How To Remove and Detach Faceplates from PlayStation 5 Console

The PlayStation 5 console allows you to detach and replace the white plastic faceplates on the top and bottom with ease. This allows you to customize the look of your PS5, clean out dust, or access the internal SSD slot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly remove and reattach the PS5 faceplates.

Before You Start

  • Make sure your PS5 is completely powered off and unplugged before removing the faceplates.
  • Have a clean, dry surface ready to place the exposed console on while working.
  • Be very gentle when removing the plates to avoid cracking the plastic.

Removing the Top Faceplate

  1. Place your PS5 flat with the PlayStation logo facing up.
  2. Grip the upper left corner of the faceplate near the logo.
  3. Apply upward pressure with your thumb to detach the clip.
  4. Slide the entire faceplate slowly towards the right side of the console.
  5. Once detached, lift the plate off and set aside carefully.

Removing the Bottom Faceplate

  1. Flip your PS5 over so the bottom plate is now facing up.
  2. Take hold of the upper left corner of the bottom plate.
  3. Again, apply pressure with your thumb to unclip the plate.
  4. This time slide the plate towards the left side to detach it.
  5. Lift the bottom plate off and set aside safely.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • With both plates removed, use compressed air to spray out any dust from the console’s intake and exhaust vents.
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the inside and plates.
  • Avoid touching any internal components when cleaning.

Reattaching the PS5 Faceplates

  1. Line up the clips on the inside of the top plate with the holes on the console.
  2. Starting from the detached side, gently push the plate in place with both hands.
  3. Go around the entire perimeter, pressing firmly to snap the clips back into place.
  4. Flip PS5 over and repeat steps to reattach bottom plate.

Tips

  • When turning your PS5 back on, double check that both plates are fully secured. Improper installation can lead to overheating.
  • Be very careful when handling the detached plates to avoid cracks and breakage.
  • Consider buying a replacement set of faceplates to easily customize your PS5’s look.

Detaching and replacing the PlayStation 5’s faceplates is a quick and easy process. Just be sure to power down properly, work on a clean surface, reattach plates firmly, and take precautions against damage. With a simple cosmetic upgrade, you can give your PS5 a brand new look.

Common Issues When Removing PS5 Faceplates

While detaching the PS5’s plastic casing is straightforward, some common problems can come up. Here are solutions to the most frequent faceplate removal issues.

Faceplate Feels Stuck

If the plate seems impossible to budge, double check that you’re gripping the correct upper left corner. Avoid pulling too hard to prevent cracking the plastic. The clips are designed to detach easily, so adjust your technique rather than using excessive force.

Can’t Get Clips to Reattach

When reinstalling a plate, make sure to line up the interior clips perfectly before snapping into place. Go slowly around the entire perimeter while applying pressure to get full adhesion. An improperly aligned plate can pop back out when moving the console.

Cracked Plate

A small crack may just be a cosmetic issue, but a fully broken plate can impact airflow. Sony sells replacement PS5 plates in various colors if yours sustains damage. Consider buying a backup set for easy swapping.

Overheating Issues

Confirm plates are fully secured before turning your PS5 back on. Gaps or misalignments can impact ventilation and cooling. Overheating can cause performance issues, game crashes, or hardware damage over time.

By taking precautions, working slowly, and double checking your work, you can avoid problems when swapping PS5 faceplates.

Step-By-Step Guide to Accessing the PS5’s SSD Slot

One reason to remove the PS5’s casing is to access the M.2 SSD expansion slot. Here are the steps to safely get to this component for DIY storage upgrades:

  1. Power off and unplug your PlayStation 5.
  2. Detach both the top and bottom faceplates as described above.
  3. Locate the small silver SSD cover next to the cooling fan.
  4. Unscrew the single Phillips-head screw holding the bracket in place.
  5. Gently lift the metal plate up and out to expose the empty M.2 SSD slot.
  6. Follow Sony’s instructions to insert a compatible PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 drive.
  7. Replace the SSD cover and screw after installing the new drive.
  8. Reattach both top and bottom PS5 faceplates.
  9. Power your console back on so the system can format the new SSD.

With an additional M.2 drive installed, you’ll have more internal storage for game downloads, data transfers, and media storage. Just be sure to use a PS5-compatible SSD model to take full advantage of the next-gen console’s ultra-fast speeds.

Protecting Your Detached PS5 Plates

The PlayStation 5’s default white faceplates are made from sturdy but brittle plastic. When removed, take steps to prevent cosmetic damage:

  • Work on a soft, clean surface like a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
  • Avoid touching the interior sides to prevent skin oil buildup.
  • Place plates face up when stored detached.
  • Consider buying gel case stickers or plastic protectors that fit over the plates.
  • Store plates in a bag or box rather than loose when not in use.
  • Never place anything heavy on top of detached faceplates.

Small scratches are inevitable on the matte plastic finish over time. But with careful handling, you can keep plates looking pristine after removal, transport, and reinstallation.

Customizing Your PS5’s Look

Beyond protecting the default white faceplates, you can customize the aesthetic with DIY vinyl skins or replacement plates in various colors and designs.

Vinyl Skins

  • Choose from hundreds of removable vinyl decals to skin the PS5’s exterior.
  • Select glossy abstract prints, classic wood grain, camouflage, brushed metal, and more.
  • Wrap existing white plates or limited edition covers from Sony.
  • Affordable way to refresh PS5’s look from time to time.

Replacement Plates

  • Replace top and bottom plates with colored plastic covers.
  • Options include red, black, blue, purple, green, clear, and more solid hues.
  • Some plates offer custom graphics like carbon fiber or gaming logos.
  • Great for permanently modifying your console’s style.

Swapping PS5 plates lets you match your PlayStation to room décor, express your personality, or just change things up after getting tired of the default white.

Conclusion

Learning how to safely remove and reattach the PlayStation 5 faceplates only takes a few minutes. With the console powered down and unplugged, just apply gentle pressure on the upper left corners to detach the integrated clips. Regularly clean out the interior, perform DIY upgrades, or install colorful replacement plates for customization. Avoid overhandling the plastic casings to prevent cracks and damage. And double check that plates are realigned properly before turning your PS5 back on after modifications.