Does Remote Play Work with Separate Wi-Fi? Understanding the Nuances

The short answer is: yes, PlayStation Remote Play can work with separate Wi-Fi networks, but with some important caveats and considerations. While earlier iterations and some documentation may suggest otherwise, the technology has evolved to allow you to connect to your PlayStation console from practically anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and what you need to know.

How Does Remote Play Actually Function?

At its core, Remote Play allows you to stream your PlayStation gameplay from your console to another device. Think of it as mirroring your screen, controller input, and audio over the internet. Your PlayStation does the heavy lifting, rendering the graphics, processing the game, and sending the video and audio output to your remote device (such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer). This allows you to enjoy your PS4 or PS5 games even when you’re not in front of your console. This data stream is heavily reliant on a consistent and fast connection to work smoothly.

The Critical Role of Internet Connection

The primary factor determining if Remote Play will function across separate Wi-Fi networks is your internet speed and stability. Your upload speed at home (where your PlayStation is) is just as important as your download speed on your remote device. Both ends of the connection need a strong and reliable internet link.

• Upload Speed at Home: This is the speed at which your internet connection sends data from your network. This is crucial as your PS4/PS5 needs to upload the video and audio of your gameplay to the internet.
• Download Speed on Remote Device: This is the speed at which your device receives data to your network. This is required to download the video stream and send the controller commands.
• Connection Stability: A stable and consistent connection is crucial for a good experience. Fluctuations in connection speed can lead to lag or disconnects.

While some older resources may suggest that both devices need to be on the same local network, modern Remote Play functionality allows for connection over the internet as long as the necessary ports are open.

Overcoming Network Limitations

Despite the ability to connect over separate networks, there are situations where you might encounter difficulties. These typically revolve around network configurations and bandwidth limitations. Here are some common scenarios to be aware of:

• Firewall Restrictions: Your home router and any firewalls you have set up might block the ports used by Remote Play. You may need to adjust your router settings to allow incoming connections.
• Bandwidth Hogging: If other devices on your home network are using a lot of bandwidth simultaneously (like streaming videos), it can interfere with Remote Play.
• Wi-Fi Interference: If you are using your remote device on a crowded WiFi network with lots of interference, you may see performance problems. The 5GHz band is often recommended for higher performance due to less interference.
• Mobile Data Usage: While some third-party apps can facilitate remote play over cellular, it is not natively supported. For optimal performance, a robust WiFi connection is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Remote Play and Separate Wi-Fi

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address various aspects of using Remote Play with separate Wi-Fi networks:

1. Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi to use PS Remote Play?

No, you do not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network anymore. You can use Remote Play over different networks, but you need to make sure that your internet connection at home is stable and fast with a good upload speed.

2. What speeds do I need for PS Remote Play?

A minimum of 5 Mbps upload and download speeds is recommended, but 9 Mbps or faster is optimal for the best experience. A faster upload at home is critical for a smooth stream.

3. Can I use Remote Play with mobile data?

While natively, PS Remote Play does not support mobile data, there are third-party apps that might allow remote play over cellular connections. However, the quality of connection is often unreliable.

4. Does Remote Play use local network?

Yes, when both devices are connected to the same local network, they will connect directly without having to rely on the internet. This will provide better speeds in some situations.

5. What is the difference between local and remote network connections?

A local network refers to devices connected to the same router and internet connection, whereas a remote network refers to devices connected to different routers or internet connections across distance.

6. Can I use Remote Play while my PS5 is off?

No, your PS5 must be in Rest Mode to be accessible via Remote Play. You can’t turn it on using Remote Play if it’s fully off.

7. Is it possible for two people to use Remote Play simultaneously?

A maximum of four players can use remote play at the same time, provided the game supports multiplayer and there are enough user accounts available. This often requires sharing the game with friends via a ‘Remote Play Together’ feature.

8. Can two people use remote play to play the same game?

Yes. With “Remote Play Together”, one player can stream a game to their friends, allowing up to four players to join, even if they do not own a copy of the game.

9. How do I connect to Remote Play when I am away from home?

Launch the PS Remote Play app, sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and then it will attempt to automatically connect to the console associated with your account that is in Rest Mode.

10. What should I do if Remote Play is lagging?

Check the internet connection and the device you are using. Bandwidth usage on other devices using the same internet connections could also be the cause. Also, make sure the network you are using has sufficient speeds.

11. Why does Remote Play sometimes fail to connect?

This is typically due to insufficient internet speed, unstable connections, or firewall blocks. Confirm your connection is stable, your speeds are within recommended levels, and that the proper ports are open.

12. Does it matter if I use a wired or wireless connection on my remote device?

For PCs, a wired connection is required for use with the DualShock 4 controller, whereas a wireless connection with Bluetooth may be used for other devices. However, a wired internet connection on the remote device may provide a more reliable and stable connection.

13. What is the difference between PS Remote Play and PSPlay?

PSPlay is a third-party alternative to PS Remote Play which allows remote play over mobile connections. PS Remote Play is native to the Sony eco-system and will mostly work with WiFi.

14. What’s the deal with 2.4 Ghz vs 5Ghz for Remote Play?

The 5GHz band usually offers better performance because it’s less susceptible to interference. 2.4 GHz band might have a wider range, but it can be slower due to congestion. If you are able to choose, the 5Ghz band is generally preferable.

15. Can I use Remote Play while moving to another location?

Yes, you can generally use Remote Play as long as you have a stable internet connection. If the game is set up for “Remote Play Together”, you may have a smoother experience. However, performance will depend on your internet connections speed at both locations.

Conclusion

In summary, Remote Play can absolutely work across separate Wi-Fi networks, allowing you to enjoy your PlayStation games virtually anywhere. While it originally required both your PlayStation and your remote device to be on the same network, the technology has advanced, giving you greater freedom. Ensure that you have a fast and stable internet connection on both ends, adjust your router settings if necessary, and be mindful of network congestion to enjoy a smooth and seamless Remote Play experience. By taking the time to understand these important aspects, you can make the most of your PlayStation gaming experience whether at home or away.