How to Fix PS4 Overheat Message (PS4 is Too Hot)?

PS4 overheat are a problem that can be difficult to diagnose, and even more difficult to fix. If you are a PS4 gamer, then you have probably experienced this situation already and got a message on the screen saying: “The PS4 is too hot. Turn off the PS4 and wait until the temperature goes down.”

If this happens to your PS4, there could be a number of reasons why it might be getting too warm and in need of cooling down.

But, does this mean your PS4 is dying and you need to buy a new console? Not necessarily! Sometimes it’s as simple as cleaning your PS4 thoroughly or changing the fan. It’s important to know how this problem occurs and what causes it and the best way to avoid overheating in future. This article covers everything you want to learn in this matter.

What Causes PS4 Overheat Message

The PS4 Overheat message will pop up when the PS4 console temperature reaches a dangerous level that might cause damage to the system. The causes of this problem are not always easy to determine, but in many cases a lack of airflow is the culprit.

Although answers for why do PS4 consoles overheat and showing up the “PS4 is too hot” message can vary based on several factors but here is a list of some of the most obvious reasons.

1. Blockage in PS4 Exhaust Vents

If you look at your PS4 sides, you will find the exhaust vents. Over time, your PS4 may accumulate a significant amount of dust that clogs the air vents in the PS4. The heat generated cannot be conducted away from the PS4’s body. This is why, while using your PS4 console, you will gradually be able to sense the heat emitting from it.

2. Room Temperature

If even after airing out the PS4 vents the PS4 continues to heat up, this may be due to the temperature of the surroundings where the PS4 is being used. Warmer temperatures play a hand in the heating up of a PS4.

3. Incorrect PS4 Placement

Another possible reason may also be the improper placement of your PS4 that may be blocking the airflow through the PS4’s air vent. The PS4’s best placement is on a hard, flat and clean surface with proper ventilation to let air flow through it freely. Many PS4 stands, and cooling pads with built in tray, helps you to keep your PS4 in the best position while working.

4. Faulty PS4 Fan

If the internal fan of a PS4 is malfunctioning this may contribute to the overheating of the PS4 since there will be no other means for the PS4 to cool down. The fan may stop working after you boot up your PS4, so it is advised to turn off your PS4 and restart it after a couple of minutes. A fan may also stop working due to a damaged capacitor, which should be replaced immediately.

5. Underperforming Heat Sink

If the heat sink of the CPU of the PS4 dislodges, it will not be able to adequately cool the PS4.

6. Degenerate Thermal Compound

If the thermal grease that develops between the heat sink and the CPU has degenerated this may contribute to the overheating of the PS4.

Fixing the “PS4 is too hot” Error Message

The first thing you can do to fix the PS4 “PS4 is too hot” error message is turn off your PS4 and take a break for about ten minutes.

If that doesn’t work then try restarting it or unplugging it from the power supply, waiting five seconds before plugging it back in again with an electrical outlet.

This is supposed to work, if not, you can read on our PS4 Overheat Fix Guide that thoroughly address this issue and provide several solutions for it.

How to Keep Your PS4 Cool And Avoid Overheating

In order to avoid getting the “PS4 is too hot” message or letting your PS4 overheat, you need to learn how to maintain low temperature rates on your PS4 and keep it cool. Even if your PS4 isn’t reaching overheating temperatures, it can be hot to the touch, which isn’t always ideal. Here are a few things you can do to keep things running cooler.

1. Check (and Clean) Your Fan

When you feel your PS4 getting hot, put your hand next to the PS4’s fan vents. If you feel hot air blowing out of them, then your fan is working, but if you only feel a little bit of air, it could be your fan is built up with dust or is otherwise not working. If you’re comfortable opening up your PS4, you can unscrew the case, find the fan, and blow it out with some compressed air (or replace it, if it’s just broken completely).

2. Keep It Out of Hot Weather

As summer approaches, remember that direct sunlight and hot ambient temperatures will help contribute to your PS4’s heat. Even if your PS4 doesn’t regularly overheat, summer temperatures above 95° Fahrenheit are likely to cause problems, from damaging your power supply to making your hard drive expand and more. When possible, keep it in the shade and out of the sweltering heat.

3. Place Your PS4 On a Flat Surface

Your PS4 is designed to sit on a flat surface. Those little rubber feet on the bottom are supposed to lift it off the ground just enough to get a bit of airflow underneath the PS4, and when you put your PS4 on a pillow or bed, you restrict that airflow.

4. Use a PS4 Cooling Station

If you’re using an older PS4 that is prone to overheating – meaning it gets so hot that it shuts down or reboots, or is too hot to touch – then a cooling station may make enough of a difference to squeeze some more usability out of the machine. That said, it’s a short-term solution to a long-term problem. If your PS4 runs so hot that you could make a grilled cheese sandwich on it, then your PS4 is in need of either repair or cleaning, if not both. The likely culprit is dust, which can clog the fan vents and choke the internal cooling hardware. You may be able to clean it out with a can of compressed air, or you may need to open up the chassis to shoot out the dust bunnies.

Conclusion

The moment you get the “PS4 is too hot” message on your screen, you have to turn off your game console immediately and try to cool it down. You should make sure that your PS4 is well cleaned and doesn’t suffer from dust/dirt.