Can I Control My PS4 With iPhone? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can control your PS4 with your iPhone! Thanks to Sony’s suite of apps and features, your iPhone can become a valuable tool for managing and interacting with your PlayStation 4. While you won’t be mirroring your iPhone screen directly onto your PS4, you can achieve significant control and functionality using various methods. This article dives deep into how you can leverage your iPhone to enhance your PS4 experience, covering everything from remote play to second-screen features and even how to manage your game library.
How to Control Your PS4 with iPhone
There are primarily two ways to control your PS4 with your iPhone: using the PS Remote Play app and the PS4 Second Screen app. Each offers distinct functionalities, catering to different user needs.
Using PS Remote Play for Full Control
The PS Remote Play app allows you to mirror your PS4 screen on your iPhone. This means you can actually play your PS4 games on your phone, even when you’re away from your console. It achieves this by streaming the game video and audio to your iPhone, allowing you to control it using a virtual on-screen controller.
- Download the PS Remote Play app: Head to the iOS App Store and download the “PS Remote Play” application. Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 12.2 or later.
- Connect to Your PS4: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and your PS4 needs to be powered on and connected to the same network as your iPhone. Your PS4 can be in rest mode, but you’ll need to enable that feature in your settings.
- Start Remote Play: Once connected, you will see your PS4 screen on your iPhone. You can now use the on-screen controller or connect a DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller via Bluetooth for a more traditional experience.
Key features of Remote Play:
- Full Game Play: Play almost any PS4 game on your iPhone.
- On-Screen Controller: Control games using virtual buttons.
- Controller Support: Connect your DualShock 4 controller via Bluetooth for better gameplay.
- Remote Access: Play from anywhere with a high-speed internet connection.
Using the PS4 Second Screen App for Basic Controls
The PS4 Second Screen app offers a different set of controls focused on basic navigation and additional game features. It doesn’t mirror your screen but provides useful tools for enhancing your gaming experience.
- Download the PS4 Second Screen app: Search for “PS4 Second Screen” on the iOS App Store and download the application.
- Connect to Your PS4: Open the app and connect to your PS4 via the same Wi-Fi network.
- Use the Second Screen Features: You can use your iPhone as a basic controller, input text on your PS4, and display game-specific information, if the game supports it.
Key features of the Second Screen app:
- Basic Control: Use your iPhone as a simple controller for navigating the PS4 interface.
- Text Entry: Type text on your PS4 using your iPhone’s keyboard.
- Second Screen Display: View game-related information on your iPhone for supported games.
Enhancing Your Experience
Beyond the direct control apps, the PlayStation App on your iPhone is also vital. Though it doesn’t allow direct PS4 control, it lets you manage your account, download purchased games remotely, view trophies, connect with friends, and much more. It complements the control apps perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I turn my PS4 on with my iPhone?
Yes, you can turn your PS4 on using the PS Remote Play app if your console is in rest mode and this feature is enabled within your PS4 settings. Otherwise you will have to manually turn on the PS4.
2. Can I use a Bluetooth controller with PS Remote Play on my iPhone?
Yes, you can connect a DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller to your iPhone via Bluetooth and use it to play games with the PS Remote Play app. Ensure your controller is in pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS button and the Share (or Create) button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.
3. Can I use my iPhone’s keyboard to type on my PS4?
Yes, both the PS Remote Play app and the PS4 Second Screen app allow you to use your iPhone’s keyboard for text entry on your PS4.
4. Can I stream from my iPhone to my PS4?
No, you cannot stream directly from your iPhone to your PS4 via AirPlay or other methods. The functionality is primarily designed to control the PS4 via your iPhone, not the other way around.
5. Do I need PlayStation Plus to use Remote Play?
No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the PS Remote Play app. However, some online multiplayer games on your PS4 may require it to play remotely.
6. Can I use Remote Play over a mobile data connection?
Yes, you can use Remote Play over a mobile data connection. However, a strong and stable high-speed internet connection is recommended for the best experience.
7. What iOS version do I need for Remote Play?
The PS Remote Play app requires iOS 12.2 or later. Ensure your iPhone is updated for the best performance.
8. Can I download PS4 games from my iPhone?
Yes, you can download purchased games to your PS4 remotely using the PlayStation App. Navigate to your purchased list and select the game you want to download to your linked console.
9. Is the PS4 Second Screen app still available?
Yes, the PS4 Second Screen app is still available on the App Store for download.
10. Can I use the PS4 Second Screen app to play games?
The PS4 Second Screen app is primarily for basic controls and second-screen features in supported games, not for full gameplay like PS Remote Play.
11. Why won’t my PS4 controller connect to my iPhone?
Ensure your controller is turned off. Enter pairing mode by holding the PS button and Share (or Create) button until the light bar flashes. If that doesn’t work, restart both devices and try again.
12. Can I use my iPad as a screen for my PS4?
Yes, you can use your iPad with the PS Remote Play app to mirror your PS4 screen, control it, and play games just like on an iPhone.
13. Can I use Bluetooth headphones with the PS4 and my iPhone?
Bluetooth headphones work with the iPhone as a device and can work in conjuction with a game controller. However, the PS4 has very specific Bluetooth support. The PS4 does not have the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) necessary for direct support for many modern Bluetooth headphones.
14. How do I link my PS4 to my iPhone?
You link your PS4 to your iPhone through the PS Remote Play and PS4 Second Screen apps by signing in with the same PlayStation Network account on both devices while being on the same Wi-Fi network.
15. Does the PlayStation App support PlayStation Plus?
While the PlayStation app doesn’t directly offer all PlayStation Plus features, you can manage your subscription, redeem codes, access the PlayStation store, and view the games you can download with your subscription.
In conclusion, your iPhone can indeed become a powerful companion to your PS4. Whether you’re looking to play your favorite games remotely with PS Remote Play, navigate your console interface with the PS4 Second Screen app, or manage your account using the PlayStation App, Sony offers a variety of tools to enhance your gaming experience. By utilizing these apps, you can seamlessly connect your iPhone to your PS4 and enjoy a richer, more versatile PlayStation experience.