Should I leave PS5 in Rest Mode?

 This guide explores nine key pros and cons to help you make an informed choice about this convenient but sometimes problematic feature.

Benefits of using Rest Mode for PS5

First, let's start with all the reasons why you might want to leave your PS5 in Rest Mode.

1. Update and download in Rest Mode

You may already know this but you can update and download games on PS5 in Rest Mode. This allows the PS5 to use minimal power while downloading new games or updating installed games. This way, you can always join your favorite live service video games without having to receive updates or patches.

2. Charge peripheral devices when PS5 is in Rest Mode

Should I leave PS5 in Rest Mode? Picture 1

Basically, the controller can only charge when the PS5 is turned on. In that case, leaving your PS5 in Rest Mode while the controller is connected will help ensure you always have enough power for your next session.

You can also use PS5 while in Rest Mode as a temporary charging station for other accessories or a power source for smart devices in your home.

3. Play and install games remotely

Another reason to keep the PS5 in Rest Mode is that you can remotely access it while it's in that state. Once you've set up and used remote play, you'll be able to use any supported mobile device to play video games on your PS5 when you're away from that device.

You can also buy and install games on your PS5 when you're not using it. All you have to do then is purchase and install the game through the PlayStation App.

4. Use Rest Mode to pause the game

Putting PS5 in Rest Mode will not close the game. Instead, it puts the game in a permanent paused state, where you can pick up right where you left off when you return. This is great for games that don't let you save at certain points but you are forced to exit at that time.

Starting where you left off is much faster than starting the game from scratch and loading a save.

5. Rest Mode consumes the same power as PS5 when turned off

Should I leave PS5 in Rest Mode? Picture 2

When it comes to power, the PS5 when running games will use an average of about 200 watts. When you turn off the PS5 (and it's still plugged in), it uses about 1.30 watts.

However, Rest Mode only uses 1.50 watts, almost as much as the PS5 when powered off. So this mode saves power while still providing many features and keeping games from crashing.

Disadvantages of using Rest Mode on PS5

There are many good reasons to put your PS5 in Rest Mode, but sometimes, you should turn it off completely.

1. Rest Mode still consumes electricity

Rest Mode doesn't use much but still consumes power. If you're leaving home on vacation - or don't intend to use the PS5 for a long time, unplug it. PS5 energy consumption may increase over time.

Additionally, the PS5 may wake up while in Rest Mode, turning on the TV or monitor (or vice versa), and both can drain power when you're not around. Additionally, some users have complained that the PS5's fan still works after they put it in Rest Mode. It may be due to design or error, but it will definitely drain power.

2. Unwanted updates can increase your Internet bill

Should I leave PS5 in Rest Mode? Picture 3

While it's great to sit on the couch and start a game of Fortnite without any updates, letting the PS5 update in Rest Mode means it will also update the games installed in your library. don't want to play.

If you have automatic updates enabled on your PS5, it won't have the option to choose which games it updates, so everything is updated. And really big updates can increase your Internet bill.

3. Rest Mode can cause heat buildup and reduce the lifespan of the PS5

It may be using minimal resources, but Rest Mode is still using resources. Leaving the PS5 in Rest Mode while it is constantly performing one task or another means that it will eventually shorten the console's lifespan. When operating in Rest Mode, the SSD in the PS5 is writing data and the CPU is performing the task.

Without a cooling fan, these tasks can cause the CPU to get quite hot. This activity and heat can build up and reduce the overall lifespan of components.

4. The error may affect applications and game crashes

Should I leave PS5 in Rest Mode? Picture 4

Sometimes games that freeze in Rest Mode can have problems. This is not common, and some people have used their PS5 for years without experiencing this problem. However, a large number of Rest Mode users on PS5 have encountered this situation. If you plan to use Rest Mode repeatedly instead of saving your game, you may be in for a nasty surprise when you find your game crashes.

Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons and you can use Rest Mode as often as you want. However, everyone has unique circumstances and some of these disadvantages can be major barriers for some people. In any case, if you regularly leave your PS5 in Rest Mode, you should find out exactly what you're doing.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 03 August 2024