How to Close a Game on a PS5

If you play your PS5 regularly, you may have experienced issues closing your games. While intuitive and not hugely different from the PS4, the newer console does differ when it comes to options such as closing games.

In this article, we’ll explain how to close down games and apps on a PS5.

How to Close Games on a PS5

Before we dive into the steps, keep in mind that the PS5 will always automatically close apps and games running in the background when you turn off your console. However, if you allow the console to do this repeatedly, there is a chance that a bug will appear, freezing your gameplay.

It’s also important to close apps running in the background while you’re playing games on your PS5. This keeps the console running smoothly and lag-free. For example, you could be playing a game with an app like Netflix playing in the background. Designers added this for ease of use feature to toggle between apps.

Unfortunately, this can also negatively impact performance.

Here’s how you close games on your PS5:

1. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller to access the Control Center.
   
2. In the Control Center, select “Switcher” to see a list of all the games and applications running in the background.
   
3. Find the game you want to turn off in the list and select it.
   
4. You’ll have three option. Select “Close Game” to confirm your decision to close the game.
   
5. The game will now close and you’ll be taken back to the Home Screen. Wait for the game to fully close and stop running in the background before starting another game or application.
   

On occasion, your PS5 will automatically switch off different apps and games in the background. This happens when you turn off your PS5, launch a different game from your home screen, or use the switcher function to switch between different games.

But if you exit a game by going back to the home screen, the PS5 won’t shut it down. Hence, it’s the ideal time to use the steps above.

How to Unfreeze Your PS5

Having too many games and media apps in the background will make your PS5 freeze. Don’t worry, there are solutions to this problem.

1. Restart the console by pressing and holding down the power button. Your PS5 should beep twice.
   
2. Wait a while for the system to shut down completely before attempting to restart it.
   
3. If restarting the console doesn’t work, try closing the game or application by following the steps mentioned above.

In most cases, either restarting your PS5 or closing the game will unfreeze your PS5. If not, there are still some extra steps you can take.

Extra Steps to Unfreezing Your PS5

Even if your PS5 is still frozen, all is not lost. You’ve restarted the system and tried to close the games in the background, so what now?

1. Begin by checking for system updates. Go to the settings menu, select “System” and then “Update System Software.” Any available updates should appear for you to download and install.
   
2. You can try reinstalling your game by navigating to the game on the “Game Home Screen.” You then select the options button before deleting it. After this, reinstall your game.
   

How to Rebuild Your PS5 Database

In cases of persistent freezing with many games, Sony recommends rebuilding your system database. This scans the drive and creates a new database for all your content. This may be time-consuming depending on how much data you have.

1. Connect Your Controller to Your PS5. Connect your DualSense wireless controller to your PS5 using a USB cable.
   
2. Turn on your PS5 by pressing the power button on your PS5. Your system should be in “Safe Mode.”
   
3. Select “Rebuild Database.” In Safe Mode, use the D-pad on your controller to select it.
   
4. The rebuilding process may take several minutes to complete, depending on the amount of data on your PS5. Wait for the process to finish, and then restart your PS5.
   

We also recommend backing up important data to an external storage device or cloud. This is just a precautionary measure to avoid any data corruption.

FAQs

Will rebuilding my PS5 database delete my game progress?

Rebuilding your PS5 database shouldn’t delete any of your data or progress. It makes the console more responsive and scans your drive for a new database. Unless your memory is corrupted, your saved progress, games, data, and setting should be intact.

Should I factory reset my PS5?

Factory resetting is something we’d recommend only in extreme situations. Factory reset is a good option for when you want to sell your PS5. It will restore it to the default settings. This means that all personal information will be deleted from the console’s memory.

At what point should I contact Sony?

If all methods above fail and your games are still freezing, you can contact Sony to help you resolve the issue. Sony recommends you have your PS5 serial number and purchase information ready for when you contact them for assistance.

Close Your Games to Play Smoothly

Closing all your games and apps is helpful to ensure PS5 performance. Sometimes keeping too many apps open in the background can lead to freezing and lagging. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your PS5 running smoothly with no apps running in the background.

Have you had trouble closing games on your PS5? Did you use any of the tips featured in this article? Let us know in the comments section below.