will easily suck the material in and mess up the entire system.

Rebuilding Database & Update

Keeping your PlayStation updated with the latest system updates will ensure maximum efficiency and protect it from any software issues. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and faster performance is the yearly database management. If you are having issues with Game crashes, Lagging issues, or any other UI problems, rebuild the database.

Follow the steps below to easily rebuild the PS5’s database:

Step 1: Turn Off Your PS5 Completely

Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds apart).
The PS5 will shut down completely.

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

Press and hold the power button again until you hear two beeps.
Connect your DualSense controller to the PS5 using a USB cable.
Press the PS button on the controller to access Safe Mode.

Step 3: Select Rebuild Database

In the Safe Mode menu, select Option 5: Rebuild Database.
A prompt will appear stating: “This process may take some time”. Confirm to continue.

Step 4: Wait for the Process to Complete

The system will scan and reorganize the database.
This usually takes a few minutes, but it may take longer if you have a large amount of data.

Step 5: Restart Your PS5

Once the process is complete, the PS5 will automatically restart.
Your data will remain intact (this process does NOT delete games or saves).

Free up Storage Space

If you ever wonder why your PS5 might be slower than it should be than one of the reasons is lack of stoage. The base PlayStation has an internal 1TB SSD which fills up generally too fast with just a few games. Always ensure to keep at least 100GB of free space in the storage to ensure the hardware has some breathing room to compute the game.

Tips to save storage on the PlayStation 5

Disable automatic trophy video saving to free up media storage.
(Settings>Saved Data & Auto-Play>Save Trophy Videos)
Use an external hard drive or USB drive to store PS4 games and save internal storage.
Just delete the games you don’t play often.

Being a Grown Up

Just like any other item in your household, the PS5 Demands to be well-maintained. One way of taking care of your console is to turn it off properly. Now you may ask yourself, What are you doing wrong while turning it off? Well, just turning off ps5 is the right way. All apps and games should be closed before turning off the PlayStation 5. This will save the system from any memory issues or software glitches.

So be a grown-up and treat your console with the utmost care, Don’t just pull on the plug or the damn thing like a kid.

Summary

Now with these PS5 tips, you can ensure that your console runs smoothly and works like a charm. If your PlayStation 5 is running slow or encountering any lag issues following these steps can help you resolve the issue. For more such tips and game guides be sure to check our blog site.