How To Fix PS5 Games Crashing Issues | New 2023

Nothing ruins the experience of a new PS5 game worse than having it unexpectedly crash back to the home screen. Game crashes can happen randomly while playing or transitioning between game modes. While unfortunate, crashes are often fixable through troubleshooting system settings, network configurations, game files, and hardware factors. 

This comprehensive guide covers potential reasons for PS5 game crashing issues and actionable solutions to try. 

We’ll explain the step-by-step fixes like rebooting components, updating software and drivers, enabling port forwarding, cleaning cache, verifying files, improving ventilation, and fully reinitializing your console. With diligent testing and tweaking, you can isolate the cause of PS5 game crashes to get back to smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.

What Causes PS5 Games to Crash?

Some common culprits for game crashes on PS5 include:

1. Network connectivity issues and port blocking. Unstable internet connections and blocked ports prevent maintaining a steady connection with game servers, leading to crashing. Forwarding ports and improving network stability help.
2. Overheating console from insufficient airflow. The PS5 produces significant heat. Insufficient ventilation causes overheating, which forces the system to crash to protect components. Keeping the console in an open, cool area is key.
3. Outdated or corrupt game files. Installation errors and outdated games contain bugs that cause crashing when certain actions are performed in-game. Verifying files or redownloading fixes file corruption.
4. Bugs in PS5 firmware or game software updates. Problematic system software and game update patches can introduce new bugs that cause crashes. Keeping all software updated avoids this.
5. Too many background apps consume resources. Too many apps running eat up RAM, CPU, and GPU resources needed for smooth gameplay, resulting in crashes. Closing other apps prevents this.
6. External hard drives cause conflicts. Faulty or incompatible external USB hard drives can create system conflicts resulting in in-game crashes. Isolate potential problem drives.
7. Problems with disc drive reading game media. Damage to the disc drive laser or trouble reading a particular game disc results in crashes when assets cannot load properly during gameplay.
8. Hardware defects or deterioration. Consistent crashes across games may indicate component failure, or we

How to fix PS5 games crashing issues

Follow these steps to fix PS5 games crashing issues:

Fix 1: Close Background Apps and Restart PS5

Closing background apps and restarting the PS5 can fix PS5 game crashing issues by freeing up system resources and resolving potential software conflicts. Background apps running concurrently with a game can consume memory and processing power, leading to instability and crashes. 

Restarting the PS5 clears temporary data and resets the system, allowing games to launch from a clean state. This process helps to eliminate any lingering issues that might be causing the crashes.

Steps to Close Background Apps and Restart PS5:

1. Go to the home screen by pressing the PS button on the controller.
2. Highlight the game or app causing crashes, press the Options button, and select “Close.”
3. “nice al” background apps are closed; press the PS button again to return to the home screen.
4. Go to the power options, select “Restart PS5,” and confirm the restart. Wait for the console to reboot.
5. Launch the game again to see if the crashing issue is resolved.

Fix 2: Check for Overheating Issues

Checking for overheating issues is crucial to fix PS5 games crashing problems. Overheating can lead to performance drops, system instability, and game crashes. Modern games demand significant hardware resources, and if the PS5’s cooling system is insufficient or blocked, it can’t discarnate heat effectively. 

As the internal temperature rises, the console’sconsole’sts can’t fun can’t optimally, leading to crashes. 

Ensuring proper ventilation, cleaning dust from the console’s console, and avoiding placing the PS5 in confined spaces can mitigate overheating problems and provide a more stable gaming experience.

To check for overheating issues, follow these tips:

• Ventilation and Placement: Ensure the PS5 is placed in a well-ventilated area with sufficient space. Avoid placing it in enclosed cabinets or near heat sources.
• Clean Dust and Debris: Regularly clean the console’sconsole’sing compressed air to remove accumulated dust and debris that can block airflow.
• Update System Software: Make sure the PS5’s firPS5 is up-to-date, as system updates can include improvements to the cooling system.
• Use Rest Mode Wisely: Avoid keeping the PS5 in rest mode for extended periods, as it can restrict airflow and contribute to overheating.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Some third-party cooling solutions or accessories can help monitor and maintain optimal internal temperatures.

Fix 3: Update PS5 System Software and Games

Updating PS5 system software and games can fix PS5 game crashing issues because updates often include bug fixes, performance optimizations, and stability improvements. 

Outdated system software or games may have compatibility issues with the consoles, resulting in crashes during gameplay. New updates address these problems, ensuring smoother and more reliable gaming experiences. 

Regularly updating your PS5 system software and installing games can help prevent crashes and maintain optimal performance.

Steps to Update PS5 System Software:

1. Connect your PS5 to the internet.
2. Go to “Settings” from the” home screen.
3. Select “System,” then “System Software.”
4. Install the latest update by selecting “Update System Software” and following the on-screen instructions.

Steps to Update PS5 Games:

1. Make sure your PS5 is connected to the internet.
2. Highlight the game on the home screen.
3. Press the “Options” button “n the controller.
4. Select “Check for Update” from the menu, then follow on-screen instructions to download and install available updates.

Fix 4: Rebuild PS5 Database

Rebuilding the PS5 database can fix PS5 game crashing issues by resolving corrupted or fragmented data that may be causing instability. 

Over time, game installations, updates, and system operations can lead to data fragmentation, resulting in performance issues and crashes. 

Rebuilding the database reorganizes this data, optimizes system performance, and eliminates potential conflicts that lead to game crashes. This process does not delete games or user data; it only restructures the system data for improved stability.

Follow these steps to rebuild the PS5 Database:

1. Turn off the PS5 and make sure it is completely powered down (not in Rest Mode).
2. Press and hold the power button on the PS5 until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds) to boot into Safe Mode.
3. Connect a DualSense controller to the PS5 using a USB cable.
4. In Safe Mode, select “Rebuild Database” from the menu using the controller.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the rebuild process.
6. The PS5 will automatically restart after the database rebuild is complete.

Fix 5: Disable External Drives

Turning off external drives can fix PS5 game crashing issues caused by conflicting data or improper connections. External drives connected to the PS5 may sometimes interfere with game data retrieval or corrupt game files, leading to crashes. Disconnecting the external drives eliminates potential conflicts and allows the PS5 to prioritize internal storage for game processing, reducing the chances of crashes. To turn off external drives, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the PS5 and wait for it to shut down fully.

2. Disconnect the external drives from the USB ports.

3. Turn on the PS5 and check if the crashing issues persist. If not, the external drives may have been the cause.

Fix 6: Initialize PS5

Initializing the PS5 can be a solution to fix PS5 games crashing issues. Crashes can occur due to corrupted data, software conflicts, or glitches. 

Initializing the console restores the system to its factory settings, eliminating potential software issues that cause crashes. 

It wipes out problematic configurations, removes corrupted data, and resets the console to its default state. However, it’s essential to back up your data since initializing erases all user data, including games, saves, and settings.

To initialize PS5:

1. Go to “Settings” from the main menu.
2. 2. Select “System,” then “System Software.”
3. 3. Choose “Reset Options.”
4. 4. Select “Reset Your Console.”
5. 5. Choose “Reset” and follow the on-screen prompts.

Best Practices to Avoid PS5 Game Crashes

1. Maintain Proper Ventilation and Routinely Clean Dust: Ensure your PS5 has sufficient space for airflow and avoid placing it in cramped or enclosed spaces. Regularly clean any accumulated dust from the vents to prevent overheating, which can contribute to game crashes.

2. Use Wired Internet for Stable Connectivity: A wired internet connection provides more stable and reliable network performance, reducing the risk of connectivity issues that could lead to game crashes during online gameplay.

3. Close Background Apps When Playing Games: Closing unnecessary background apps and suspending downloads while playing games frees up system resources, ensuring smoother gameplay and reducing the likelihood of crashes.

4. Enable Auto-updates for Firmware and Games: Keep your PS5 and games up to date by enabling auto-updates. Updated software often includes bug fixes and optimizations that can help prevent crashes.

5. Rebuild Database Monthly to Clear Accumulated Errors: Rebuilding the database monthly helps to clean up any accumulated errors and organize data on the PS5, potentially resolving issues that could lead to game crashes.

6. Position Console Horizontally for Better Airflow: Placing the PS5 horizontally allows for better airflow around the console, aiding in cooling and reducing the risk of overheating-related crashes.

7. Avoid Overcrowded, Enclosed TV Stands: Ensure that your PS5 has adequate space around it and avoid placing it in crowded, enclosed TV stands that can trap heat and hinder proper ventilation.

Final Thoughts on Fixing PS5 Game Crashes

While crashes naturally happen more frequently with brand-new hardware and games, taking preventative steps optimizes stability. Keep console airflow obstruction-free, install the latest updates, verify game file integrity, isolate problematic apps or hardware, and fully reset your PS5 to rule out any lingering glitches. With diligent troubleshooting, you can zero in on the factor causing crashes and get back to enjoying uninterrupted PS5 gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 Game Crashes