The PlayStation App is a redesigned companion for PS5 and PS4 that lets you connect with friends, manage your console remotely, and shop the PlayStation Store from your phone. Whether you want to start a download while at work or chat with your squad without turning on your TV, this app puts the core PlayStation experience in your pocket.
What is the PlayStation App?
The PlayStation App serves as a mobile command center for your gaming life. It connects directly to your PS5 or primary PS4 console, allowing you to stay in touch with friends, browse and buy games from the PlayStation Store, manage your console’s storage, and keep up with official gaming news. The app has been redesigned with a cleaner interface that makes these features faster and easier to access, turning your smartphone into a second screen for everything PlayStation.
Requirements and compatible devices
To use the PlayStation App, you need an active PlayStation Network account. The app is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 15.1 or later and Android devices running Android 6.0 or later. You must have a PS5 or PS4 console to make use of the app’s core remote features. You can connect a maximum of 16 devices to a single PS4 system.
How to set up the PlayStation App with your console
If you do not already have a PlayStation Network account, you can create one through the app or on the PlayStation website. You can only set your region once per account; to change it you must create a new account with a different email address. Once you have an account, pairing your console is straightforward:
- Open the PlayStation App on your mobile device.
- Select the Settings icon (the gear symbol) and choose "Pair Console to App."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to link the app to your PS5 or primary PS4 console.
After pairing, the app will recognize your console and enable all remote features.
How to download and buy games remotely
You can purchase and download games and add-ons from the PlayStation Store directly through the app. For remote downloads to work, your console must be in rest mode with "Stay Connected to the Internet" enabled in its power saving settings. On PS4, to enable remote downloads: go to Settings > Power Saving Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet. When you buy a game from the app, it will begin downloading to your paired console automatically. On PS5, the app also lets you manage console storage if you need to free up space during a download. To check your wallet balance in the app: open the PlayStation Store, go to Payment Methods at the bottom, and your balance appears in the upper-right corner with your username and avatar. To check wallet on the PS4 console: Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Wallet. You can add funds to your wallet via the PlayStation website by going to Account Settings > Wallet > Add Funds to Wallet and entering the amount as PlayStation credits.
How to launch games and manage your PS5 console
To start a game on your PS5 from anywhere, navigate to the "Game Library" section in the app, select "Purchased," choose the game you want, and tap "Play on Console." The app also supports quick sign-in to your PS5, so you can jump into your console without entering your password each time.
How to stay connected with friends
The app integrates all of PlayStation’s communication tools. You can create party groups for voice chat with up to 15 friends, send text messages with stickers and attachments, and view your friends’ profiles and trophy collections. If a friend is playing on PS5, you can watch their Share Screen directly within the voice chat room on the app. The standalone PS Messages app was merged into the main PlayStation App in October 2020, so everything is now in one place. To get PlayStation clips on phone, you can use the app’s sharing features to capture and save your best moments from recent gameplay.
Other useful PlayStation App features
The app includes several additional tools that make everyday use more convenient. You can use the PlayStation App as a keyboard for entering text on your PS5 or PS4 console, which is much faster than typing with a controller. The "Explore" tab provides access to official news from game developers and PlayStation Blog content. You can also redeem voucher codes for games, subscriptions, and add-ons directly through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the PlayStation App to stream games to my phone?
No. Streaming gameplay to your mobile device requires the separate PS Remote Play app, which is a different application. The PlayStation App is for managing your console, chatting, and shopping, not for streaming games.
Do I need to keep my PS5 in rest mode all the time for the app to work?
Only for remote downloads and remote game launch features. The app’s chat, friends list, and store browsing work regardless of whether your console is on or off.
Can I pair the app with more than one PS4 or PS5?
The app pairs with one primary PS4 console or one PS5 at a time. You can switch which console is paired, but only one console can receive remote commands at any given moment.
Why can’t I see my friend’s Share Screen in the app?
Share Screen viewing is only available for PS5 consoles. If your friend is playing on PS4, you will not see the option. Both you and your friend must be in the same voice chat room for the feature to appear.
Does the app work if I only have a PS4?
Yes. The PlayStation App supports both PS4 and PS5 consoles, though some features like quick sign-in and remote game launch are exclusive to PS5.
Why does the app sometimes log me out?
The app automatically logs out the user's account if not used often.
