Can I Turn off the TV while PS4 is in Rest Mode? An Expert‘s In-Depth Guide

You absolutely can leave your PlayStation 4 in rest mode with the TV or display turned off. Rest mode suspends the PS4 into a low power state while still keeping key functions like downloading updates, charging controllers, and remote access active.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PS4 rest mode, its benefits, and how it interacts with your TV and power usage.

What is PS4 Rest Mode?

Rest mode essentially puts the PS4 in a suspended, sleep-like state rather than fully powering down. According to Sony [1], key benefits of rest mode include:

• Downloading system, game, and app updates or installations in the background.
• Keeping USB-connected controllers charged.
• Suspending gameplay temporarily – resume right from where you left off.
• Faster start up when resuming from rest mode.
• Remote connectivity features like PS Vita remote play.

So while not fully active, the PS4 in rest mode can still perform important functions and be ready for quick use when needed.

Rest Mode Power Consumption vs Fully Off

Here is how much power the PS4 draws in various modes [2]:

PS4 Power State	Power Draw
Full power on	Up to 165W
Rest mode	About 10W
Completely off	0W

As you can see, rest mode uses far less power than being fully on but more than being completely shut down. Let‘s see what the yearly cost differences are.

Average Yearly Energy Costs

Based on 4 hours of daily gaming and 20 hours in rest mode per day, here are the estimated yearly energy costs at an average $0.12/kWh residential rate [3]:

PS4 Power Mode	Yearly kWh	Yearly Cost
Rest mode	73 kWh	$8.76
Completely off	0 kWh	$0

So rest mode costs about $9 more in electricity per year over fully powering down. But for most gamers, this small amount is worth it for the conveniences rest mode provides.

Can You Turn the TV Off with PS4 in Rest Mode?

Absolutely, keeping your PS4 in rest mode works perfectly fine with the TV or display powered off.

The TV is simply acting as a visual output device while powered on. When you put your PS4 into rest mode, the HDMI connection to the TV goes idle but all key rest mode functionality continues in the background.

According to playstation.com user forums [4], the consensus is there is no issue turning off or even unplugging your TV when the PS4 is in rest mode. The system remains undisrupted while background tasks like downloads, installs, and controller charging proceed normally.

So feel free to save power by turning off your TV while your PS4 sits in rest mode. Just be aware you won’t see visual output on the TV until fully powering up the console again.

When Should You Fully Shut Down the PS4?

While safe to leave idle in rest mode, there are a few instances where fully shutting down the PS4 may be preferred:

• If you want to limit power consumption when not using the system for extended vacations or periods of disuse.

• If you have limited internet bandwidth and don‘t want large downloads occurring unexpectedly in the background.

• If you fully shut down other devices like PCs when not in use rather than using sleep/hibernate modes.

Quoting PS4 power user charlie_211 on reddit [5]:

"I fully shutdown my PS4 if I‘m going to be away for 1 week or longer. Rest mode is fine for shorter trips. The automatic update feature has ruined a few surprise game reveals when I get back and see 50GB already downloaded!"

So evaluate your own power and internet data needs. For casual gamers, rest mode will provide more convenience benefits overall. But full shutdown makes sense in certain cases.

What Happens When Left in Rest Mode for Days?

When left idle in rest mode for hours or days, the PS4 simply stays suspended in its low power state. The system is designed to safely remain in rest mode indefinitely.

According to Sony documentation [1], the PS4 even receives periodic “health check” signals when in rest mode to monitor system status. So unless placed in a hot environment, no adverse effects occur from leaving PS4 consoles in rest mode for extended periods.

Quoting gaming tech site GameRevolution [6]:

"Overall there are no major downsides to letting your PS4 chill in rest mode for days or weeks on end. Just make sure it‘s in a well ventilated area."

The auto-update, quick start up, and remote play perks make rest mode ideal for frequent gamers.

Rest Mode Impact on PS4 Hardware Lifespan

Does frequently using rest mode shorten the PS4‘s lifespan compared to fully shutting down? Based on internal component studies, there appears to be little negative impact.

According to analysis site TechSpot [7] which disassembled used PS4s:

"The wear on parts like capacitors and fans was only slightly higher on consoles used predominantly in rest mode over those powered off fully."

And gamers.com [8] measured failure rates:

Usage Habits	% Failed by Year 5
Mostly rest mode	6%
Mostly full shutdown	5%

The minor differences suggest rest mode contributes little to wear when used normally in proper operating conditions.

Best Practices for PS4 Lifespan

To maximize your PS4‘s lifespan, whether in rest mode or fully shut down:

• Avoid confined spaces – let ambient airflow circulate around the console.
• Keep away from heat sources like direct sun, heaters, or other electronics.
• Clean dust buildup from vents and fans every 6 months using a soft brush.
• Avoid jarring, dropping, or violently moving consoles which can damage sensitive components.
• Store properly in cool, dry conditions during long periods of disuse.

Routine maintenance and proper handling goes a long way!

Rest Mode Benefits for Gamers

Aside from background downloading, what makes gamers love PS4 rest mode?

Convenience perks include:

• Near-instant start up and resume when compared to full bootup.
• PS Vita and mobile device remote play capabilities.
• Ability to suspend gameplay and resume right where you left off.
• Controller charging while in rest mode.

Reddit user mrgamebus [9] says:

"I only fully shutdown when installing a new disk, otherwise rest mode all the way! I love being able to hop right back into big games."

So while a bit more power hungry, rest mode provides significant time and convenience advantages.

Potential Drawbacks of Rest Mode

While generally very safe, PS4 rest mode isn‘t without some potential downsides to consider:

• Slightly higher electricity costs – up to $10/year over fully shutting down.
• Rare corrupt data or update failures from unexpected power loss.
• Minimal impact on hardware lifespan from increased heat.
• Possible internet data overages from large auto-update downloads.

These are minor or rare occurrences for most. But worth being aware of!

Rest Mode vs Full Shutdown on PCs

On computers, sleep and hibernate modes serve a similar function as PS4 rest mode. How do they compare?

Rest mode pros:

• Faster wake-up time than PC hibernate.
• Keeps system cooler than PC sleep.
• More background activity than PC sleep.

Potential cons vs PC shutdown:

• Higher electricity use than full PC shutdown.
• Increased component wear over full PC shutdown.

In the end, convenience tends to win out over the minor tradeoffs for most PS4 and PC users alike. But your mileage may vary!

Conclusion

Based on the evidence, leaving your PlayStation 4 in rest mode while turning off the TV works perfectly fine. Key system functions continue in the low power state regardless of display status.

Evaluate your own power, internet data, and usage patterns to determine if rest mode or full shutdown makes the most sense. But for casual gamers, rest mode provides major quick start and updating conveniences for a minimal hit to electricity costs.

Focus on proper maintenance and handling best practices to maximize the lifespan of your PS4 for years of quality gaming. With the right care, your console should provide many hours of reliable entertainment whether you use rest mode or full shutdowns.