Welcome to PS4

Want to know where to start with your shiny new
PS4 or PS4 Pro? We’ll get you playing in no time…

Setting up

What’s in the box, how to set up your PS4 and getting connected online.

Unboxing your PS4

As well as your console and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, there are a few other bits that you’ll need to get started:

  • HDMI cable: Connect from the PS4 HDMI port  to your TV to get pictures and sound onto your screen in glorious high definition – or even more glorious 4K and HDR, if you have a fancy TV and a PS4 Pro.
  • Power cable: No surprises here; your PS4 needs electricity, so you need a power cable.
  • USB charging cable: As the name suggests, your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller works wirelessly – but this cable is your PS4 controller charger, for when the battery runs low.
  • PS4 earpiece & mic: Chatting with friends, discussing tactics for online gaming and listening to game audio is easy – the supplied PS4 headset can do all this and more.

Getting online

Your PS4 can connect to your home WiFi network, or – for a more stable connection and faster download speeds – via an Ethernet cable to your modem. It all happens via the Settings > Network menu on your PS4.

Once you’re connected, online gaming, video streaming, social networking and everything else is yours to explore.

Create your account

Set up a free PlayStation Network account for each user and they’ll have a unique online ID that connects them to the world of PlayStation.

Join PSN

An account for PlayStation Network is your invitation to our online world – create a unique user profile, download games and movies, and connect with friends.

Set up family accounts

Create accounts for each family member and have full control over what they can play, watch and do online.

Connect with friends

Once you’re set up you can add fellow PS4 friends to chat with, play alongside, and see what they’re up to via the What’s New feed.

PlayStation Network – or PSN – is the entire PlayStation online ecosystem. Once you create your Online ID, you can get started with all of our online services, like online gaming with PlayStation Plus, downloadable games from PlayStation Store, TV and movie streaming services and everything else that your PS4 can do online.

Ready to play

Now you’re all set up, it’s time to play some games…

Blu-ray discs

Build up a collection of physical games on PS4 Blu-ray Disc from high street shops and online retailers – that’s what the disc slot on the front of your PS4 is for, after all.

Digital downloads

The latest PS4 games are available to download from PlayStation Store as soon as they’re released – as well as free-to-play games and demos that won’t cost a thing.

SHOW THE WORLD YOUR GREATEST MOMENTS

Sharing with friends

Connect and share your gaming experiences to social media, with your PSN friends, or watch what the world is playing.

The SHARE button

Press SHARE on your controller and you can upload screenshots and video clips to Twitter or YouTube – or let a friend play your game via PS4 Share Play.

Live broadcasting

If you’re a wannabe YouTuber, have your own Twitch channel or just want to show off your skills, hit SHARE and start a live broadcast of your gameplay for anyone to watch.

Live from PlayStation

Prefer to watch other people play? The Live from PlayStation tab is where you’ll find gamers all over the world streaming their adventures.

Chat & messaging

There are loads of ways to chat to your friends on PS4 – either in a party, with text messaging, or via our dedicated app.

Start a party

The Party tab on your home screen is the place to bring friends together; up to 16 players can chat together to arrange gaming sessions, discuss tactics or just shoot the breeze.

Send a message

You can send text messages to any other PS4 player, attach screenshots from your games and include stickers, for them to receive instantly, or next time they sign in (you can even send and receive messages via PlayStation.com if you sign in here).

Streaming services

TV, movies & video

The TV & Video tab on your PS4 home screen is where you’ll find your favourite TV and movie streaming services, like Netflix or Amazon Prime video, as well as free services like YouTube.

PS4 Media Player

Want to watch your own video files, listen to your mp3 music collection or view your photo collection on your TV screen? Connect the USB storage device they’re saved on to your PS4, then load up the Media Player from your home screen. Easy!

Get help

Got a question you need an answer to, or having a problem with your PS4? We’ve got it covered…

Help & support hub

Our dedicated PS4 support hub has the answers to all sorts of questions you might have on PS4 and all things PlayStation – just select your product and type your question.

PlayStation Repairs

If you’re having issues with your PS4 hardware or accessories, or can't connect to PSN, and haven’t been able to find the answer from the support hub, don’t panic – get in touch with us via the hardware support page and we’ll do all we can to fix your PS4 or controller, or to get you back online.

Social media

Like or follow the official PlayStation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels to see the latest game trailers and live updates, wherever we are.