You can play games running on your PS5 on a Windows PC, Mac, supported Android device, iPhone, or iPad with Sony’s free PS Remote Play app. Enable Remote Play on the console, sign in to the app with the same PlayStation account, and connect a controller or use the mobile app’s touch controls. Your PS5 must be online and either on or in rest mode; Remote Play streams that console’s session rather than launching games from a separate cloud service.
What PS Remote Play does—and what you need
PS Remote Play sends the PS5’s game picture and sound over a network to another device, then relays your inputs back to the console. The PS5 remains the source of the game: it needs to be powered on or able to wake from rest mode, connected to the internet, and signed in to the account you use in the app. Sony describes the feature as controlling a PS5 or PS4 from a PC or Mac connected to a high-speed network.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The basic setup is the same across devices: turn on Remote Play in PS5 settings, install the official PS Remote Play app on the screen you want to use, sign in to the same PlayStation account, and choose your console. On a computer, Sony specifies a USB-connected controller. On mobile, you can use on-screen controls or pair a compatible controller.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- A PS5 with Remote Play enabled and an internet connection.
- A supported PC, Mac, phone, or tablet with the PS Remote Play app installed.
- The same PlayStation account on the console and in the app.
- A stable network connection. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download; it recommends at least 15 Mbps in both directions for better performance.
Remote Play does not make every game or console feature available on another screen. Games that require PS VR, PS VR2, or other additional peripherals are not compatible, and some controller features and console activities are restricted. Performance also varies with the game and the quality of the network.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Remote Play is a way to access your own console, not a replacement for owning or accessing the PS5 that runs the game. The app itself does not turn your phone or computer into a separate game server. You do not need to buy a separate streaming service to follow the setup steps below, although the game still has to be available to play on your PS5. Sony says games being streamed through PS Plus Premium are not compatible with Remote Play.
Choose a receiving device and controller
Use a computer if you want a larger display and can connect a controller by USB. Choose a phone or tablet for portability, touch controls, or a compatible paired controller. The network route matters too: wired Ethernet is an option for a computer, while a phone may use Wi-Fi or mobile data. These are different ways to reach the same PS5, not separate game-streaming services.
| Setup | Controls | Network considerations | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC or Mac | DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DUALSHOCK 4 connected by USB, as listed by Sony | Wi-Fi or, where available, wired Ethernet | A desk or larger screen, especially if you already have a compatible controller and USB cable |
| Android phone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad | App touch controls or a compatible paired controller; compatibility depends on device and operating-system version | Wi-Fi, or mobile data where enabled and supported by the carrier and network | Portable play or a setup where touch controls are useful |
For a PC or Mac setup, the controller connection is straightforward but requires a USB cable. For mobile, touchscreen controls mean you can try Remote Play without pairing a controller, but a compatible controller may be more comfortable for games designed around physical buttons. If you already own a supported controller, check that it works with your particular phone or tablet before buying anything. A phone-mounted accessory such as Backbone One – PlayStation Edition is another possible mobile form factor; Sony links to its setup instructions, but check compatibility with your exact phone model and connector.
These options have different practical tradeoffs. A computer can be convenient at a desk, especially if you can wire it to the router and use a larger display. A phone or tablet is easier to carry to another room or location, but a mobile-data session may consume a substantial amount of data. Touch controls are built into the app; an external controller adds a separate pairing or cable step and may not expose every feature available when playing directly on the console.
Mobile controller support is not identical across devices or controller models. Sony lists DualSense support for Android phones and tablets running Android 12 or later, Android TV OS 12 or later, iPhone and iPad on iOS 14.5 or later, Mac 11.3 or later over Bluetooth, and Windows PC over USB. DualSense Edge and DUALSHOCK 4 have different device and minimum-version lists, so check the current compatibility information for your exact controller and operating system before relying on a particular pairing method.
PC and Mac requirements
The following are Sony’s published requirements for its PC/Mac Remote Play app, as listed on the official support page accessed October 13, 2026. Sony may revise them; check its current support guidance if your operating system is newer than the versions listed or you are unsure about compatibility.
Rank #2
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
| Requirement | Windows PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 | macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or Tahoe |
| Processor | 7th-generation Intel Core processor or later | Not stated on Sony’s listed PC/Mac requirements page |
| Storage | At least 100 MB | At least 40 MB |
| Memory | At least 2 GB RAM | At least 2 GB RAM |
| Display | 1024 × 768 or higher | Not stated on Sony’s listed PC/Mac requirements page |
| Other | Sound card and USB port | Not stated on Sony’s listed PC/Mac requirements page |
Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers for PC and Mac Remote Play and specifies a USB cable connection. A microphone is needed if you want to use voice chat. A controller is not listed as an optional Bluetooth setup on this computer guide, so use the USB connection Sony specifies for this route.
The listed storage and memory figures are minimum app requirements, not a promise that every computer with those specifications will deliver an ideal stream. The network connection and the game also affect how Remote Play performs. Sony does not list a Mac processor or display-resolution requirement on the cited requirements page, so do not infer a specific minimum from the Windows column.
Set up Remote Play on a Windows PC or Mac
- Install the app. Download and install the PS Remote Play app from Sony on the computer you will use.
- Enable Remote Play on the PS5. On the console, open Settings > System > Remote Play, then turn on Enable Remote Play.
- Allow network wake-up if you want to connect from rest mode. Open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network. Without these settings, do not expect the app to wake the console for a remote session.
- Connect the controller to the computer. Attach a supported controller with a USB cable. Connect a microphone as well if you need voice chat.
- Sign in and connect. Open PS Remote Play, sign in with the PlayStation account used on the PS5, and select PS5. The console must be online and either on or in rest mode.
- Adjust the stream if needed. Choose available video-quality settings, such as resolution and frame rate, in the app. A higher setting is not automatically better if the network cannot sustain it; lower settings can be a sensible first test when the picture stutters.
If you plan to play away from home, finish setup and test a session while the computer is near the PS5 first. This checks that the app, account, controller, and console are communicating before you depend on a different network. If it has been a while since the computer last signed in, a local test is especially useful.
If the app does not find the PS5
First, put the computer and console on the same network and try automatic discovery again. If that fails, use the console’s pairing code:
- On the PS5, open Settings > System > Remote Play > Pair Device.
- Enter the number displayed on the console into the PS Remote Play app on the computer.
Sony advises testing the connection near the console before depending on Remote Play from another location, particularly if the computer has not connected to that PS5 recently.
Set up Remote Play on a phone or tablet
- Prepare the console. Update the PS5, make sure it is online, and enable Remote Play at Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play.
- Install the mobile app. Get PS Remote Play from your device’s app store on a supported Android phone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad.
- Sign in. Open the app and use the same PlayStation account that is signed in on the PS5.
- Connect. Choose PS5 and allow the app to find the console. The PS5 needs to be on or in rest mode. If it should wake from rest mode, enable the two network and rest-mode options described above.
- Choose how to control the game. Tap the mobile screen to display the app’s controller buttons and control panel, or connect a compatible controller. The available controller features depend on the mobile device, operating system, and controller.
Test the mobile connection at home before trying it elsewhere. A successful local connection confirms that Remote Play is enabled and the app can reach the console, though it does not guarantee the same performance on another network.
Rank #3
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi
When the phone or tablet is connected to Wi-Fi, Remote Play continues to use Wi-Fi. To try a mobile-data connection, sign in to the app, open Settings > Mobile Data > Use Mobile Data, and confirm the setting. Whether this works depends on your carrier and network conditions. Sony warns that Remote Play can use substantially more mobile data than many video-streaming services, so check your plan and data cap before playing away from Wi-Fi.
Mobile data is most useful when Wi-Fi is unavailable, but it is not automatically the better route. A strong Wi-Fi connection may be more practical for longer sessions, while cellular coverage and carrier network conditions can change from place to place. If you try mobile data, keep an eye on your usage and stop or switch back to Wi-Fi if it is approaching your plan’s limit.
Network speed, stability, and latency
Sony PlayStation support gives a baseline recommendation of at least 5 Mbps upload and download speed, and recommends at least 15 Mbps in both directions for best performance. These are connection recommendations, not a promise of smooth play: speed alone does not eliminate interference, latency, congestion, or other network problems. Sony also notes that performance varies with the specific game and the quality of the network environment.
Recommended Free Tools
Upload and download both matter because Remote Play sends the PS5’s audiovisual stream to the receiving device while relaying your control inputs back to the console. A speed test that looks good in only one direction may not tell the whole story. Likewise, a connection that reaches the recommended speed can still be inconsistent if other devices are using bandwidth or the wireless signal is weak.
The console and receiving device both need a working connection. If either is on weak or congested Wi-Fi, the stream may become choppy, blurry, delayed, or disconnect. A computer connected by Ethernet can avoid Wi-Fi interference on that end, but the PS5’s own connection and the rest of the network still matter. For a wireless device, Sony recommends trying 5 GHz Wi-Fi and reducing competing traffic.
Remote Play uses UDP port 8572. Sony says NAT Type 3 may prevent a connection. If a NAT issue is suspected, check the console’s network status and ask your internet provider, router maker, or mobile carrier for help rather than changing router settings blindly. The port detail can help explain a network restriction to a provider, but it is not a reason to make speculative router changes.
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*.
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online with the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button.
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games.
Troubleshoot a failed or unstable session
Work through these checks in order. After each change, try connecting again so you can identify what resolved the issue.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Confirm the console is reachable. Make sure the PS5 is online and Remote Play is enabled. If it is in rest mode, verify Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network are enabled under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Check the account. The app and PS5 must use the same PlayStation account. Sign out and back in if the app is using another account.
- Update both ends. Check for updates to the PS5 system software and the Remote Play app, then try again.
- Test locally. Connect while the receiving device is near the console and on the same network. If that works but a connection from elsewhere does not, focus on the outside network, NAT, or mobile-data conditions.
- Reduce congestion. Pause downloads and reduce other traffic on the network. If picture quality is poor or play is unstable, lower the app’s available resolution or frame-rate setting as a test.
- Improve the connection route. Try 5 GHz Wi-Fi where available. On PC or Mac, use wired Ethernet if possible; on mobile, move closer to the access point or test on another reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Check computer security software. Sony suggests checking whether antivirus software is blocking the Remote Play app.
- Investigate network restrictions. Check the PS5’s NAT status. Because NAT Type 3 may block Remote Play and the app uses UDP port 8572, ask your ISP, router maker, or carrier for guidance if the problem appears network-related.
If the app cannot find the console, prioritize discovery basics: confirm both devices are on the same network, verify the console is on or configured to wake from rest mode, and confirm the account. Use Pair Device on the PS5 if automatic discovery still fails. If discovery works locally but not from another location, the console setup is less likely to be the issue; look at the remote network, carrier, or NAT conditions instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Games and activities that may not work
Remote Play is not a complete copy of using the PS5 directly on a television. Sony excludes games that require PS VR or PS VR2 and games that require additional peripherals. Some controller functions may also be unavailable during a remote session.
Sony also identifies activities that cannot be used at the same time as Remote Play, including Share Play, PS Plus Premium game streaming, Blu-ray and DVD playback, PS VR modes, and some music and video services. Some images may not display. If a game or feature refuses to work, the limitation may be part of Remote Play rather than a fault in the phone, computer, or controller.
Do not assume that a controller’s every feature will behave the same way remotely as it does when connected directly to the PS5. The available functions can depend on the target device, operating-system version, and controller. If a particular control or media feature matters to your setup, check Sony’s current compatibility and limitation information for that device before planning around it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can I play my PS5 away from home?
Yes, provided the PS5 is online, Remote Play is enabled, the receiving device has a suitable internet connection, and the app is signed in to the same account. If you want to start while the console is in rest mode, enable its network wake-up settings before leaving home. Sony recommends testing the setup locally first. Away-from-home performance depends on both the connection at the console and the connection at the receiving device; mobile data also depends on carrier support and can consume a substantial amount of data.
Best Value
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Frequently asked questions
Is PS Remote Play cloud gaming?
No. Remote Play streams a session from your PS5, which remains the console running the game. It is different from a cloud-game service that runs a game remotely without using your own console as the source.
Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use Remote Play?
The setup steps do not require buying a separate subscription for Remote Play itself. However, Sony says games being streamed through PS Plus Premium game streaming are not compatible with Remote Play. The game must be playable on the PS5 for this console-to-device session.
Can I wake my PS5 remotely from rest mode?
Yes, if the console is configured first. Under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode, enable both Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhat internet speed do I need?
Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download as a baseline, and at least 15 Mbps in both directions for best performance. Those figures are recommendations, not guarantees; congestion, wireless interference, latency, and the game can still affect play.
Can I use my phone’s mobile data?
Yes, if the feature is enabled in the app and your carrier and network conditions support the connection. In the app, open Settings > Mobile Data > Use Mobile Data. Sony cautions that Remote Play can use substantially more data than many video-streaming services, so check your plan’s allowance.
Can I use touch controls or do I need a controller?
The mobile app displays touch controls when you tap the screen, and you can also connect a compatible controller. On PC and Mac, Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 with a USB cable connection.
Why won’t the app connect to my PS5?
Check that Remote Play is enabled, the console is online, and the app and console use the same PlayStation account. Try connecting on the same network, update the app and console, and use the pairing code if discovery fails. If the issue appears network-related, Sony says NAT Type 3 may prevent Remote Play and the app uses UDP port 8572; contact your ISP, router maker, or carrier for help.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCan I play every PS5 game through Remote Play?
No. Games that require PS VR, PS VR2, or additional peripherals are excluded, and certain console activities and controller features are restricted. Sony also says game performance varies with the specific game and network conditions.
The Bottom Line
To stream your PS5 to a PC, Mac, phone, or tablet, enable Remote Play on the console, install Sony’s app, and sign in with the same PlayStation account. Configure rest-mode wake-up if you want to connect while away, then test locally. For a more reliable session, aim for Sony’s recommended 15 Mbps upload and download, reduce competing traffic, and use wired Ethernet on a computer when possible. Check device and controller compatibility, and remember that mobile data can use a substantial amount of your allowance.
Quick Recap
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.
