Using the ps4: New to PS4? The PS4 & PS4 Pro user guide for beginners (US)

Sep 22, 2023 alexxlab

The essential PS4 setup tips and tricks that you need to know

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(Image credit: Sony)

Learn about these PS4 setup tips and tricks to get the most out of your PlayStation console. Whether you’re a day one PS4 owner, or you’ve only just bought one, perhaps by upgrading to the PS4 Pro, you’ll hopefully learn something from our tips below. There are a fair few hidden features and extra settings tucked away in menus that are less than obvious, so it’s worth your time having a thorough look through all the PS4 menus to see what you can switch around to suit your gaming needs. Some of them could vastly improve your gaming experience, while others may just provide small but useful tweaks, but our handy guide to the top PS4 setup tips will make sure you get the best out of your PS4 console.

Once you’re all set up and ready to game, don’t forget to check out our pick of the best PS4 games and the best free PS4 games. If you’re looking to grab the fully maxed-out PS4 experience by the horns, then take a look at the cheapest PS4 Pro deals going right now as well as the best PlayStation VR deals available.

How do I put PS4 into Rest Mode?

First, go to Settings > Power Saving Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode and select the options you want to use. Supply Power to USB Ports will allow you to keep charging any controllers that are plugged in after the console is turned off, while Stay Connected to the Internet will allow your PS4 to download update files and content so your games are ready to play when you return, and upload your saved data to online storage. If you choose Keep Application Suspended, you can jump straight back into your game or app and continue from where you left off.

Once you have at least one of those options selected, either press the power button on the PS4, select Power on the home screen, or hold the PS button on the controller and select Power on the Quick Menu to enter Rest Mode. You’ll know it’s activated as the light bar (original/Pro model) or power button (Slim models) will turn orange.

How do I make PS4 controller charge last longer?

By going through Settings > Devices > Controllers, you can reduce the Brightness of DUALSHOCK 4 Light Bar from Bright (Standard) to Medium or Dim, which may help to prolong the charge. You can also visit Settings > Power Saving Settings > Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off and select your preferred time, so if you’re watching a show or away from your console while it’s turned on then your PS4 controller will automatically power down while idle to stop the battery draining.

How do I use headphones / headsets with PS4?

For most headphones and PS4 headsets, you can simply plug them into the 3.5mm jack socket on the controller. If you want all of the sound, rather than just chat, to go to the headphones / headset then hold down the PS button to access the Quick Menu and choose Sound/Devices > Output to Headphones > All Audio.

If your headset works on optical audio then connect it to the Digital Out (Optical) port on the back of the PS4 and you’ll be sorted. However, the PS4 Slim console does not feature a Digital Out (Optical) port, so you’ll need to use either an adapter designed for your particular headset or a general audio converter adapter.

How do I download PS4 games?

To download games, select the PlayStation Store icon to the left of the home screen then either browse or search for the titles you’re interested in. There are plenty of demos and other free downloads to try out, but if you want to purchase any games then you’ll need to either register a bank card on your account or apply store credit by redeeming a code. If you’ve purchased an item but not downloaded it to your PS4, you can access it by going to the Library on your home screen then choosing Purchased on the left hand menu.

If your PS4 is in Rest Mode (see above) then you can send downloads to it remotely. Use the PlayStation Store link on the PlayStation app or visit the PlayStation Store on a computer then click on your account and choose the Download List option. This will show all the items available on your account, with the newest first, then simply hit Download to your PS4 to set them downloading on your console, ready for when you return to it.

What do “Cross-Buy”, “Cross-Save”, and “Cross-Play” mean?

These are all terms you could potentially see against games on the PlayStation Store. “Cross-Buy” means if you purchase the game you can access it on multiple platforms, such as PS4, PS3 and PS Vita. “Cross-Save” means you can transfer your saved game progress between the different platforms, and “Cross-Play” means players on different platforms can interact together.

How do I put PS4 into Safe Mode?

To enter Safe Mode, you need to turn off the PS4 completely (not in Rest Mode) then press and hold the power button for around 7 seconds until you hear a second beep. Plug in a controller with the USB cable to access the Safe Mode menu, where you have a number of options including restoring default settings, rebuilding the database, and initialising the PS4. Note that some of these options can have a serious impact on your console, including complete loss of data, so make sure you know what you are doing and have adequate back ups before using Safe Mode.

How do I update PS4 Firmware?

You should automatically receive a notification on your PS4 when a new Firmware update is available, at which point you can either follow the link from that notification or go to Settings > System Software Update to set the process in motion. For important updates, you won’t be able to go online until you’ve completed the update, so it’s best to do it as soon as possible.

If you need to update the Firmware but can’t connect your PS4 to the internet for whatever reason, then you can download it onto a USB drive and install that way instead. Visit the PS4 System Software Update site then scroll down to Update using a computer and follow the process listed there.

How do I check how much space is available on PS4 hard drive?

Go through Settings > System Storage Management for a summary of what is stored on your PS4 hard drive and how much free space is available. If you’re running short of space then you can delete some items via this screen, by picking Applications, Capture Gallery, Saved Data, or Themes, then hitting Options and selecting Delete to choose which content to get rid of. Remember that if you delete any games or apps, you can re-download them at any point from Library > Purchased to recover them.

How do I replace PS4 hard drive?

If you’re using the original PS4 hard drive then you’ve only got 500GB of space to play with, or maybe 1TB if you have a newer model. Either way, if you have a lot of games then it’s not going to take long to fill it completely, but the good news is you can easily replace the PS4 hard drive with a larger one. The replacement hard drive needs to be a 2.5inch SATA II drive running at least 5,400RPM and no more than 9.5mm thick.

With the new drive in hand, you just need a small crosshead screwdriver to carry out the replacement, and as you aren’t opening up your console completely it won’t invalidate your warranty. For the full process, follow our how to upgrade PS4 hard drive guide for the original model console, or how to replace and upgrade your PS4 Pro hard drive for the Slim and Pro models.

Can I use an external hard drive with PS4?

As long as your PS4 is running firmware update 4.50 or later, you can now use an external hard drive to store your games and applications. Simply connect your drive to the PS4, head to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices and select it, then choose the Format as Extended Storage option to get it prepped. Once ready, you can install any download games as well as disc based installs onto your external hard drive, and also use this to transfer games between PS4s. For a full step by step, visit our guide on how to use an external hard drive for extended storage on your PS4.

Sony say that most USB 3.0 HDDs between 250GB and 8TB should be compatible, meaning there’s a wide range of drives available to suit every budget. To see some recommendations, visit our guide to the best PS4 external hard drive (and internal HDDs too).

How do I transfer data from one PS4 to another?

If you are replacing your PS4 or upgrading to a PS4 Pro, you can transfer your data across from your old console to save having to download and install it all again. To do this, either connect the two PS4s together via a single ethernet cable or connect them both via ethernet cables to the same router, then go to Settings > System > Transfer Data from Another PS4 on the new console and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information, see our full guide on how to transfer your PS4 content.

Can I do game sharing on PS4?

To play purchased content on PS4, you need to be signed in on the PSN account that purchased it and connected online. This means that you can sign into your account on as many PS4s as you like to use your content, but only one can be used at a time as your account can’t be connected online on more than one console simultaneously.

However, you can set one console as the Primary PS4 for your PSN account by going to Settings > PlayStation Network/Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4. Once that PS4 is set as Primary for your account, you can play purchased content while offline, and also access that content on any other PSN accounts on that console. For example, if a PS4 is set as Primary for Account A, then Account B and Account C can also sign in on that PS4 and use Account A’s purchased content.

Can I change my PSN name?

As one of the most requested PSN features of all time, Sony have finally made this option widely available to PlayStation gamers, and this is how to change your PSN name. On your PS4 console, go through Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Profile > Online ID then type in the name you’d like to change to and follow the prompts to check if its available before proceeding. If you’re using a web browser instead, sign in to your PlayStation Network account then go to your PSN Profile and hit the Edit button next to your Online ID before entering your chosen name change. You can’t change your PSN name using a PS3 or PS Vita, and there are a number of risks and caveats to consider before making the change, especially if you play older games, so check out our linked article above for all the information you need to know.

On the PS4 itself, you can also choose to display your real name rather than your PSN name. To do this, visit Settings > Account Management > Privacy Settings and select the Personal Info | Messaging option.

Do I need a subscription to play games online?

For almost all games, you will need a PlayStation Plus subscription in order to play online – with a notable exception for Fortnite. You can subscribe through the PlayStation Store or by purchasing a code to redeem, and as well as unlocking online play, you also get two free PS4 games per month and 100GB of online storage for your PS4 saves. To see how long you have remaining on a current PlayStation Plus subscription, on the home screen go through PlayStation Plus > Manage Membership > Subscription then check the date next to Expires.

Each month, subscribers receive two free PS Plus games which are yours to keep as long as you remain signed up to the service, but you need to claim these on your account within the month otherwise they’ll revert back to their original price. You don’t actually need to download them to do this though, as instead you can either go through PlayStation Plus > My PS Plus Games (down on the d-pad) and add them to your library, or find them on the PlayStation Store and complete your free ‘purchase’ of the items but choose not to download them. Any time after this, you can access them by going through Library > Purchased from the home screen.

If your PS4 is set as Primary for your PSN account (with a PlayStation Plus subscription) then it will automatically upload your saved game data to Online Storage. To check on the status of this or disable it for certain games, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Auto-Upload. In the Application Saved Data Management menu you can also manually upload/download saved game data from Online Storage or transfer to/from a USB storage device.

Can I use PS4 as a Media Server?

To use the PS4 as a Media Server, you’ll first need to download the Media Player app on your console if you haven’t done so already, which can be found on the PlayStation Store. Next, install software such as Universal Media Server on your computer and set it up to make your media folders available on your home network. Now all you need to do is open the Media Player app on the PS4 and your Media Server folders should appear ready to stream onto your console.

Is PS4 backwards compatible? Can PS4 play PS3 games?

PS4 is not backwards compatible, meaning you can’t use discs from previous consoles to access your old games, however there are still options for playing them. The PlayStation Now service allows you to stream a large selection of PS3 games for a monthly subscription fee, and there are an increasing number of PS1 and PS2 remasters available on the PlayStation Store. Bear in mind that if you previously owned these games you will still need to purchase them again, and save data is not transferable from your old systems.

Does PS4 play DVDs and CDs?

PS4 does play DVDs and will upscale them to HD, however you can’t play CDs on the console. To get around this, convert the CD to MP3 tracks on a computer, then transfer them to a USB drive and plug it into the PS4 to access them through the Media Player. The Spotify app is also available on PS4 for streaming music.

Does PS4 support 4K?

The original PS4 and PS4 Slim support resolutions up to 1080p, but only the PS4 Pro supports 4K output. The PS4 Pro won’t play 4K Ultra HD blu-ray discs, however you can watch 4K video on PS4 Pro with Netflix, Amazon and YouTube.

How do I set up PS4 Remote Play?

To use Remote Play on a PS Vita, make sure it has the latest Firmware installed then run the PS4 Link app on the handheld. Next, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device on your PS4 to find an eight digit code, which needs to be entered on your PS Vita to connect the two systems. Once you’re synced up, you can control your PS4 from the PS Vita and play games on the portable screen.

You can also use Remote Play to access your PS4 via a PC or Mac. You’ll need to install the app on your computer, then set up and sync your PS4 with it – for full instructions, see our guide on how to set up PS4 Remote Play for PC & Mac.

How do I use PS4 Share button?

As standard, the Share button on the PS4 controller is configured to access the Share menu with a short press, or hold to take a screenshot. However, this isn’t the best setup for taking quick screenshots while gaming, so you can change it by either going to the Share menu then selecting Sharing and Broadcast Settings or through Settings > Sharing and Broadcasts from the home screen, then changing the SHARE Button Control Type from Standard to Easy Screenshots. In this menu you can also choose to save screenshots in JPEG or PNG format under Screenshot Settings, and decide if your microphone audio should be included in video clips (say, you wanted to record a voiceover) through Audio Sharing Settings.

How do I share multiple screenshots to Twitter or Facebook?

On the surface, it looks like you can only share a single screenshot in a tweet or post, but there is a way to add more. Once you’ve gone into your Capture Gallery, highlight a screenshot then press and hold the Share button and select the social media platform you want to post to. On the Share Screenshot section, choose the Change Selection option then tick up to 4 (Twitter) or 30 (Facebook) screenshots to add to your post, then simply add your comment and Share.

How do I stream PS4 gaming?

To start streaming the PS4 game you are playing, access the Share menu by pressing or holding the Share button (see above) then choose Broadcast Gameplay. You’ll need to set up an account with Twitch, YouTube, or Dailymotion if you don’t already have one, and for more information you can read our full guide on how to livestream.

How do I quickly swap between PS4 applications?

You can always press the PS button on your PS4 controller to return to the home screen and swap between different applications, but if you double tap the PS button you’ll quickly swap between the two most recently used applications. This means you can jump straight from your PS4 game to the internet browser or trophy list, for example, without having to visit the home screen.

How can I view PS4 hidden trophies?

By selecting Trophies on the home screen then choosing a game, you can view the list of trophies available for it along with their rarity. If you want to find further information on a Hidden Trophy, then select it and press square to Show Hidden Information which reveals its name and description. If you have early access to a game, you might not be able to view the trophy list if Sony haven’t made it live on their servers – however, if you disable your internet connection through Settings > Network > Connect to the Internet [untick] then select Trophies from the home screen, you’ll get the option to View Trophy Information Saved on PS4, and if you select that you should be able to view the full trophy list.

If you highlight a game on the home screen then hit the Options button, you get a number of options including Check for Update to see if a patch is available, Update History to read the notes for previous patches, and Information to show how much hard drive space the game is using, when it was last updated and what version it’s on.

What can I do if PS4 is overheating?

If your PS4 is getting very hot and the fan is making a lot of noise, then it’s most likely clogged with dust which is preventing air from circulating correctly inside to cool the components. To resolve this, you can use a can of compressed air to spray the vents around the PS4 and push the dust out – be careful not to shake the can or tilt it at an angle as this could cause condensed liquid to enter your console. If the overheating is still a problem then you can take apart your PS4 to remove any dust inside, however this will invalidate your warranty so only proceed if you are confident in your abilities.

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Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 500 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

21 awesome PS4 tips, tricks and hidden features

Of course you know everything there is to know about using your PS4. There’s no way there’s a sneaky little feature hiding somewhere that could improve your gaming life immeasurably. Is there?

You might be surprised, especially by some of the changes and additions that Sony has smuggled through with its recent firmware updates, so why not indulge us and check out our video above or take a look at the list of tips below.

We guarantee* there’s at least one tip, trick or feature here that you aren’t already aware of, and you can jump into our video at precisely that point if that’s the case.

* not an actual guarantee

1) Appear offline (and appear offline even better)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h4NNn2SE-A

After all these years there’s now finally a way to hide yourself from your boss/co-workers/friends when you’re playing PlayStation 4. In fact, there are two ways.

First up – from the PS4’s homescreen click on the Profile icon, then click on Online Status and select Appear Offline from the pop-up menu.

Easy, except this method requires that you’ve already logged on to your PS4, which means someone may have already noticed that you’ve come online.

That’s where method 2 comes in: at the profile screen that appears when you first switch on your PS4, rather than log in by pressing X, highlight your profile and press the Options button on your controller. From the pop-up window select Log In With Online Status [Appear Offline] and you’ll be taken to your homescreen and connected to the internet without anyone being alerted. Sweet, sweet secrecy.

2) Change your controller’s Light Bar brightness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USWh8rRDY4o

The DualShock 4 – to give the PS4 controller its full, fancy name – has a Light Bar on its rear. This is a fancy term for the glowing light strip which is used in various games and by the PlayStation Camera, and you can tweak its brightness or turn it off completely, if you wish.

To do so, long-press the PlayStation button on the controller, hit up Sound and Devices, and tweak the brightness settings to whatever you wish (or turn it off completely).

3) Change the controller speaker volume

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=oXMyHbIjiWQ

It’s very likely that you know that the DualShock 4 has a built-in speaker. You probably know this because you’ve been quietly playing away at 4am and it’s rudely blasted out some completely unnecessary nonsense sound.

Thankfully you can turn off this feature quite easily. Again, hold down the PlayStation button, and head to the first option – Volume Control (Speaker for Controller). You know what to do from here.

4) Say hello to your little friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2jJLt-y_Jo

Some people are more likeable than others. If you have a mate which you share particularly top quality banter with, you can tweak the settings to ensure you’re notified when they – and only they – come online.

Hit up Settings, then Notifications, then go down to When Friends Go Online. Select your favourite people, and never miss those #topbants again.

5) Customise your home screen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27D4ubw2GhU

Did you know that 9/10 PS4 owners have trouble sleeping because they’re bored of the default look of their console’s menu?

To rectify this, go to Settings, Themes, and select a brand new look for your PS4. If you haven’t got any loaded up, select Find in PlayStation Store and find one that speaks to you. Boom – a perfect night’s sleep is now yours.

6) Get PS Plus games without downloading them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scyUod7rk-Q

This does exactly what it says on the tin, but it’s bloomin’ useful. There was a time when PS Plus members would have to download an entire free game each month from Sony’s monthly selection, but those days are long gone.

This time, instead of filling up your hard drive with games you’ll never get around to playing, you can simply select Add to Library instead of Download on any monthly free game you fancy. As long as you keep your PlayStation Plus subscription going, you can come back and download any game you’ve added to your library, whenever you like. Result.

7) Take quicker screenshots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuK8flayYmE

We all know that tapping the Share button on the controller lets you save a screenshot, but there is a pro way to make this process a lot snappier.

You can either hold the Share button down in a game to take one or, to make the process even quicker, you can tweak the settings to ensure that simply tapping the Share button once will take a screenshot.

To do this tap press the Share button, press options, Sharing and Broadcast settings, Share Button Control Type, then select Easy Screenshots.

8) Resume where you left off

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCEAWQsfD58

Time is precious, so why waste it firing up a game each time you start your PS4?

Go to Settings, Power Saving Settings, and Set Features Available in Rest Mode. Select Keep Application Suspended, and each time you fire up your PS4 after putting it in Rest Mode, you’ll be right where you left yourself last – whether that’s mid-way through a FIFA match or a game of Rocket League.

It won’t quite work for online games like Destiny though – you’ll find yourself back at the login screen – but even then, you’ll be saving a bit of time.

9/10) Make it work while sleeping

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=LEY1jm2x-MI

You can tell your PS4 to do a couple of handy things when it’s in Rest Mode – namely allow it to charge your controllers when you’re not using them, and automatically download updates – a handy feature which saves you from waiting ages to play a game while you wait for updates and patches to download.

To make your PS4 more useful when it’s sleeping, go to Settings, Power Saving Settings, and once again, go to Set Features Available in Rest Mode. Select Supply Power to USB Ports and Stay Connected to the Internet, and you’re sorted.

11) Use your remote to turn it on (and off)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT6Gp7djXR0

Pretty self explanatory this one. Go to Settings, System, and Enable HDMI Device Link. Check this, then head over to your TV settings and turn on the correct settings.

Handily all manufacturers have different names for this particular setting, and they’re all listed in the video above.

12) Share your exploits

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=B4ObgBk_Pcc

Ever played so well you think the whole world can benefit from watching your exploits, live? Yeah, us too.

To do that, hit the Share button (big shocker there), then Broadcast Gameplay. Sign into your your streaming service of choice, and, well that’s pretty much it.

You can also swap between a standard view or a view with comments and number of viewers on the right (for Twitch, at least). Oh, and don’t forget to give a shoutout to your mother.

13) Create groups

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVeRK7nuUAM

If you’ve got a special circle of friends who you game with and/or message regularly you can add them into one group, making joint messages and party invites a mere button press (or two) away.

Go to Friends, Add Favourite Group, select those special lucky few, and you’re all set to interact with them in various ways from the Favourite Groups tab in the Friends menu.

14) Double tap for efficiency

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=5FttJDO-uoU

If you double tap the PlayStation button you can swap between your two most recent screens.

This comes in very handy in situations like, for example, gaming while messaging friends. Once you’ve opened up messages while in a game, double tapping the PlayStation button will flick you between the messages and game screen. A single press will still take you to the main home screen, as always.

15) Measure up to your mates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHGX4LwEGuI

Competition is built into our genes, and there’s nothing quite better than knowing you’ve earned more fake digital points in games than your mates.

To compare trophies and achievements with people on your friends list, go to Trophies, click on Compare Trophies, scroll down to whoever you want to measure up against and cry/whoop with joy as required.

16) Use an ethernet cable

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z70LbEJ3XvI

There is no way to make this sound interesting, but you really should use a wired ethernet cable connection if possible if you want the smoothest online experience and faster downloads.

Plug it in, go to Settings, Network, Setup Internet Connection, then cover your PS4 in maple syrup and do a jig. Oh wait, we meant select Use a LAN Cable. Silly us.

17) Hook up your headphones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mb1-qJuU14

One of our favourite PlayStation 4 features is the ability to plug your headphones directly into the controller, letting you game in silence without worrying about sitting close to the TV or console itself.

If your headphone has a mic too, then you can, you know, use it to talk and stuff.

18) Use your voice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsS7_OSRj_Q

Voice commands – a forgettable but sometimes useful feature that you might as well try out because, hey, why not?

As long as you’re set with some form of mic, you’re good to go. Just say “PlayStation”, and “All Commands” and you’ll be presented with a list of all the voice commands at your disposal. Buttons are for losers.

19) Download the PlayStation app

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ZcLXL-Lzuck

Downloading the PlayStation app on your Android or iPhone lets you see who’s online, as well as handily letting you buy games while you’re out and about, allowing them to download automatically, ready for you when you get back home.

20) Message like a pro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVgFJT0C4jM

The PlayStation Messages app is another handy tool you should definitely install on your phone if you’re forever nattering away to your mates.

It’s essentially like WhatsApp for your PS4, letting you send messages to people using your phone’s on-screen keyboard, which is a much more pleasant typing experience than using the controller to peck at letters on your telly.

21) Use Spotify

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFZvjElK6g

Still got your phone in your hand? Good. If you’re a Spotify user then you can quickly and easily pump your tunes to your PS4 while playing games – a great way to reduce your frustrations or motivate you in times of need.

Once your phone is connected to the same network as the PS4, simply open up the Spotify app, play a song, and tap the Connected Devices button at the bottom. Select the PS4 and enjoy.

Manage PS4 Console from Windows PC | PS Remote Play

Install the [PS Remote Play] application on a Windows PC, and then connect to your PS4 console.

Preparation
Application installation
PS4 Console Setup
Starting the “Remote Play” function
Remote play controls
Exit “Remote Play”

Preparation

To use the Remote Play feature, you need the following items.

You can also use the DualSense Wireless Controller or DualSense Edge Wireless Controller.
Voice chat requires a microphone, such as the built-in microphone on a Windows PC.

Application 9 installation0019

The following steps need only be performed the first time you use the application. You can use the same app to connect to both the PS4 console and the PS5 console.

1.

Download the [PS Remote Play] application and save it to your desktop or other location.
Review the SIE Application User License Agreement and Privacy Policy. After checking the box, the download button will become available.

I accept the terms of the “SIE Application User License Agreement” and “Privacy Policy” documents.
Download

2.

Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
During the installation process, a message may appear stating that you need to download additional software that is required for normal operation of the [PS Remote Play] application. Follow the instructions on the screen to download this software.

PS4 console setup

Set up your PS4 console using one of the following methods. The following steps only need to be performed the first time you use the Remote Play feature.

On the function screen, go to [Settings] > [Remote Play Connection Settings], and enable the [Allow Remote Play] setting.
On the Features screen, go to [Settings] > [Account Management] > [Activate as Primary PS4] and select [Activate]. This setting can only be enabled on one PS4 console per account. For details on how to activate your PS4 console as your primary console, see the PS4 Console User Guide.
To launch the Remote Play feature when the PS4 console is in Rest Mode, go to [Settings] > [Power Saving Settings] > [Select Features Available in Rest Mode]. Then check the boxes for [Keep Internet Connection] and [Allow the PS4 system to turn on over the network].

Remote play start

The following steps will need to be performed each time you connect to a PS4 console from a Windows PC.

1.: Turn on your PS4 console or put it into rest mode.
2.: Connect the controller to a Windows PC using a USB cable.
3.: Launch the [PS Remote Play] app on your Windows PC and select [Sign in to PSN].
4.: Sign in with the account you use with your PS4 console.
If you select [Settings], you can set the video quality settings for Remote Play, such as resolution and frame rate.
5.: Select [PS4].
The app will search for the PS4 console you set up in PS4 Console Setup and connect to it. Once connected, the Windows PC will display the PS4 console screen and allow you to use the Remote Play feature.
Next time you can select the console you connected to before.

Before connecting remotely from outside your home, make sure your device connects properly to your PS4 console when it is near it.
If the app can’t find the device you want to connect to, if the connection fails or is unstable, see If Remote Play is Not Available.

Remote Play Controls

In addition to the controller, you can use the control panel to control your PS4 console.
While running the Remote Play feature, hovering your Windows PC mouse over the screen you are using for the Remote Play feature will display the control panel.

SHARE button
Same function as the SHARE button on the controller.
PS button
Displays the PS4 console home screen.
OPTIONS button
Same function as the OPTIONS button on the controller.
Microphone status
Select [Microphone on] or [Microphone off] to turn the microphone on or off.

Microphone on

Microphone off

Microphone not connected
Battery level
Allows you to check the battery level of the controller.
Screen Size
Allows you to change the screen size in Remote Play mode.

Switch to full screen mode

Exit full screen mode

	Microphone on
	Microphone off
	Microphone not connected

	Switch to full screen mode
	Exit full screen mode

Exiting the “Remote Play” function

1.: Click the icon in the upper right corner of the screen you are using to perform the “Remote Play” function.
The message “This Remote Play session will be disabled” will be displayed.
To exit Remote Play when the PS4 console is in Rest Mode, select the [Switch Console to Rest Mode] check box.
2.: Select [OK].
The Remote Play function will be exited and the screen will return to the state it was in before the Windows PC was connected to the PS4 console.

To uninstall [PS Remote Play], go to Windows PC Settings and select [Apps] > [Programs and Features] and uninstall [PS Remote Play].

Controlling PS5 Console from Windows PC | PS Remote Play

Install the [PS Remote Play] application on a Windows PC, and then connect to your PS5 console.

Preparation
Application installation
Setting up the PS5 console
Starting the “Remote Play” function
Remote play controls
Exiting the “Remote Play” function

Preparation

To use the Remote Play feature, you need the following items.

You can also use the DualSense Edge™ wireless controller or the DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller.
Voice chat requires a microphone, such as the built-in microphone on a Windows PC.

Application installation

The following steps need only be performed the first time you use the application. You can use the same app to connect to both the PS5 console and the PS4 console.

1.

I accept the terms of the “SIE Application User License Agreement” and “Privacy Policy” documents.
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2.

PS5 9 console setup0019

Set up your PS5 console using one of the following methods. The following steps only need to be performed the first time you use the Remote Play feature.

On the home screen, go to [Settings] > [System] > [Remote Play], and enable the [Allow Remote Play] setting.
To start Remote Play when the PS5 console is in Rest Mode, go to [Settings] > [System] > [Power Saving] > [Functions Available in Rest Mode]. Then check the boxes for [Keep Internet Connection] and [Allow PS5 to turn on over the network].

Remote play start

The following steps will need to be performed each time you connect to a PS5 console from a Windows PC.

1.: Turn on your PS5 console or put it into rest mode.
2.: Connect the controller to a Windows PC using a USB cable.
3.: Launch the [PS Remote Play] app on your Windows PC and select [Sign in to PSN].
4.: Sign in with the account you use with your PS5 console.
If you select [Settings], you can set the video quality settings for Remote Play, such as resolution and frame rate.
5.: Select [PS5].
The app will search for a PS5 console that is signed in with your account and automatically connect to it. Once connected, your Windows PC will display the PS5 console screen and allow you to use the Remote Play feature. If multiple PS5 consoles are found, select the console you want to use.
Next time you can select the console you connected to before.

Your Windows PC will not be able to find and connect to your PS5 console if more than 60 days have passed since you last signed in. Before connecting remotely from outside your home, make sure your device connects properly to your PS5 console when it’s near it.
If the app can’t find the device you want to connect to, if the connection fails or is unstable, see If Remote Play is Not Available.

Using Remote Play with HDR video quality

If your TV or display that your Windows PC and PS5 console is connected to supports HDR, you can use Remote Play with HDR video quality.

1.: On the PS5 console home screen, go to [Settings] > [Display & Video] > [Video Output] and set [HDR] to [Always On] or [On When Supported].
2.: On a Windows PC, install the HEVC Video Extension distributed by Microsoft.
3.: Enable the HDR setting on the display.
4.: In Windows PC settings, select [System] > [Display] > [Windows HD Color Settings] and enable [Play HDR games and applications].
5.: Launch the [PS Remote Play] application on your Windows PC and log on to the network.
6.: In the [Settings] section, go to the [Remote Play Video Quality] section and check the [Enable HDR] checkbox.

Remote play controls

In addition to the controller, you can use the control panel to control your PS5 console.
While running the Remote Play feature, hovering your Windows PC mouse over the screen you are using for the Remote Play feature will display the control panel.

Create button
Same function as the (create) button on the controller.
PS button
Opens the control center on the PS5 console.
Parameter button
Performs the same function as the (parameter) button on the controller.
Microphone status
Select [Microphone on] or [Microphone off] to turn the microphone on or off.

Microphone on

Microphone off

Microphone not connected
Battery level
Allows you to check the battery level of the controller.
Screen Size
Allows you to change the screen size in Remote Play mode.