Have you noticed your PlayStation 5 console powering on randomly when you turn on your TV? This frustrating issue is commonly caused by a technology called HDMI-CEC that allows interconnected devices to communicate and control each other.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explain what‘s behind this auto power-on behavior and how to disable it for a better PS5 experience. We‘ll also cover optimal media setup, preventing overheating problems and best practices for using Rest Mode.
What is HDMI-CEC?
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature built into HDMI that allows connected devices like TVs, soundbars, streamers and game consoles to communicate bidirectional over a single HDMI cable. It allows features like controlling all devices with one remote, auto-switching TV inputs and syncing power states across devices.
Why Does PS5 Turn On with TV?
When HDMI-CEC is enabled on both the TV and PS5, turning on the TV sends a "power on" signal over HDMI to the console. The PS5 automatically wakes up and switches the TV input to its port.
Sony has HDMI-CEC enabled by default on the PS5 under "Enable HDMI Device Link" in System Settings. So unless this is disabled, your PlayStation will power on and change TV inputs any time the television is turned on.
How to Stop PS5 Turning On with TV
1. On your PS5 go to Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDMI Device Link
2. Switch the setting to Off to disable HDMI-CEC communication.
Your PlayStation will now ignore HDMI power commands from the TV and won‘t automatically turn on when you power on the television.
You may also want to check your TV settings for options like Anynet+, SimpLink or CEC and disable anything related to "auto power sync" or "device auto on" to prevent the TV from sending wake signals to the PS5.
Fix PS5 Powering On with Other Devices
If you have other media devices like an Apple TV or Blu-ray player connected to the same TV, they could also be triggering the PS5 to power on thanks to HDMI-CEC.
Check the settings on each device and disable any options that allow auto power-on syncing over HDMI. Turning off HDMI-CEC system-wide can fix issues caused by device crosstalk over HDMI.
Optimize Your PS5 Media Setup
To take full advantage of your PS5‘s capabilities, you‘ll want an HDMI 2.1 compatible television capable of 4K 120Hz gaming, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). LG‘s OLED TVs as well as Sony‘s X90K and X95K LED TVs are great options.
You‘ll also need to enable HDCP on PS5 for copy protection when streaming 4K video from apps. HDMI cables must support HDMI 2.1 for 48Gbps bandwidth. Use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cables rated for this speed.
Avoid HDMI splitters or switch boxes which can introduce lag, degrade signal quality and cause HDMI-CEC control issues. Connect your PS5 directly to the TV instead.
Preventing PS5 Overheating Problems
Extended gaming sessions of 5+ hours can sometimes lead to PS5 overheating warnings and eventual shutdown to protect the console hardware.
Follow these tips to keep your PlayStation 5 cool:
– Give your PS5 room to breathe – don‘t cram it into a tight TV stand space.
– Keep the area around the console clear and dust-free. Use compressed air to clean vents.
– Position the PS5 vertically using its stand for optimal airflow from bottom to top.
– Replace the internal thermal paste if your PS5 is consistently overheating.
– Game in a cool room and avoid direct sunlight heating the console.
Should You Power Down or Use Rest Mode?
Using Rest Mode keeps your PS5 in a low-power suspended state so games remain ready and controllers charged. This uses less energy than fully powering down.
Rest Mode also lets you wake your PS5 remotely to start downloads and updates. Keep it enabled but disable options like "Stay Connected to the Internet" and "Enable Turning On PS5 from Network" to prevent unwanted wake up signals.
Power down fully only during long absences like vacations. This clears system cache and can fix certain glitches or software issues.
I hope this detailed guide helps you optimize your PS5 setup and stop annoying auto power-on issues. Let me know if you have any other questions!As a tech expert and avid gamer, I‘ve helped many PS5 owners resolve issues with their consoles unexpectedly powering on when the TV is turned on. In this definitive guide, I‘ll draw on my experience to explain what causes this phenomenon and how to permanently fix it.
I‘ll also share insider tips for getting the most out of your PS5, preventing overheating problems, and properly caring for your console. Whether you‘re a casual or hardcore gamer, you‘ll learn how to optimize your setup for peak gaming performance. Let‘s dive in!
HDMI-CEC – The Source of Automatic Power On
HDMI-CEC or Consumer Electronics Control has been both a blessing and a curse since its introduction way back in 1996. The idea was that users could control multiple devices over HDMI through a single remote. CEC also enabled connected devices to synchronize power states – so turning on your TV would power up your Blu-ray player, audio receiver, etc.
Here‘s a quick technical primer on how HDMI-CEC works its magic:
The CEC Bus
– Physical CEC wiring in Pin 13 of HDMI cable
– Low bandwidth of max 1 Mb/s
– Allows device-to-device communication
HDMI-CEC Protocol
– One device acts as initiator, others respond
– Uses logical addresses (0-15) to direct commands
– 32 total commands like Power On/Off, Volume Control, Routing Control
With CEC enabled on your TV, game console, and other media devices, you get centralized control and automated coordination between them. But this convenience can also cause headaches when devices power on when you don‘t expect them to!
HDMI-CEC Triggers Automatic PS5 Power On
Here‘s what happens when your PS5 turns on after you‘ve switched on your TV:
- TV powers on and sends the "Text View On" command over CEC
- PS5 CEC interface receives it and powers up the console
- PS5 switches TV input to its HDMI port
This allows you to seamlessly power on and start gaming without having to manually turn on your PS5. But it can be downright annoying when you just want to watch a movie on your Apple TV or cable box!
Luckily, it‘s easy to disable this auto power-on behavior. Keep reading to learn how.
How to Stop PS5 Automatically Powering On with TV
Simply disable HDMI-CEC on your PlayStation 5 by following these quick steps:
1. Go to Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDMI Device Link
2. Toggle the setting to Off
That‘s it! This stops your PS5 from responding to power on commands from your TV over HDMI-CEC.
You may also want to disable related CEC settings on your TV like Anynet+ (Samsung), SimpLink (LG) or HDMI Control (Sony). Refer to your TV manual for the exact menu options.
Disabling CEC may limit other functionality like controlling your PS5 with the TV remote. But this trade-off is worth eliminating the frustration of your game console powering up unexpectedly.
Prevent Other Devices from Waking PS5
If you have media streamers, Blu-ray players or cable/satellite boxes also hooked up to your TV, they could be the culprits behind your PS5 automatically powering up thanks to CEC.
Here are some examples and how to stop them:
Apple TV
– Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) > toggle Off
Roku
– Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) > disable
Xfinity/Sky Q Box
– Turn off Device Link/Control TV setting
Check each device‘s settings to disable CEC/HDMI Control so they don‘t send wake commands to your PlayStation.
An alternative "nuclear option" is to completely disable CEC on your television. But this will limit all device integration – a trade-off you may be willing to make!
Optimize Your Gaming Setup for PS5
To unlock the full potential of your shiny new PS5, you‘ll need the right companion devices and accessories for the ultimate gaming experience:
Get an HDMI 2.1 Compatible TV
Take advantage of bleeding-edge gaming features like:
– 4K resolution at 120Hz
– Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smooth gameplay
– Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
Look for HDMI 2.1 ports and ensure your HDMI cables are Ultra High Speed certified. Top HDMI 2.1 TV picks include:
| TV Model | Key Gaming Features |
| LG G2 OLED | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM |
| Sony X95K LED | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM |
| Samsung S95B OLED | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM |
Enable HDCP for DRM Protection
Streaming 4K video from apps like Netflix requires HDCP 2.2/2.3 enabled on your PS5 and TV.
Enable it under Settings > System > HDMI > HDCP. This encrypts signal output to prevent piracy.
Directly Connect PS5 to TV
Avoid intermediary devices like switches or splitters that can degrade performance. Connect your PS5 directly to an HDMI port on your TV for uncompromised 4K gaming!
Position your PS5 and TV for ideal ventilation and cooling as well. Now enjoy your cutting-edge setup!
Avoid Overheating: Keep Your PS5 Cool
The Cell processor in Sony‘s PS3 was famously prone to overheating, causing system failures dubbed the "Red Ring of Death." While the PS5 architecture runs much cooler, taking steps to prevent overheating is still important for performance and longevity.
Follow these tips to keep your prized PlayStation running smoothly:
Give it Room to Breathe
– Avoid cramped TV cabinets
– Leave 4-6 inches clearance on all sides
– Don‘t block vents!
Clean Out Dust
– Compressed air is safe for electronics
– Use a small brush to dislodge caked dust
– Clean vents and fan intakes regularly
Position Vertically with Stand
– Natural convection airflow from bottom to top
– Use included stand for vertical orientation
Replace Thermal Pads/Paste
– Sony used cheap pads prone to failure
– Upgrade to higher performance options
– Properly apply thermal paste for best heat transfer
Follow these tips religiously to avoid PS5 overheating errors and enjoy buttery-smooth performance even after marathon gaming sessions!
Should You Use Rest Mode or Power Down?
Rest Mode keeps your PS5 in a low-power suspended state so you can instantly resume gaming. But there are a few settings to tweak for optimal use:
Enable These Rest Mode Settings
– Stay Connected to the Internet – for remote updates
– Enable Turning on PS5 from Network – to power on remotely
– Supply Power to USB Ports – keep controllers charged
Disable These Settings
– HDMI Device Link – prevent CEC wake up signal
– Enable Turning Off PS5 from Network – avoid unwanted shutdown
Only fully power down your PS5 for long term storage like vacations. This clears system caches and can resolve software issues.
Got all that? Now you‘re fully equipped to optimize your PS5 setup and usage for the ultimate gaming experience. Let me know if you have any other questions!
