PS5 Screwdriver: Torx or Torx Security?

Author: Evan Gattuso

The PlayStation 5 can be opened without the use of any tools—the white panels pop off with a gentle tug, allowing immediate access to the m.2 SSD expansion slot, the fan, and vacuumable dust ports.

You’ll need to remove the stand before opening the console and can do so with a flathead screwdriver or coin.
If you're upgrading the SSD you’ll want to use a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
If you're replacing the fan you’ll want to use a TR8 Torx Security screwdriver.

Important!

Always follow iFixit’s screwdriver best practices to avoid stripping screws. In general, use the largest driver size that fits snugly into the screw to avoid stripping the screw.

Standard Torx (Won’t fit PS5 fan screws)	Security Torx (Will fit PS5 fan screws)

The tip of the Torx Security (we refer to it as a TR#) screw head has a small hole in the center which differs from a standard Torx screw head (referred to as a T#).

Tip:

You can bypass these security screws with nothing but a small flathead screwdriver. You can decide how you want to tackle these security screws but do not listen to a random Redditor that tells you to "use a Phillips and really get in there" unless you want to strip the screws on the outside of the case.

You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the 4 screws that secure the controller. Two of the screws are hidden underneath the L1 and R1 buttons so you will need to pry those off to access the screws. The other two screws are located underneath the controller's removable black trim.

Two screws securing the bottom corners of the lower case	Two screws behind the L1 and R1 buttons

Note:

The number of screws that secure the adaptive trigger mechanism housings (not pictured above) differ based on the DualSense version number. We have a resource for identifying your controller's version number.

A spudger is a versatile tool perfect for removing the L1 and R1 buttons to access the screws on the DualSense controller. This tool is also suitable for removing the grill away from the console when replacing the fan.

Precision tweezers work at removing small hard-to-reach parts in the DualSense controller and moving the spacer to the appropriate slot when replacing the SSD in the console.

Opening picks are useful for prying open controllers that are held together with clips. Insert an opening pick underneath the middle trim to release the clips securing it to the case of the DualSense controller.