4 Simple Ways to Turn on PS5 Without a Controller
You do not need a DualSense controller in your hand every time you want to turn on a PS5. The console has a built-in power button, and you may also be able to wake it through Remote Play, HDMI device settings, or compatible accessories depending on how your system is configured. This guide explains the practical ways to turn on PS5 without controller access, what each method requires, and what to try if your console will not wake up.
Can you turn on PS5 without controller?
Yes, you can turn on PS5 without controller use by pressing the physical power button on the console. If the PS5 is in rest mode and the right settings are enabled, you may also be able to wake it remotely through PS Remote Play or indirectly when your TV communicates with the console through HDMI Device Link. The simplest and most reliable method is always the power button on the front of the PS5.
This is useful when your controller battery is dead, your DualSense will not pair, you misplaced the controller, or you simply want to start the console before sitting down. The best method depends on whether your PS5 is fully off, in rest mode, connected to the internet, or linked to a TV that supports HDMI-CEC.
Use the physical power button on the console
The most direct answer to how to turn on PS5 without controller is to use the console’s own power button. Every PS5 model has a physical button for power, though its exact placement looks slightly different depending on whether you have the original disc model, the original digital model, or a newer slim version.
On the standard PS5 with a disc drive, the power button is the lower button when the console is standing vertically. The eject button is above it, so if there are two buttons, choose the one closer to the bottom edge. On the digital edition, there is no eject button, so the single visible button is the power button.
To turn it on:
Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the PS5 and the wall outlet or power strip.
Check that the HDMI cable is connected to your TV or monitor.
Press the physical power button once.
Wait for the beep and the console light to turn on.
Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input if it does not change automatically.
If your PS5 was fully powered off, this method starts it from shutdown. If it was in rest mode, it wakes the console and returns you to the home screen or sign-in screen. You may still need a controller, media remote, keyboard, or Remote Play connection to navigate after startup.
Wake the PS5 with PS Remote Play
PS Remote Play can be a convenient way to turn on ps5 without controller access, but it works only when the console is prepared for remote wake. In simple terms, Remote Play can wake a PS5 from rest mode, not from a full power-off state. If the console is completely shut down, you will need the physical power button or another local method.
To use this option, your PS5 should already have Remote Play enabled and be allowed to stay connected to the internet while in rest mode. These settings are usually found in the system settings under Remote Play and Power Saving options. If you did not enable them before losing controller access, you may not be able to set them up until you regain some way to control the console.
When it is already configured, the process is straightforward:
Open the PS Remote Play app on your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible device.
Sign in with the same PlayStation Network account used on your PS5.
Choose your PS5 from the available consoles.
Let the app search for and connect to the system.
If the PS5 is in rest mode and reachable, it should wake during the connection process.
Remote Play is especially helpful if your controller is charging in another room or if you want to launch the console before moving to your main screen. It can also give you temporary on-screen controls from a phone, which may be enough to navigate basic menus.
There are a few limitations to keep in mind. Your internet connection matters, your console must be signed in and linked properly, and rest mode settings must support network wake. If the app cannot find the console, check whether the PS5 is fully off, disconnected from Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or signed into a different account.
Turn on the PS5 through your TV’s HDMI controls
Many TVs support HDMI-CEC, a feature that lets connected devices send basic power and input commands through HDMI. On PS5, this is commonly handled through HDMI Device Link settings. When it works, turning on the TV or selecting the PS5 input may wake the console, or turning on the console may automatically switch the TV to the right input.
This method is not as universal as pressing the power button because each TV brand names HDMI-CEC differently. You might see names such as Bravia Sync, Anynet+, Simplink, VIERA Link, EasyLink, or another manufacturer-specific label. The feature also needs to be enabled on both the TV and the PS5.
A practical setup checklist looks like this:
Enable HDMI Device Link in the PS5 system settings.
Enable your TV’s HDMI-CEC feature in its settings menu.
Connect the PS5 directly to the TV when possible, instead of routing it through a device that may block CEC signals.
Use an HDMI cable that is properly seated at both ends.
Select the PS5 HDMI input on your TV and watch whether the console wakes.
If this feature is already set up, it can make your entertainment setup feel smoother. However, if you are trying to solve the problem right now and your PS5 is off with no controller available, you may not be able to enable HDMI Device Link until you can access the console settings again.
Use a media remote or compatible accessory
If your goal is to turn on PS5 without the DualSense controller specifically, the official media remote or another compatible remote accessory may help. These devices are designed for entertainment control, so they can be useful when you mainly want to watch streaming apps, play media, or navigate menus without picking up a gamepad.
A PS5 media remote usually needs to be paired before it can control the console. Once paired, it can wake the system and handle basic navigation. This is a good option for shared living rooms where not everyone wants to use a controller just to open a video app.
A USB keyboard can also help with limited navigation after the console is on, though it is not always a complete replacement for a controller. For example, it may help with text entry, some menu movement, and account input, but game and system control can vary. If you can get the PS5 powered on with the console button, a keyboard may help you do enough to troubleshoot a controller pairing problem.
What if your PS5 will not turn on at all?
If your PS5 does not respond to the power button, the issue is probably not the lack of a controller. Start with power, cables, display input, and console state before assuming something is wrong with the system. A dead controller can stop you from navigating, but it should not prevent the console from making a sound or showing a light when the physical power button is pressed.
Work through the basics patiently:
Check the power connection. Unplug the power cable, wait a short moment, and reconnect it firmly to the console and outlet.
Try another outlet. A power strip, surge protector, or wall outlet can fail or be switched off.
Inspect the HDMI connection. The console may be on even if the TV shows no signal.
Listen for a beep. A beep suggests the PS5 is receiving power, even if the display is not showing correctly.
Look at the console light. A light can tell you the system is waking, resting, or trying to start.
Avoid repeated rapid button presses. Give the console time to respond before pressing power again.
If the PS5 turns on but you cannot control it, focus on reconnecting or charging your controller. Use a USB cable that supports data, not just charging, then connect the controller to the console and press the PS button. If the controller battery is completely drained, let it charge for a while before trying again.
Helpful tips before you lose controller access again
Once you get back into your PS5, it is worth setting up a few backup options. These small steps can make the next controller problem much easier to handle.
Consider doing the following:
Enable Remote Play so you can connect from a phone, tablet, or computer when the console is in rest mode.
Allow internet connection in rest mode so remote wake features have a chance to work.
Turn on HDMI Device Link if your TV supports HDMI-CEC and you like automatic input switching.
Pair a media remote if your PS5 is often used for streaming apps.
Keep a data-capable USB cable nearby so you can reconnect a DualSense quickly.
Charge controllers after long sessions instead of waiting until they are fully drained.
Label the correct HDMI input on your TV to avoid confusing a blank screen with a console problem.
These backups do not replace the power button, but they give you more flexibility. They are especially useful in households where several people use the same console or where the PS5 is tucked inside an entertainment center.
The best method depends on your console state
The right method depends on whether the PS5 is off or resting. If it is fully shut down, press the physical power button. If it is in rest mode and remote settings were enabled earlier, PS Remote Play may wake it. If HDMI-CEC is active on both your TV and console, selecting the right TV input may also help.
For most people, the fastest path is simple: press the PS5 power button, confirm the TV input, then solve the controller issue after the console starts. Remote options are excellent backups, but they depend on settings that must be prepared in advance.
Final takeaway
You can turn on PS5 without controller access, and the built-in power button is the most reliable way to do it. Remote Play, HDMI Device Link, and a paired media remote can also help when your console is already configured for them. Once you regain access, take a few minutes to enable backup controls so a dead, missing, or unpaired controller does not interrupt your next session.