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How to Set Up a PlayStation 5 for the First Time

Follow these first-time PS5 setup steps, from attaching the right stand or feet to pairing your controller, updating the console and moving eligible data.

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To set up a PS5, attach the correct stand or feet for your model, connect the console to a display and power, pair the DualSense controller, then follow the on-screen prompts to connect to the internet, update the system software and sign in. You can transfer eligible games and data afterward; family controls and console sharing are optional settings for the situations where they apply.

Before connecting the console, check its model

Find the model number on the console and use Sony’s instructions for that model to attach its stand or feet. The attachment method is not identical across every PS5. For example, Sony’s instructions for the CFI-2000 model group say to place the console on a soft cloth over a flat surface and insert the horizontal feet into the grooves. Attach the correct stand or feet before using the console. See Sony’s PS5 setup instructions for model-specific guidance.

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Connect the PS5 to your display and power

  1. Connect an HDMI cable from the console’s HDMI OUT port to an HDMI input on your TV or monitor.
  2. Connect the AC power cable to the console’s AC IN port and then to a power outlet.
  3. Turn on the display and select the HDMI input connected to the PS5.

Check your console’s package for the included cables and accessories; package contents can vary by model and market.

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Pair the DualSense controller

Turn on the console, connect the DualSense controller to it with a USB cable, and press the PS button. Once the controller has enough charge, you can disconnect the cable and use it wirelessly. Sony’s DualSense controller instructions cover first-time pairing.

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Complete the first-boot prompts

Follow the on-screen instructions. Sony’s quick-start guide lists language, internet connection, display settings, Rest Mode power options and acceptance of the user agreement among the setup prompts. The exact sequence may differ depending on your account and network situation, and menu labels can vary with software updates or your selected language. You can revisit settings from the PS5 home screen. Sony’s guide says setup is complete when “Welcome to PlayStation 5” appears on screen; see the PS5 quick-start guide.

Connect to the internet

On the console, open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, choose your network and enter its security information if prompted. You can use Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection, depending on your router access and cable placement; Sony provides guidance for setting up an internet connection. The PS5 supports IPv6 connections but does not support IPv6-only networks.

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Check for system software updates

Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. If a newer version is available, the console displays “Update Available.” Follow the console’s prompt to update. If an update cannot be downloaded normally, Sony provides manual system software update instructions.

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Sign in to PlayStation Network

Sign in with your existing PlayStation account if you want access to its associated purchases and account information, or create a new account if you do not have one. Sony says you can also use the PlayStation App to sign in if it is already installed and set up. A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required just to complete the console’s initial setup.

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Choose how to move games and data

If you have another console or saved content to move, Sony lists three possible routes: console data transfer, extended storage and PlayStation Plus cloud storage. Which route is suitable depends on the source console, the content and what storage or subscription options you have. Not every item is eligible to transfer, so check Sony’s data transfer instructions for the specific content before beginning.

Set up family controls if a child will use the console

Sony says to create a family and add the child as a family member before setting parental controls. On the console, open Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management. Available controls include playtime, age levels, communications and spending limits. See Sony’s parental controls instructions.

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Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on an additional PS5

Sony says Console Sharing and Offline Play is automatically allowed on the first PS5 used to sign in. If this is another PS5, open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play, then choose Enable or Disable as appropriate. See Sony’s Console Sharing and Offline Play instructions.

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Quick Recap

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PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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