To turn on your PlayStation 5, press the power button on the console itself or press the PlayStation (PS) button on a paired DualSense wireless controller. Before you can power on the console for the first time, you must connect the AC power cord and the HDMI cable; otherwise, the PS5 won't receive power or display an image on your TV. If you want to use that same controller for PC gaming later, you can connect PlayStation controller to PC via Bluetooth or USB. Once you're up and running, you can change theme on PS5 to personalize your home screen's look.
Before you turn on your PlayStation 5: Two essential physical connections
Your PS5 won't power on or show a picture unless you've made two physical connections first. Skipping either one will leave you staring at a blank screen or a console that doesn't respond to the power button.
1. Plug in the AC power cord. Locate the power port on the back of the PS5 console (it's near the other input/output ports). Take the included AC power cord and insert one end firmly into that port. Then plug the other end into a wall outlet. Make sure the outlet is easily accessible and not overloaded with other devices. A loose connection here is the most common reason a PS5 won't turn on.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to your TV. Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back of the PS5. Connect the other end to an available HDMI input on your TV or monitor. Note which HDMI port number you used (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2) because you'll need to select that input on your TV to see the PS5's screen.
After both cables are securely connected, turn on your TV and use its remote to switch to the correct HDMI input. Only then will you see the PS5's home screen when the console boots up.
How to turn on your PlayStation 5 using the console power button
If you're sitting near the console or your controller isn't paired yet, use the physical power button on the PS5. This button is located on the front panel of the console, near the USB port. It's a slim, flat button that's easy to miss at first glance.
Press the power button once (no need to hold it). You'll hear a short beep, and the power indicator light on the console will start blinking blue. After a few seconds, the light will turn solid white, this means the console is successfully powering on and has completed its boot sequence. You'll see the PlayStation logo appear on your TV screen.
If the light stays blue and never turns white, or if you see no light at all, double-check that the AC power cord is firmly plugged into both the console and the wall outlet. Also confirm the HDMI cable is connected to the correct input on your TV.
How to turn on your PlayStation 5 using the DualSense controller
The quickest way to power on your PS5 from a couch or bed is by using the DualSense wireless controller. Simply press the PlayStation (PS) button, the circular button with the "PS" logo in the center of the controller. This will wake the console from a completely off state or from Rest Mode.
However, this only works if your controller is already paired to the console. For a brand-new controller or one that's never been connected to this PS5, you'll need to pair it first using a USB cable. Plug the USB cable into the front USB port of the PS5 and connect the other end to the USB-C port on the DualSense controller. Then press the PS button once. The controller will sync with the console, and the PS5 will power on. After the initial pairing, you can disconnect the cable and use the controller wirelessly to turn on the console in the future.
How to wake your PlayStation 5 from Rest Mode
Rest Mode is a low-power state that lets your PS5 resume games and downloads almost instantly. To wake it, you have two options: press the power button on the console itself, or press the PS button on a paired DualSense controller. Both methods will bring the console out of Rest Mode and return you to the home screen in about two seconds.
If you press the PS button on a controller that isn't paired (for example, a second controller you've never connected), it won't wake the console. You'll need to connect that controller via USB cable first, just like the initial setup. Once paired, that controller can also wake the PS5 from Rest Mode.
One note: if your PS5 is in Rest Mode and you press the power button, the indicator light will blink blue briefly, then turn solid white. If it stays amber, the console is still in Rest Mode, press the button again to fully wake it.
What if the PS5 doesn't respond to the controller?
If you press the PS button and nothing happens, the controller likely isn't paired or its battery is dead. Connect it to the console with a USB cable and press the PS button again. If the controller charges but still doesn't power on the console, the issue is probably the HDMI connection, make sure your TV is set to the correct input and the cable is securely attached to both ends.
Turning on the PS5 for the very first time
On your first power-up, the PS5 will walk you through initial setup: language selection, internet connection, and signing in to or creating a PlayStation Network account. During this process, you'll use the DualSense controller to navigate. If the controller isn't recognized, connect it via USB cable and press the PS button. After setup is complete, the console will save your preferences, and from then on, turning it on is as simple as pressing the PS button or the power button.
For more advanced control, you can also set up HDMI-CEC (called "HDMI Device Link" on PS5) to turn on your TV automatically when you power on the console. Go to Settings > System > HDMI and enable "HDMI Device Link." This lets you turn on both the TV and the PS5 with a single press of the PS button, a handy trick for anyone who wants to minimize remote juggling.
If you ever need to connect additional controllers for multiplayer games, the same USB pairing method applies. Just plug the new controller into the console with a USB cable, press the PS button, and it's ready. This is the standard process for "connecting a game controller" to any device, but on PS5 it also grants that controller the ability to power on the console wirelessly afterward.
Once your PS5 is on, you'll land on the home screen, where your most recent game or app is highlighted. Use the left thumbstick or D-pad to navigate, and press X to launch a game. If you have a disc, insert it into the disc drive and the game will appear on the home screen automatically.
Regularly check for system software updates under Settings > System > System Software to keep your console running smoothly. Also, clean the vents with a microfiber cloth every few weeks to prevent dust buildup, which can affect performance and longevity. And remember to back up your game saves, either to cloud storage (with PlayStation Plus) or to an external USB drive, so you never lose progress.
With your PS5 powered on and connected to your TV, you're ready to explore new worlds, challenge friends online, and enjoy the immersive features of the DualSense controller. The console's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback will make every game feel more responsive, and the built-in microphone lets you chat without a headset. Take advantage of the PlayStation Store to discover new releases and free monthly games if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus.
