How to Achieve the Best Remote Play Connection on Your PS5
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The quest for seamless PS5 Remote Play is one that many gamers embark on, hoping to extend their gaming experience beyond the confines of their living room. A lag-free, high-quality stream is the holy grail, and thankfully, with the right setup and optimization, it’s entirely achievable. The key to the best possible Remote Play experience lies in understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to latency and image quality. In short, here’s how you get the best Remote Play connection on PS5:
Optimize Your Network: Prioritize a strong, stable, and fast network connection. This means using an Ethernet cable for your PS5, ensuring your router is up-to-date, and minimizing network congestion from other devices.
Adjust Video Quality Settings: Within the Remote Play app, lower the video quality to prioritize a smooth frame rate if your connection isn’t ideal. You can always increase it when your network can handle it.
Use the Correct Band: If using Wi-Fi, connect to the 5GHz band instead of the 2.4 GHz band, as the 5GHz band typically offers less interference and higher speeds.
Configure Router Settings: If possible, enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router. If your router doesn’t support UPnP, you’ll need to manually configure port forwarding, specifically opening TCP port 9295, and UDP ports 9296 and 9297.
Close Unnecessary Background Apps: On both your PS5 and your device running the Remote Play app, close any apps that might be using network bandwidth.
Test Your Connection Speeds: Always test your upload and download speeds to know your starting point, targeting a minimum of 15 Mbps for optimal performance.
Choose the Right Device: Using a device with good performance is crucial; dedicated gaming devices like handheld consoles or gaming laptops can provide a better experience than basic mobile phones.
By implementing these steps, you can dramatically improve your PS5 Remote Play experience, transforming it from a frustrating lag-fest into a seamless extension of your console gaming.
Understanding the Core Challenges of PS5 Remote Play
Before diving into specific solutions, it’s crucial to understand the challenges that lead to a less-than-ideal Remote Play experience. These issues often revolve around three main areas:
1. Network Issues
- Insufficient Bandwidth: Your internet connection needs to have sufficient upload and download speeds, both at your PS5 location and where you are remotely playing.
- Network Congestion: Many devices sharing the same network can cause bandwidth bottlenecks, slowing down your connection.
- Unstable Connection: A weak or fluctuating Wi-Fi signal can cause drops in performance, lag, and disconnects.
2. Settings & Device Limitations
- High Video Quality Settings: While beautiful, high-resolution streaming demands a lot of bandwidth. If your connection can’t keep up, it can result in stuttering and input lag.
- Low-Performance Devices: The device you’re using for Remote Play also plays a role; older or less powerful devices may struggle to process the video stream.
- Incorrect Router Configuration: Firewall restrictions and closed ports on your router can prevent a stable connection.
3. External Factors
- Distance from Router: With Wi-Fi, being too far from your router weakens the signal, and makes it unstable.
- Interference: Walls, other electronic devices, and even microwaves can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
- ISP Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end; it could be an issue with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Optimizing Your PS5 Remote Play Experience: Practical Steps
Now, let’s look at some detailed steps to maximize your Remote Play experience:
1. Prioritize a Wired Connection
The most impactful change you can make is to connect your PS5 to your router via an Ethernet cable. This eliminates the variability and interference issues of Wi-Fi, providing a much more stable and consistent connection.
2. Fine-Tune Router Settings
If using Wi-Fi, make sure your PS5 is connected to the 5GHz band. This band is less congested, offering higher speeds and lower latency compared to the older 2.4GHz band. If you’re having issues, you can configure port forwarding. Enable UPnP for the automatic opening of ports. If not, you will have to manually set up port forwarding, using TCP port 9295 and UDP ports 9296 and 9297.
3. Optimize Remote Play App Settings
In the Remote Play app settings, adjust the video quality to ‘Standard’ or ‘Low’ if you are experiencing lag or inconsistent performance. You can experiment with a higher setting once your network is optimized.
4. Streamline Your Network
Make sure to limit network use from other devices. Streaming videos, downloading large files, or having many devices connected to your network can impact your Remote Play performance. Close any applications on your gaming device that might use bandwidth.
5. Device Selection and Performance
Use a powerful device to improve the Remote Play experience, such as a gaming laptop, handheld console or powerful mobile phone. Also, keep the Remote Play app and your device’s OS updated. Outdated software can lead to performance issues.
6. Test, Monitor, and Adjust
Regularly perform network speed tests using tools like Ookla Speedtest. If you have slow download/upload speeds or high ping, there is a good chance that the connection is causing the issue. Continuously monitor your connection and make changes as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Remote Play
Here are some commonly asked questions to provide additional clarity:
1. What’s the recommended internet speed for PS5 Remote Play?
For smooth performance, you need at least 15 Mbps for both download and upload. However, a minimum of 5 Mbps is required to use the service.
2. Why does my PS5 Remote Play keep disconnecting?
Disconnects can happen when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, unstable network connections, or a poor signal. Always ensure you have a strong signal for both the console and your client device.
3. Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for Remote Play?
Yes, when initially setting up your remote play connection, both devices must be on the same WiFi network. After that, you will be able to access the feature from outside your local network, depending on its configuration.
4. Can I play PS5 remotely while I am abroad?
Yes, Remote Play allows you to access your PS5 from almost anywhere with a stable internet connection. However, note that a slow network connection can create lag.
5. What are the necessary router settings for PS5 Remote Play?
Your router should support UPnP which is the easiest method for opening the ports, but, if not, you will have to configure port forwarding, specifically the TCP port 9295, and UDP ports 9296 and 9297.
6. Can two people use Remote Play simultaneously on the same PS5?
Yes, when one person is using Remote Play, others can join them as added players by connecting to the same PS5 system.
7. Why is my PS5 Remote Play so laggy?
Lag can be due to network congestion, slow internet speeds, or other devices using your network’s bandwidth. You may also have your video settings too high for your internet connection.
8. Is upload speed important for Remote Play?
Absolutely. Your upload speed is critical, as it determines how quickly your PS5 can send the video stream to your device.
9. Is it better to use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Remote Play?
5GHz offers better performance, with less interference and faster data transfer speeds.
10. What devices are best for Remote Play?
Dedicated handheld gaming devices like the Razer Kishi V2, Logitech G Cloud Handheld and Steam Deck tend to provide the best experience. But, any gaming laptop, or modern mobile phone can provide a good experience as well.
11. What is Chiaki and how does it relate to PS5 Remote Play?
Chiaki is an open-source software client for PS4 and PS5 Remote Play, available on various platforms. It offers an alternative to the official app.
12. How much data does PS5 Remote Play use?
On average, a 30-minute session using about 5 Mbps can consume approximately 1.125 gigabytes of data.
13. Where can I find Remote Play Connection Settings on my PS5?
Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings on your PS5 to enable the feature and manage associated options.
14. Can Remote Play cause input delay?
Yes, some input delay or lag can occur, especially on wireless connections, but it can be reduced with a wired connection and optimal setup.
15. Can I use a second controller through Remote Play?
While you can add multiple players locally using a controller, only one controller’s input is sent to the PlayStation when playing through Remote Play.
By understanding these key elements and frequently asked questions, you are well-equipped to optimize your Remote Play experience, transforming it into a seamless and enjoyable extension of your PlayStation 5.