PlayStation Support

PlayStation®4

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PS4 set up & features
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PS4 set up & features

Set up

  1. Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on the back of your PS4® console.
  2. Insert the other end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your screen.
  3. Insert the power cable into the AC IN port on the back of your PS4 console.
  4. Safely insert the power plug into the mains outlet.
Connect a PS4 console to a display
  1. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
  2. Select your connection type and enter the network security information.
Set up internet on PS4 console
  1. Check the screen's manual to find which HDMI port supports HDR content.
  2. Change the TV settings so that the TV’s HDMI ports are set to enable HDR content.
  3. Using a Premium HDMI cable, connect the PS4 console to the correct HDMI port.
    Please note, the console must be connected directly to the TV to output HDR. It can’t be connected to a receiver or switch box.
  4. On your PS4 console go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings.
  5. In the Video Output Settings menu, set the HDR and Deep Colour output settings to Automatic.
  6. For video streaming applications, check if the content is HDR enabled. Most applications will have an indicator icon.
Set up HDR on PS4 console
Set up 4K and HDR on PS4 Pro console

Party, chat and profile

Have real-time conversations with players by voice chatting in a party. 

  1. From the home screen, press the up button on your controller to access the function screen. Select Party > Start Party. 
  2. Select either Open Party or Closed Party. Follow the on-screen instructions. When you finish your selection, the party starts.
Start party chat on PS4 consoles

Learn about trophy settings, how your trophy level is determined and how to sync your trophies.

Trophies

Find out how to send a friend request, manage your requests and remove friends on PlayStation™Network (PSN).

Add friends

Manage storage

Support video: Make space on PS4 console storage

To back up data you need an FAT32 or exFAT-formatted USB drive with at least double the storage space of the PS4 backup file. If you don't have enough space to back up everything on your device, you can choose not to back up application data.

  1. Select Trophies from the function screen, press the OPTIONS button, and select Sync Trophies With PSN. 
  2. Insert the USB drive into your PS4 console. 
  3. Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore. 
  4. Select Back Up.
  5. Confirm which data you'd like to back up. It is important to back up saved data to avoid losing any game progress. 
  6. Customize the backup file name and select Back Up. 
  7. Remove the USB drive.

Please note, users who have never signed in to PlayStation™Network (PSN) can restore saved data to only the original PS4 console that was backed up. To restore saved data to another PS4 console, you must sign in to PSN before backing up data.

Back up data

Learn how to manage your PlayStation®4 console storage space and game saved data using PlayStation®Plus online storage, PS4 console system storage and USB storage.

Manage storage

Find out how to make the most of PlayStation®Plus online storage.

Online storage

Find out how to upgrade your PlayStation®4 console's hard disc drive (HDD).

Upgrade HDD

Captures and broadcasts

You can save a screenshot of your gameplay in one of the following ways. 

  • Press and hold the SHARE button on your controller.
  • Press the SHARE button, and then press the triangle button.
  • Press the SHARE button, and then select Save Screenshot.

Capture gameplay and screenshots on PS4 consoles

Go to Settings > Sharing and Broadcasts and select one of the following settings.

  • SHARE Button Control Type
  • Length of Video Clip
  • Screenshot Settings
  • Audio Sharing Settings

Capture gameplay and screenshots on PS4 consoles
  1. Select Capture Gallery from the content area and select a screenshot.
  2. Press and hold the SHARE button and select an upload destination.
  3. Select Activities to upload the screenshot to PlayStation™Network and share it as an activity.
  4. Add comments, choose other options, and then select Share.

Share screenshots and video on PS4 consoles
  1. Select Capture Gallery from the content area and select a screenshot or video clip.
  2. Press the OPTIONS button and select Edit in SHAREfactory.
  3. You can also select Trim to quickly shorten your video clip before sharing.

Share screenshots and video on PS4 consoles

Pass the controls and let someone try one of your games, or play the game together, even if you're not on the same console.

Share play on PS4 console

To get the best experience from Share Play, both the host and the visitor must each have a high-speed Internet connection. Refer to this information if you experience Share Play connection or stability issues.

  • Generally, a minimum upstream and downstream connection speed of 2 Mbps is recommended.
  • You can view an estimate of your connection speed in Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
  • A wired Internet connection is recommended for the PS4 console.
  • If you're using a Wi-Fi (wireless) connection, place the PS4 console closer to the access point or router and make sure there are no obstructions between them.
  • Do not use Share Play while other devices on your network are using a large amount of bandwidth.
Troubleshoot broadcasting and Share Play on PS4 consoles

Remote Play

Support video: Remote Play using a PS4 console

You'll take the following steps each time you connect to your PS5 console or PS4 console from your mobile device.

  1. Turn on your console or put it into rest mode. 
  2. Launch PS Remote Play on your mobile device, and then select Sign In to PSN. Sign in with the same account that you use for your console. 
  3. Select PS5 or PS4. The app searches for the console that you’ve signed in to using your account, and then connects to the console automatically. After it connects, the screen of your console displays on your mobile device and you can start using PS Remote Play. If multiple consoles are found, select the console that you'd like to use. 

From the second time onwards, you'll be able to select the console that you connected to previously.

Learn more

Using the PS Remote Play app, you can control your PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console from a PC or Mac connected to a high-speed network. Check your PC or Mac meets the requirements and then follow the steps below to set up Remote Play.

PlayStation Remote Play on PC and Mac

You’ll only need to do this the first time you use Remote Play: 

  1. From the function screen, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings, and then turn on Enable Remote Play. 
  2. From the function screen, go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4, and then select Activate. You can enable this setting on only one PS4 console for each account. 
  3. To start Remote Play while your PS4 console is in rest mode, select Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode. Then turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network.
Learn more

You'll take the following steps each time you connect to your PS5 console or PS4 console from your PC or Mac.

  1. Turn on your console or put it into rest mode. 
  2. Connect your controller to your PC or Mac. 
  3. Launch PS Remote Play app on your PC or Mac, and then select Sign In to PSN.
    Sign in with the same account that you use for your console. 
  4. When you select Settings, you can configure video quality settings for Remote Play such as resolution and frame rate. 
  5. Select PS5 or PS4.
    The app searches for the PS5 console or PS4 console that you’ve signed in to using your account, and then connects to the console automatically. After the app connects, the screen of your console displays on your PC or Mac and you can start using Remote Play. If multiple consoles are found, select the console that you'd like to use. 

From the second time onwards, you'll be able to select the console that you connected to previously. 

If your console cannot connect to your computer automatically, you will be asked to manually register the console on your PC or Mac.

Learn more

Learn how to connect your PlayStation®Vita to a PlayStation®4 console for PS Remote Play and Second Screen play.

Learn more

The minimum required connection speed for Remote Play is 5 Mbps for both upload and download. Follow the steps below to check that your connection meets these requirements.

Troubleshoot Remote Play connection issues

Find out how to enable Remote Play on your PlayStation®4 console and change Remote Play settings.

Change Remote Play settings

Media Player

You'll need to download the Media Player from PlayStation™Store before you can play content and view your photos. Select Media Player from the content area or Library, and then select Download from the screen that appears.

Media Player on PS4 consoles

To play a Blu-ray Disc™ or DVD, insert the disc into the disc slot, and then select the content from the content area. Your PS4™ console must enable the disc playback feature over the Internet (only once) before you can play any BDs or DVDs. After this feature is enabled, your console doesn't have to connect to the Internet to play BDs or DVDs.

Play media discs on PS4 consoles
  1. Select TV & Video from the content area, and then select the service you want to use.
  2. Select Download.
Watch streaming services on PlayStation
  1. Go to PlayStation Store and search for Spotify to locate and download the app.
  2. Select Sign up or Log in and enter your details. 
  3. Select Link Accounts.
Set up Spotify on PlayStation

Accessibility

Support video: Accessibility settings on PS4 consoles

The PlayStation®4 console has been designed with several features and functions to support accessibility needs.

To configure accessibility settings, go to Settings > Accessibility.

Accessibility settings
  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  2. Select Custom Button Assignments.
  • These settings allow you to change controller button assignments. Each change swaps the roles of two buttons.
  • Note that on-screen directions will not reflect your button assignments.
Accessibility settings
  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility. 
  2. Select Add to Quick Menu.

This setting adds the Accessibility features listed below to your Quick Menu. To view the Quick Menu, press and hold the PS button.

  • Enable Text to Speech
  • Invert Colours
  • Enable Custom Button Assignments.
Accessibility settings
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PS4 troubleshooting
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PS4 troubleshooting

Troubleshoot

If a disc gets stuck in your PS4 console, you can manually eject it.

Eject stuck disc
  1. Restart System
    Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PS4 console normally.
  2. Change Resolution
    Changes the display resolution to 480p when the PS4 console is restarted. This option can be helpful when troubleshooting issues with blank screens. 
  3. Update System Software
    Allows you to update the PS4 system software via direct download, a USB storage device or a disc. 
  4. Restore Default Settings
    Restores the PS4 system to the default factory settings. Restoring default settings won’t delete content on console storage such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips, and saved data. 
  5. Rebuild Database
    Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content on the system. This option is useful if you’re experiencing system feature issues or a game icon remains on Home after it has been deleted.
  6. Initialize PS4
    Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 console to its original state. 
  7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)
    Deletes all user data and removes PS4 firmware. 
  8. Set HDCP Mode (PS4 Pro only)
    If your PS4 Pro console is connected to a 4K TV that doesn't support HDCP 2.2 (please refer to your TV manual), it may not be able to display an image when playing 4K games or 4K video streaming. To see an image, choose this setting and select [2. HDCP 1.40 Only] on the next screen*. 

*This may limit video resolution to 1080p. This reduction in resolution happens because a 4K image can only be displayed when HDCP 2.2 is supported by all connected devices including the display device, HDMI cables, and any A/V amplifier or home cinema system that may be connected.

Safe mode troubleshooting

The power indicator lights on the PS5™ and PS4™ consoles can display a variety of colours to indicate status information.

Lights troubleshooting

Learn about error codes on PS4 consoles and how to resolve them.

Error code hub

Please visit the PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool for further steps and to arrange a repair.

PlayStation Repairs

PS4™ console model and serial numbers can be found on the PS4 console's original packaging and the back of the PS4 console. It's recommended that you have these numbers to hand when contacting PlayStation Support.

Find PS4 console serial number
Support video: Using Safe Mode menu on PlayStation 4 console

Picture and sound

Find out how to resolve picture and sound issues on PlayStation®4 consoles.

Troubleshoot picture and sound issues

Learn how to change the audio output on your PlayStation®4 console.

Change audio output
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Software update
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Software update

System software update

To allow auto-downloads and updates, set your console to stay connected to the internet when in rest mode and install update files automatically. Enable automatic downloads and make sure to leave your console in rest mode when not in use.

Set up auto updates
  1. Turn off your PS4 console.
    Press and hold the power button for at least 7 seconds (until the console beeps twice).
  2. Using a PC or Mac, create a folder named "PS4" on a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Inside that folder, create another folder named "UPDATE".
  3. Visit the PS4 console system software update page and select the "Update system software" section. Download the installation file and save it in the "UPDATE" folder. Save the file as "PS4UPDATE.PUP".
  4. Plug the USB drive containing the file into your PS4 console.
  5. Start your PS4 console in Safe Mode: press and hold the power button, releasing after the second beep.
  6. Select Update System Software.
  7. Select Update from USB Storage Device > OK.
  8. If your PS4 console does not recognize the update file, check that the folder names and file name are correct. Enter the folder names and file name using uppercase letters.
PS4 system software update

Reinstall system software

Reinstalling the system software on your PS4 console will delete all of the data on your PS4 console. This process is often referred to as a "factory" reset, or "hard" reset.

Reinstall PS4 system software

If your PlayStation® console has been offline for a long time, or a system software update has failed, you may need to update the PlayStation 'firmware' manually in safe mode.

Safe mode troubleshooting
Support video: Reinstall PS4 system software
Support video: Using Safe Mode menu on PlayStation 4 console
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Manuals

Manuals and guides

Find a manual for your PlayStation 4 console or another device or accessory.

Manuals for PS4 consoles

View the PlayStation®4 console user guide online.

Online user guide

Find warranty information for your consoles and devices.

Warranty for PS4 consoles