How can I properly turn off my PS5?

Hi, I had the same issue when I first got mine. The PS5 hides its shutdown option behind a couple of button presses, so it’s not as obvious as the PS4. The simplest way with the controller is: press the PS button in the center → a little quick menu pops up at the bottom → scroll all the way to the right until you see the “Power” symbol → click it → you’ll see three choices: Rest Mode, Turn Off Console, Restart. Pick “Turn Off Console.” That fully powers it down. If you leave it in Rest Mode, the orange light glows and it still draws power, so only pick that if you want background updates or charging.

If you want to skip menus, you can just hold the tiny physical power button on the PS5 itself. A short press usually puts it into Rest Mode, but hold it for about 3 seconds until you hear the second beep—then it fully shuts down. I personally prefer the controller way because it’s smoother, but either works fine. And don’t worry, you won’t damage it unless you unplug it while it’s still on.

When I first got my PS5, I thought holding the power button was enough—but I kept putting it in Rest Mode by mistake. The trick is holding until the second beep. That’s the console telling you it’s actually shutting down. Otherwise, from the controller menu, scroll right to the Power symbol and select “Turn Off Console.” I learned the hard way when my downloads kept running overnight. Rest Mode is great if you want that, but not for saving energy.

Hey, easiest way: hold the power button until you hear two beeps. That’s the console saying, “Yep, I’m shutting down.” Rest Mode only gives you one beep.