You can use the PlayStation App to tell a paired PS5 to download a game while you’re away from the console. The game downloads and installs on the PS5—not on your phone. Pair the app with the same PlayStation account as your console, enable the PS5’s internet connection in Rest Mode, then choose the game in your library and tap Download to Console.
What you need before you start
- A PS5 connected to the internet and signed in to the PlayStation account you use in the app.
- The PlayStation App installed on your phone. Sony’s current US app page lists iOS 14.0 or later and Android 8.0 or later; check the PlayStation App page for current compatibility details.
- The game must be available to your account, and the PS5 needs enough free storage to install it.
- The PS5 must be configured to stay connected to the internet in Rest Mode. Sony says the paired console must also be in Rest Mode for an app-initiated remote download.
Pair the PlayStation App with your PS5
- Install the PlayStation App from the iOS App Store or Google Play, then sign in with the same PlayStation account used on your PS5.
- In the app, open Settings > Pair Console to App.
- Follow the prompts and select the PS5 signed in to that account.
Pairing lets you start game downloads from your phone and manage PS5 storage. Sony’s PlayStation App support page explains the app’s console features.
Set up the PS5 to receive downloads in Rest Mode
- On the PS5, open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Turn on Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Put the PS5 into Rest Mode when you want to request a download remotely.
Sony’s requirement is explicit: “To start a remote download from PlayStation App, your paired PS5 console or PS4 console must have Stay Connected to the Internet switched on and be in rest mode.” If the console is fully turned off, or it cannot maintain its internet connection in Rest Mode, the app request may not start as expected.
Start a game download from the app
- Open the PlayStation App and select Game Library at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Purchased.
- Select the game you want.
- Tap Download to Console.
The app sends the request; the PS5 downloads and installs the game. Sony says the app can notify you when the download is complete. For a game add-on, open the game in the app, go to its Add-Ons section, and choose Download to Console. Sony’s game and add-on download guide covers download behavior.
#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.
Download a PlayStation Plus game
If you want to download a monthly PlayStation Plus game, you can start its download remotely through the app when it is available to your account. The game’s current availability and the PlayStation Plus entitlement required for it still apply; catalog availability can change. See Sony’s guide to accessing PlayStation Plus games for membership details.
Choose a download location and manage storage
The app’s PS5 Storage view can show storage on the console and connected USB storage, and it lets you delete games to free space. Sony says moving and copying games are not supported in the app. If an M.2 SSD is installed and set as the default location for games and apps, the app may offer that SSD as the download location.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Troubleshoot a remote download that does not start
Check the account and pairing
- Confirm that the app and PS5 are signed in to the same PlayStation account.
- Open Settings > Pair Console to App in the app and make sure the intended PS5 is paired.
Check Rest Mode connectivity
- Make sure Stay Connected to the Internet is enabled in the PS5’s Rest Mode settings.
- Put the PS5 in Rest Mode rather than turning it off completely. The console must be in Rest Mode and online for an app-initiated request.
Check when the download is scheduled to begin
If automatic downloads are not set up, Sony’s download guide says content begins downloading when the console is next turned on. So an app request may not begin immediately if the PS5 is not set up to download automatically; check the console after turning it on.
Check access to the game
Make sure the selected game is available to the account. For a PlayStation Plus game, confirm that the relevant membership entitlement applies and that the game is still available.
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- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
Check free storage
Review the PS5 Storage view in the app. If space is insufficient, delete an unwanted game there or free space on the console before trying again.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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 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.
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.
