Does rest mode brick PS5?

Answered by Frank Schwing

Rest Mode has been a controversial feature on the PS5, with many users reporting issues of bricking their consoles while using it. While Sony has released firmware updates to address these problems, it’s still a topic of concern among PS5 owners.

To start with, let’s understand what Rest Mode actually does. When you put your PS5 in Rest Mode, it goes into a low-power state where it can perform various tasks in the background. One of the main advantages of Rest Mode is that it allows your console to download games, game updates, and system updates while you’re not actively using it. This means that when you sit down to play, you can jump right into the game without having to wait for updates to download and install.

However, it’s important to note that Rest Mode has been associated with instances of bricking, where the console becomes unresponsive and essentially rendered unusable. There have been reports of consoles not turning on or displaying a black screen after being in Rest Mode. This has understandably caused frustration and concern among PlayStation users.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of these bricking issues, it’s believed that they may be related to the way the console handles power during Rest Mode. Some users have reported that the console’s power supply unit (PSU) may be affected, leading to the bricking problem. Others speculate that software bugs or conflicts during the download and installation process could be the culprit.

In response to these issues, Sony has released several firmware updates to address the Rest Mode problem. These updates have aimed to improve system stability and performance, including fixes for the Rest Mode-related bricking issues. It’s advisable to always keep your console’s firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and improvements.

While the firmware updates have significantly reduced the number of reported bricking cases, it’s still recommended to exercise caution when using Rest Mode on your PS5. If you’re concerned about potential issues, it may be safer to manually download and install updates while the console is powered on rather than relying on Rest Mode. This way, you can avoid any potential risks associated with Rest Mode and reduce the chances of encountering bricking problems.

In my personal experience, I have been using Rest Mode on my PS5 without any issues so far. However, knowing the concerns raised by other users, I make sure to regularly check for firmware updates and install them manually when available. This provides me with peace of mind and minimizes the risk of encountering any Rest Mode-related problems.

While Rest Mode on the PS5 offers convenient features such as background downloads and updates, it has been associated with bricking issues in some cases. Sony has released firmware updates to address these problems, but it’s still important to exercise caution when using Rest Mode. Keeping your console’s firmware up to date and manually downloading/installing updates can help mitigate potential risks.