Buzz
Learn how to set up and control your PS4 from a PC or Mac in this comprehensive guide.
Remote Play is an app that lets you stream your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 games to your computer or mobile device, even when you’re not at home. It’s perfect for playing while you're on the go or away from your console. This guide will show you how to use PlayStation Remote Play to enjoy PS4 games on your PC or Mac.
How to Stream PS4 to a Computer Using Remote Play
Connect to your PlayStation 4 via the Remote Play app on your PC or Mac. You can link your DualShock or DualSense controller to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure to enable Remote Play in your PS4’s settings and ensure your PS4 is set as your primary console for a smooth experience.
Instructions
Getting the Remote Play App
Ensure your computer meets the necessary requirements. You need a PC or Mac that meets the following criteria:
- Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.
- 7th Generation Intel Core processor or newer.
- At least 2 GB of RAM.
- 100 MB of available storage space or more.
- Display resolution of 1024 × 768 or greater.
Ensure you have everything you need. To use the Remote Play app with your PlayStation 4, you'll need the following items:
- A PC or Mac that meets the minimum system requirements.
- A PlayStation 4 (or PlayStation 5) console.
- A PlayStation Network account.
- A DualShock 4 or DualSense controller.
- A USB cable to connect your controller.
- A stable internet connection, with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps (15 Mbps recommended).
Download the installation file. The PlayStation Remote Play app is free and available for both Windows and Mac. Visit the website, agree to the SIE application end-user license agreement and privacy policy, then click Download. You can download the PlayStation Remote Play app from the following links:
Install the app. After downloading, open the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. By default, the downloaded files will be in your 'Downloads' folder, whether you’re using a PC or a Mac.
Configuring Your PS4
Set your PS4 as your primary console. To use the Remote Play app on your computer to connect to your PS4, it must be set as your primary PS4 console. You can only designate one primary PS4 per account. Make sure you're signed into your PlayStation Network account on your PS4. Follow these steps to activate your PS4 as the primary console:
- Navigate to the Settings menu.
- Choose Account Management.
- Click Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Click Activate (if the option is greyed out, your PS4 is already set as primary).
Allow your PS4 to turn on via network. This feature lets you wake up your PS4 from rest mode using the Remote Play app. Follow these steps to enable your PS4 to power on from your network:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select Power Save Settings.
- Click Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Check the box for "Stay Connected to the Internet".
- Ensure that "Enable Turning On PS4 from Network" is also checked.
Activate Remote Play. Lastly, you need to enable Remote Play in your PS4's settings to use the app. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Choose Remote Play Connection Settings.
- Check the box next to Enable Remote Play.
Starting with Remote Play
Connect your PlayStation controller to the computer. Use a USB charging cable to attach a PlayStation DualShock or DualSense controller to an available USB port on your computer.
Launch the Remote Play app. The app has a blue icon resembling a PlayStation controller. Open it from the Windows Start menu or the Applications folder on Mac.
Log into your PlayStation Network account. After opening the app, click Sign in to PSN and enter the email and password linked to your PlayStation Network account.
- Ensure you're using the same PSN account you’re signed into on your PS4.
Click PS4. It’s the option on the right side. Clicking this will connect you to your PS4 and power it on. Once connected, the PS4 home screen will appear. You can now use the PlayStation controller to interact with your PS4 as though you were right in front of it.
- The Remote Play app can also be used with a PlayStation 5.
- The first connection to your PS4 may take a few minutes.
