One strength of the Nintendo Switch console is the ability to seamlessly switch between playing video games on a big screen TV and a handheld device. Sony has a similar feature. If you want to take your PlayStation games on the go, you can with the official Sony PS4 Remote Play app for Android, iOS, and PC/Mac. Start playing on the TV, pause, then resume where you left off on a mobile device. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

PS4 Remote Play Requirements

To use the PS4 Remote Play feature, you need:

  • A PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro console.A compatible mobile device.The free PS4 Remote Play app.A wireless Dualshock 4 controller.At least 5 Mbps broadband internet (Sony recommends 12 Mbps via a LAN cable for the best experience).A compatible PS4 game.

Which Mobile Devices Are Compatible with PS4 Remote Play?

If you want to stream PS4 games to your mobile device, you must have one of the following:

Your phone and PS4 have to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Remote Play doesn’t work when you’re away from home and your console.

  • An Android smartphone or tablet with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or greater. On Android 10 or higher, you can connect to a Dualshock 4 wireless controller via Bluetooth.
  • An Apple device with iOS 12.1 or greater. On iOS 12.1 or higher, you can play games using touch controls. Devices with iOS 13 or higher also get Dualshock 4 support via Bluetooth.
  • Any desktop or laptop computer with Windows 10 or 8, or macOS 10.12 or later. Mac devices with macOS Catalina 10.15 can use a Dualshock via Bluetooth.

How to Set up Your PlayStation 4 for Remote Play

The first step to use the PlayStation 4 remote play feature is to enable it in the console settings.

  • Turn on the PlayStation 4.
  • Navigate to the Settings menu.
  • Scroll down to Remote Play Connection Settings.
  • Select Enable Remote Play. Toggle the option on or off with the X button on the controller.

How to Download and Set Up the PS4 Remote Play App

Now that your Playstation is ready to stream, download the PS4 Remote Play app from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Once the app is downloaded, follow these instructions:

Turn on the PlayStation 4.

Navigate to the Settings menu.

Scroll down to Remote Play Connection Settings.

Select Enable Remote Play. Toggle the option on or off with the X button on the controller.

  • Launch the PS4 Remote Play app on your mobile device.
  • Press the blue Start button. The app will search for the PS4.
  • Sign in to your PlayStation account. If you have multiple accounts, sign in with the same account used on the console. If you use two-factor authentication, verify your account.
  • After you sign into the service, the app searches for a console on the same Wi-Fi network. This can take several minutes.
  • At this time, the PlayStation must be turned on, and you must be signed in to your user profile.
  • Alternatively, register the PS4 by entering a code manually. To find this code on the PlayStation, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device.
  • After the console is registered, stream your favorite games using the onscreen controls on your device.

Troubleshooting Problems

If you can’t properly connect to your PlayStation 4 from your mobile device, here are a few things you can try:

Launch the PS4 Remote Play app on your mobile device.

Press the blue Start button. The app will search for the PS4.

Sign in to your PlayStation account. If you have multiple accounts, sign in with the same account used on the console. If you use two-factor authentication, verify your account.

After you sign into the service, the app searches for a console on the same Wi-Fi network. This can take several minutes.

At this time, the PlayStation must be turned on, and you must be signed in to your user profile.

Alternatively, register the PS4 by entering a code manually. To find this code on the PlayStation, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device.

After the console is registered, stream your favorite games using the onscreen controls on your device.

  • Network Connection: If your PlayStation has trouble communicating with your smartphone or tablet, make sure both devices have a strong connection and are on the same network.PlayStation Settings: Check the PlayStation settings, and ensure the Remote Play function is enabled.PlayStation Account: Be sure you’re signed in to the same Sony PlayStation account on both the console and mobile device.Restart: If all else fails, restart the mobile device and the console. Then, see if the issue clears up.

PS4 Remote Play Android Hack

A modification of the original PS4 Remote Play app from Sony is available on the internet. It claims to provide functionality for all Android smartphones. It’s not recommended that you download unofficial apps from outside the Google Play Store to avoid the possibility of malevolent malware.

Our team tested the PS4 Remote Play hack. We were unable to get the modified software running as Sony has released an update, crippling its functionality for the time being.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day