How to Set Up PS5 Remote Play Away From Home

Setting up PS5 Remote Play to enjoy your favorite games while away from home is easier than you might think. This feature allows you to stream your PS5 games to various devices like your smartphone, tablet, PC, or even another PlayStation console, as long as you have a stable internet connection. Let’s break down exactly how to get started so you can stay connected to your gaming world no matter where you are.

Initial Setup on Your PS5

Before you can begin playing remotely, you need to configure your PS5 console for Remote Play. Here’s how:

Enabling Remote Play

1. Power On Your PS5: Make sure your PS5 console is powered on.
2. Navigate to Settings: From the home screen, use your controller to go to the Settings icon (the gear icon) located at the top right of the screen.
3. Select System: Scroll down and select System.
4. Choose Remote Play: Inside the System menu, find and select Remote Play.
5. Turn on Enable Remote Play: Toggle the switch to ON to enable Remote Play. This allows your console to be accessed remotely.

Configuring Power Saving Settings for Rest Mode

If you want to start Remote Play even when your PS5 is in rest mode, you’ll need to tweak your power settings:

1. Go to System Settings: From the Settings menu, again select System.
2. Select Power Saving: Choose Power Saving from the System options.
3. Choose Features Available in Rest Mode: Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
4. Enable Stay Connected to the Internet: Ensure that the option to Stay Connected to the Internet is toggled to ON.
5. Enable Enable Turning On PS5 from Network: Also, ensure that Enable Turning On PS5 from Network is toggled to ON.

These settings are crucial for waking your PS5 from rest mode using Remote Play.

Setting Up Primary Console

For the best experience, especially with game downloads, it’s essential to activate your PS5 as your primary console. Here’s how:

1. Go to Account Management: From the Settings menu, select Account Management.
2. Choose Activate as Your Primary PS5: Select Activate as Your Primary PS5.
3. Confirm Activation: Select Activate. If it’s already activated, you’ll see “Deactivate” instead; in that case, you’re all set.

Setting Up the PS Remote Play App on Your Device

Now that your PS5 is prepared, you need to download and configure the PS Remote Play app on the device you’ll be using for remote play. The app is available for various platforms.

Downloading the App

1. Go to Your Device’s App Store: Depending on your device (Android, iOS, Windows PC, or Mac), go to the respective app store.
2. Search for PS Remote Play: Search for “PS Remote Play” in the app store.
3. Install the App: Download and install the official PlayStation Remote Play application.

Connecting to Your PS5

1. Launch the App: Open the PS Remote Play app on your chosen device.
2. Sign In to PSN: Tap Sign In to PSN. Log in using the same PlayStation Network account that’s connected to your PS5 console.
3. Select Your Console: The app will automatically search for your PS5. Select it to connect. If you don’t see it, ensure both your device and PS5 are connected to the internet, and try again.

Optional: Linking Console to App

If your console isn’t automatically detected, or to streamline future connections:

1. Go to the Play tab in the app.
2. Open the Settings gear icon and tap Link Console to App.
3. Select your console, then hit Confirm.

Using PS Remote Play Away from Home

Once you’ve set everything up, you can now use PS Remote Play when you’re not on the same network as your console.

Connection Requirements

• Stable Internet Connection: A broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for both upload and download is required. This ensures a smooth and lag-free experience.
• Mobile Data or Wi-Fi: You can use either a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi to connect. However, Wi-Fi is generally more stable.

Initiating a Remote Play Session

1. Open the App: Open the PS Remote Play app on your device.
2. Select Your PS5: If your console is in rest mode, it should wake up automatically. Otherwise, make sure your PS5 is on.
3. Start Playing: Once connected, you can use the virtual controller on your device’s screen, or use a compatible controller connected via Bluetooth to start playing.

Downloading Games Remotely

You can even manage game downloads while you’re away. Here’s how:

1. Open the PS App (Not Remote Play): Use the standard PlayStation app (not the Remote Play app).
2. Go to Game Library: Open the Game Library tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Open Purchased Games: Open Games > Purchased.
4. Initiate Download: Tap the game you want to install, and it will begin downloading to your primary PS5 console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that can further help you understand and troubleshoot common issues with PS5 Remote Play.

1. Does my PS5 need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for Remote Play to work?
   No, your PS5 and your remote device do not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. As long as both are connected to the internet and your PS5 is configured correctly, you can play from anywhere.

2. Can I use PS5 Remote Play with a mobile data connection?
   Yes, PS Remote Play can be used with a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi. However, keep in mind that mobile data usage can be significant and might incur costs depending on your data plan.

3. What internet speed do I need for PS5 Remote Play?
   The minimum required connection speed is 5 Mbps for both upload and download. Sony recommends having a faster connection for optimal performance.

4. Why is my PS Remote Play not working away from home?
   Several factors could cause issues, including: a slow or unstable internet connection, network restrictions, or issues with your PS5 console settings. Ensure all devices are connected, have good internet, and that your PS5 is in rest mode with Stay Connected and Enable Turning On options activated.

5. How do I turn my PS5 on or off remotely?
   To turn your PS5 on from your phone, launch the PS Remote Play app and select your console. To turn it off, tap Settings > Disconnect. Make sure your PS5 is in rest mode and configured for Remote Play.

6. Can I use a controller with the PS Remote Play app?
   Yes, you can connect a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller via Bluetooth to most devices. Android users with Android 10 or higher can connect a DualShock 4. Android 12 and above can use the DualSense controller.

7. How do I set up PS Remote Play?
   On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play. Also, ensure the relevant Power Saving settings are enabled. On your device, install the PS Remote Play app and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your console.

8. Can I download games to my PS5 remotely?
   Yes, you can use the standard PlayStation App (not the Remote Play app) to initiate downloads to your PS5 remotely.

9. What devices are compatible with PS5 Remote Play?
   You can use PS Remote Play with Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones or iPads, Windows PCs, and Macs, as well as another PS5 or PS4 console.

10. Can I connect my PS5 to hotel Wi-Fi?
    Yes, you can connect your PS5 to hotel Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. If needed, select Wi-Fi Frequency Bands > 5 GHz for a better connection if available.

11. What happens if my PS5 is stolen?
    Report it to Sony and the police. Sony can track the console directly to the user’s IP address.

12. Can multiple people use Remote Play on one PS5 at the same time?
    No, only one person can use Remote Play on a PS5 console at a time. However, additional players can join local multiplayer sessions while one person is using Remote Play, logging into the client PS5, and pressing the options button.

13. Where can I find the Remote Play Settings on my PS5?
    Go to Settings > System > Remote Play.

14. Why does Remote Play have poor video quality?
    Poor video quality can result from an unstable or slow internet connection, or a congested network. Close other applications using bandwidth, and ensure your internet speed meets the minimum requirements.

15. What is the furthest distance I can use Remote Play from my PS5?
    Theoretically, there is no limit to the distance you can be from your PS5 as long as you have a good internet connection. You could be on the other side of the world, as long as the minimum internet speed requirements are met and your console is set up correctly.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of PS5 Remote Play, you’ll be able to enjoy your games from practically anywhere. Remember to always have a secure and stable internet connection, and you’ll be gaming on the go in no time!