Our growing list of known bugs and launch issues for the PS5

Troubleshooting your new console? You’re not alone.

The PS5 is finally here, marking the start of the next-generation of consoles, along with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The PS5 brings a host of new features and improvements to its system performance, thanks to its new custom CPU and GPU, and its new ultra-high speed SSD that makes load times shorter than ever before. With games like Demon’s Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales ready at launch, the PlayStation 5 is already a force to be reckoned with.

But with the arrival of every new console generation comes a new generation of issues and bugs. Software and hardware bugs are not uncommon, but will definitely hinder the enjoyment of your new console. We’ve rounded up all of the known bugs and issues you may encounter, as well as any know workarounds that might help.

PlayStation 5 known system bugs and issues

The PlayStation 5 features a new OS and tons of new hardware features on both the console itself and its controller. Sometimes the new additions don’t always work as they should, and are usually patched in the weeks following the system launch.

Can’t connect to the PlayStation Network

Some users have reported issues connecting and downloading games from the PlayStation Network. If you’re experiencing issues, the best thing to do is to check your internet connection and try again. You can also check on the Network Service Status to see if there’s a greater issue with the service.

There’s a huge influx of users trying to sign-in, download, and update their new consoles, so budget extra time for installation, especially if you’re using the digital console.

PS5 stalls upon restart

There have been reports of users trying to restart their console, only for their console to hang on the restart screen. If you find yourself hung up on this screen, you may have a bigger issue on your hands.

Ongoing power issues with your PS5

If your PS5 loses power shortly after you turn it on, won’t turn on at all, crashes or freezes while playing, or turns off while playing, your PlayStation 5 might be down for the count and suffering from an internal power issue. If that happens, you’ll have to troubleshoot on the PlayStation website to find out if you’re eligible for a console repair.

There have been user reports that using an extended storage unit will cause your PS5 to shut off. Until Sony updates the firmware, the best advice is to not use any extended storage at this time.

Issues with data transfer after initial setup

Users have also reported that using the rear USB ports or LAN cable for data transfer after the initial setup will cause issues with your PS5. If you find yourself in need of a USB port, try the port on the front of the console.

If you happen to experience issues after initial setup, restore your PS5 to factory settings to fix to issue. Note that restoring factory settings will delete all users and user data, and console sharing and offline play for the PS5 gets disabled for all users that are connected to it.

Rest mode crashing the console

Rest mode is a feature not new to Sony hardware. What rest mode does is suspends your game, unlocks remote play & control features, and keeps your game and game saves up to date. Unfortunately, there are reports that using rest mode on your PS5 will cause a critical error, causing crashes that require database rebuilding and may brick your console. Until Sony releases an update, the best thing to do is to turn off rest mode on your PS5. To do so, follow these steps:

1. On the PlayStation 5’s main menu, select Settings.

   

2. Under System Settings, select Power Saving.

3. Select Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.

   

4. Select Disable rest mode.

Problems transferring PS4 data to PS5

PlayStation 4 users can transfer existing save data and profiles over to the PlayStation 5. Some users, however, have experienced issues with the transfer process, including but not limited to exorbitantly long transfer times, loss of data, or full hardware failure. If possible, the best bet might be to transfer data over Wi-Fi and avoid using the rear USB or LAN port.

Updating the DualSense controller

During the initial setup of your PlayStation 5, you are required to plug in your DualSense controller and download an update for the controller. Make sure you keep your controller plugged in through the entirety of the update. Unplugging the controller may cause connectivity issues between your controller and the console.

If this happens to you, try re-downloading the PS5 update or trying again after a full factory reset.

Popping noises heard in headset when using DualSense controller

There have been reports of users heading a popping or crackling noise in their headsets while they navigate the PS5 menus. This is thought to happen when there is another device nearby that is causing interference. Check your nearby Bluetooth devices and shut them off, if you’re able to. Some users have fixed the issue by dropping the volume and slowly raising it back up.

HD camera or PlayStation Camera not connecting

Many new accessories are coming to the PS5, but not without their own set of issues. Some users have reported receiving error code CE-111161-1 when trying to use a camera on their PS5. If you come across this error, troubleshoot it by following these steps.

1. If you are using PS Camera, you need a dedicated adapter to use it with PS5.
2. Review the settings of the camera on your PS5.
3. Use it in a bright room as much as possible.
4. Check the position by adjusting the distance to the camera or the camera’s angle.

System keeps crashing (error code CE-108262-9)

Users have experienced consistent system errors and failure, often ending with the error code CE-108262-9. Issues include games crash, the system fails to start, or laggy and unresponsive menus. If you receive this error, you’ll have to get in contact with Sony directly as your system may be faulty.

DualSense controller not holding charge

There have been reports from users that their DualSense controller is not holding a charge. Make sure you are using the included USB cable. Users have reported that using the rear USB solves the issue. If possible, try using another DualSense controller so that you can make sure the issue isn’t with your controller.

My PS5 is making a weird noise

Users have reported a loud buzzing noise coming from their consoles. While it has not been known to cause any issues with hardware or software, it is still an annoying and distracting issue for some users. While “coil whine” seems to be the prevailing theory surrounding the cause of the issue, the reason remains unclear. If your PS5 is making noise, try adjusting the PS5 stand or moving it to a different (vertical to horizontal or vice versa).

PlayStation 5 known app bugs and issues

The new PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with 99% of the PlayStation 4 library and features tons of new apps, as well as plenty of well-worn apps from the previous console generation. You may come across some media apps that are incompatible with the PS5, but fixes are on the horizon.

Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War is not working

Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War is the latest in the long-running Call of Duty franchise, this time releasing as a cross-gen title for both PS4 and PS5. Some users who have the cross-gen version of Call of Duty are having problems booting the game up on their PS5. Luckily, the solution is just a short click away.

1. On the main menu, head to the Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War menu icon, and down to the Play button.

2. Next to the Play button, press the icon with the three dots.

3. A list should pop up. From there, select the PS5 version and the next-gen version should become available.

PS4 games are being labeled as unplayable

Some users have reported trouble while trying to play some of their Ps4 games. The PS5 is labeling certain games as unplayable, requiring players to repurchase the title in the store. Sony has previously stated that the PS4 library is backward compatible with the PS5, except for these titles.

This seems to be a minor bug affecting some older Ps4 games. If you find yourself confronted with this issue, you may need to restore licenses on your PS5. To do so, follow these steps.

1. From the settings, go to User and Accounts.

   

2. Scroll down to Other, and then Restore Licenses.

   

3. The next screen will allow you to restore the licenses of your games, allowing you to play your PS4 games.

Stuck in download queue

The PS5 is suffering from a bug that causes games and apps to freeze in a Queued for Download state or won’t let users download at all. Essentially, your app download is stuck in limbo. The bug is not limited to just games, as users have had problems downloading video apps, like the Disney+ app, as well.

It seems that a full factory reset of your console fixes the issue, but Sony is aware of the issue and are likely working on a fix.

We’ll continue to update this list over the following days, as new bugs surface, and fixes arrive. Have you encountered an issue not included on this list? Let us know in the comments section below.

Next-gen

PS5

$500 at Amazon
$500 at Target
$500 at Gamestop

The next-generation of PlayStation is here

Sony took everything that made the PS4 great and doubled down to create a truly impressive console. The focus on immersion is immediately apparent with the DualSense controller, which is a standout accessory for the machine. From lightning-fast loading and seamless transitions thanks to its SSD to new features like Game Help, Sony has raised the bar once again.

Disc free

PS5 Digital Edition

$400 at Amazon
$400 at Target
$400 at Gamestop

Leave physical games behind

The PS5 Digital Edition packs in every bit of greatness the standard PS5 does and does it for just $399. It might not have a disc drive, but the future is heading towards a more digital age every day.