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How to Open and Clean a PlayStation 5

Use this guide to open up and clean dust and...

Sony PlayStation 5 Moderate 20 - 40 minutes Guide 174398
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This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

Use this guide to open up and clean dust and debris out of the fan, grilles, or vents of a PlayStation 5. If your console is loud, overheating, or underperforming, it may have built-up dust in the cooling fan, heatsink, or main vents. Note: If your PS5 is overheating, chances are it’s not due to the liquid metal thermal interface on the SoC. If you do need to clean, replace, re-spread, or otherwise service the liquid metal, though, follow this guide. In the PS5, a blower fan pulls air in from the flared sides, which cools the console, then pushes the air out of the back vents. If your PS5 lives in a TV cabinet with limited airflow, consider opening the door while gaming or moving it out to open air. If your PS5 is on the ground, it may suck in extra dust, dirt, or hair and limit its ability to keep cool. If you want to clean dust without opening your PS5, follow this guide.

Step 1

Remove the stand screw

  • If your PlayStation 5 is in its vertical orientation, flip it upside down so the stand is facing up.
  • If your PlayStation 5 is in its horizontal orientation, skip to Step 6.
  • Work on a flat surface to prevent your PlayStation from falling over.
  • Use a coin or a flathead screwdriver to remove the 26.5 mm-long stand screw.
Step 2

Remove the vertical stand

  • Lift straight up to remove the stand.
Step 3

Store the stand screw

  • Insert the screw into the cubby on the bottom of the stand.
Step 4

Cap the screw hole

  • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingernail to remove the cap from the cubby.
  • Use your finger to press the cap into the screw hole.
Step 5

Close the cubby

  • Twist the stand counterclockwise to close the cubby.
Step 6

Remove the horizontal stand

  • If your PlayStation 5 is in its horizontal orientation, rest it on its face with the charging port facing up.
  • Lift the stand straight up to remove it.
Step 7

Remove the right faceplate

  • Flip the device over so that the USB and ethernet ports are on the left side from your perspective.
  • Lift up the corner of the faceplate to unclip it from the case.
Step 8

Repair step

  • While lifting up the corner, slide the faceplate towards the bottom of the device.
  • Remove the right faceplate.
Step 9

Pry up the grille

  • Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath the grille and into the gap above the fan.
  • Lift up with the spudger to pry the grille away from the case.
Step 10

Remove the grille

  • Lift the grille away from the case to remove it.
Step 11

Remove the fan shroud screws

  • Use a TR9 Torx Security driver to remove the four screws securing the fan shroud to the case:
  • Two 23.3 mm-long screws
  • One 11.4 mm-long screw
  • One 31 mm-long screw
  • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your console.
Step 12

Remove the fan shroud

  • Lift the fan shroud straight up to remove it.
Step 13

Remove the wire cover

  • Insert the flat end of a spudger beneath the black wire cover and into the gap above the fan wires.
  • Pry only on the wire cover, not on the fan wires themselves.
  • Use the spudger to peel up the wire cover until you can grip it with your fingers.
Step 14

Repair step

  • Use your fingers to peel off the wire cover.
Step 15

Disconnect the fan

  • Use your fingers to grip the edges of the fan cable connector, and pull up to disconnect it from the motherboard.
  • Always pull cables by their connectors and not the wires themselves.
Step 16

Remove the fan

  • Lift the fan up and out of the case to remove it.
Step 17

Clean the fan

  • Over time, dust will build up inside the fan and on the fan blades.
  • Use a pair of tweezers to grab loose hairs and dust clumps off of the fan.
  • Use a small dust blower or light compressed air to blow remaining dust off of the fan.
  • Use a finger to keep the fan blades steady—it makes them easier to clean.
  • If there's a layer of grime on the fan blades, use soapy water or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to wipe them off.
Step 18

Remove the left faceplate

  • Lift up the corner of the faceplate with the PlayStation logo to unclip it from the case.
  • While lifting up the corner, slide the faceplate towards the bottom of the device.
  • Remove the left faceplate.
Step 19

Clean the faceplates

  • Use a clean rag or microfiber cloth to wipe the insides of the faceplates clean.
Step 20

Clean vents and hard-to-reach areas

  • With both faceplates off, now's the time to clean everything underneath that's normally hidden.
  • Two dust ports underneath the left faceplate can catch dust over time. Use a narrow vacuum attachment to clean out the ports.
  • Depending on how dirty your console is, you might need to use a soft bristle brush to dislodge more dust and grime.
  • Using an anti-static brush or a new toothbrush, clean any dust out of hard to reach areas and off of the rear vents.
  • Use a dust blower to blow any loose dust out of the console and a cloth to wipe the vents clean.
Step 21

Clean the heatsink

  • Use a dust blower, brush, and a cloth to clean the inside of the fan cavity while the fan's removed.
  • The PS5 draws air through the heatsink fins, and they may clog with dust and debris over time.
  • If you can see dust buildup in the heatsink, use a dust blower to blow it clean.
  • Remember: use this time to clean any other dirty internal surfaces before you seal your console back up. Happy gaming!