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Can You Use a PS5 Pro Without an Internet Connection?

PS5 Pro offline play works for compatible installed content when console sharing and offline play is set up. Learn what still needs internet.

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Yes. You can use a PS5 Pro offline to play compatible games and use media that are already installed and licensed, if the console’s offline-play settings allow access. But purchases, downloads, online multiplayer, cloud streaming, system updates, and the first pairing of the optional disc drive require an internet connection.

What you can do offline

Sony’s Console Sharing and Offline Play setting lets users of the activated PS5 play purchased and downloaded games and media while the console is offline. Sony says it is enabled automatically on the first PS5 console you sign in to, and it can be active on only one PS5 at a time.

Offline access applies to content already obtained; it does not guarantee that every game will work fully without a network. A particular game may require a connection for authentication or for some of its features. Sony’s general guidance does not promise offline support for every individual title.

Digital games: download and license them first

You need an internet connection and a PlayStation account to buy and download digital games. Once a game is downloaded and your account has access to it, Console Sharing and Offline Play is the relevant setting for playing it offline. If another person using the same PS5 needs access to your purchases, enabling that setting on the console allows sharing under Sony’s stated conditions. See Sony’s Console Sharing and Offline Play instructions for account and activation details.

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#1 Best Overall
PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White (Renewed)
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.

Disc games and movies: the drive must be set up online

The PS5 Pro is sold without a built-in disc drive. For physical games or disc media, you need Sony’s separately sold compatible Disc Drive, model CFI-ZDD1. Sony lists support for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD discs on its Disc Drive product page.

The drive must be paired with the PS5 Pro over the internet during setup; you cannot newly pair it offline. After pairing the drive and installing a disc game, Sony’s disc-drive support instructions explain how to use disc games on a PS5 with a drive installed. A disc does not remove a game’s own online or authentication requirements.

Rank #2
PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What still needs an internet connection

  • Buying and downloading: Digital purchases and downloads require an internet connection.
  • System software updates: Sony says an internet connection is required to download a PS5 system software update. Its PS5 Pro setup announcement notes that a system software update may be required.
  • Online multiplayer: It requires internet, and Sony’s PS5 Pro product information says paid PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer in most games.
  • Cloud streaming: This is an online feature, not a way to play without a connection. Sony lists a minimum connection of 5 Mbps, or 15 Mbps for 1080p, on its PlayStation Plus cloud-streaming support page.

PlayStation Plus benefits that can be shared on the activated PS5 may still depend on an active subscription and on whether a particular game or catalog item is available. Offline access to installed content should not be confused with access to every online service or subscription feature.

Check these conditions before going offline

  1. While online, sign in to the PlayStation account that owns or can access the content.
  2. Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on this PS5 if it is the console that should have offline access.
  3. Download and install the games and media you plan to use. For a disc game, install the compatible drive and pair it online before disconnecting.
  4. Check whether the specific game depends on online authentication or network features; offline support is not universal.

Sony’s product and support pages document the update and disc-drive pairing requirements, but do not establish that every new PS5 Pro can complete initial setup without internet under every software version. If you are setting up a console from scratch, plan for an internet connection rather than assuming first boot will work offline.

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