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To stream PS5 games to another screen, use Sony’s PS Remote Play app: enable Remote Play on the console, install the app on a supported PC, Mac, phone, or tablet, and sign in with the same PlayStation account on both ends. Your PS5 runs the game and streams its display and sound to the receiving device; Remote Play is not a separate cloud-gaming service. The console must be on or in Rest Mode and connected to the internet.
You can use Remote Play on your home network or try it from another location. The result depends on the console’s settings, the receiving device, controller support, network quality, and the game itself. A local test is the best way to confirm that everything works before you leave home.
What PS Remote Play does—and what you need
PS Remote Play lets you control your PS5 from a supported computer or mobile device over a network. The game remains installed and running on the console; the app sends your controls to the PS5 and receives its streamed picture and sound. It is therefore different from a cloud-gaming service: your console supplies the game, processing, and connection to the Remote Play app.
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- 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.
Before setting it up, make sure you have:
- A PS5 connected to the internet with Remote Play enabled.
- The official PS Remote Play app for the device you want to use.
- The same PlayStation account signed in on the console and in the app.
- A stable network connection. Sony’s standard recommendation is at least 5 Mbps upload and download; for better performance it recommends at least 15 Mbps in both directions. These are recommendations, not guarantees of a particular picture quality, response time, or smoothness.
- A compatible controller for computer play, or a compatible controller or the app’s touch controls for mobile play.
- A USB cable for the controller connection specified for PC and Mac Remote Play.
You do not need to buy a subscription simply to follow the Remote Play setup described here. However, games that must be streamed through PS Plus Premium game streaming are among the activities Sony says cannot be used through Remote Play.
PC and Mac requirements
Sony’s published requirements, checked on October 13, 2026, are listed below. Requirements and supported operating-system versions can change, so check Sony PlayStation support if you are unsure whether a particular release is currently supported.
| Receiving device | Operating system | Minimum hardware and other requirements | Supported controller connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 | 7th-generation Intel Core processor or later; 100 MB storage; 2 GB RAM; 1024 × 768 or higher display resolution; sound card; USB port | DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DUALSHOCK 4 connected by USB cable |
| Mac | macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or Tahoe | 40 MB storage; 2 GB RAM | DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DUALSHOCK 4 connected by USB cable |
The table reflects Sony’s PC/Mac support page. Sony’s broader compatibility information also lists DualSense support on Mac 11.3 or later over Bluetooth, while Windows PC support is listed over USB. Because connection methods and controller features can vary by app and operating-system version, use the USB connection specified in the PC/Mac setup instructions and verify a particular Mac/controller combination if you plan to use Bluetooth.
A microphone is needed if you want to use voice chat. Remote Play can restrict some controller features, so do not assume every feature available when using a controller directly with the PS5 will work in a streamed session. The app also provides video-quality choices such as resolution and frame rate; the best setting depends on the available connection and how stable it is.
How to stream a PS5 to a Windows PC or Mac
- Install the app. Download and install Sony’s PS Remote Play app on the computer. Use the current version for the operating system rather than an old installer saved from a previous setup.
- Enable Remote Play on the console. On the PS5, open Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play. This is the setting that allows the console to accept a Remote Play session.
- Allow network wake-up if you want to start 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. Both settings matter: leaving the console connected is not enough if network wake-up is disabled.
- Connect the controller. Plug a supported DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DUALSHOCK 4 into the computer with a USB cable. If you need voice chat, connect or enable a microphone as well.
- Sign in and connect. Open PS Remote Play, sign in with the PlayStation account used on the PS5, then select PS5. If prompted, choose a resolution and frame-rate setting appropriate for your connection. A lower setting can be a sensible test when the session is unstable.
- Pair manually if discovery fails. Put the computer and PS5 on the same network. On the console, go to Settings > System > Remote Play > Pair Device, then enter the number displayed on the PS5 in the computer app. Manual pairing is useful when automatic discovery cannot locate the console.
Test the connection near the console before depending on it from another location. Sony specifically advises a local test, particularly if the device has not connected to that PS5 for some time. During this test, confirm that the controller responds, audio works, and the game you intend to play starts normally.
How to stream a PS5 to a phone or tablet
- Prepare the PS5. Update the console, enable Remote Play in Settings > System > Remote Play, and keep the console online. It can be on or in Rest Mode.
- Install the mobile app. Get PS Remote Play from the app store on a supported Android phone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad. The exact controller and feature support depends on the device and its operating-system version.
- Sign in and find the console. Open the app, sign in with the same PlayStation account as the PS5, choose PS5, and allow the app to find it. Test this while near the console before trying from another location.
- 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. Touch controls avoid carrying a separate gamepad, while a physical controller is usually more practical for games that depend on precise sticks, triggers, or many simultaneous buttons.
For DualSense controller compatibility, Sony lists Android phones and tablets running Android 12 or later and iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or later. Sony lists different minimum-version and device combinations for DualSense Edge and DUALSHOCK 4, so do not generalize the DualSense thresholds to every controller. Check the exact phone, tablet, controller, and operating-system combination before relying on it.
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- 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.
Sony’s mobile guide also links to pairing instructions for DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 and to setup information for the Backbone One – PlayStation Edition. A phone-mounted controller accessory can be convenient, but confirm the accessory’s connector and phone-model fit before buying. It is optional; the Remote Play app’s touchscreen controls are available when supported by the device.
Choose the device and connection that fit your session
| Option | What it offers | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC or Mac | A computer display and supported controller connected by USB | Check the operating-system and hardware requirements. A wired network connection is an option on PC or Mac when Wi-Fi is unstable, and a larger screen may make menus and text easier to read. |
| Phone or tablet over Wi-Fi | Portable play using touch controls or a compatible controller | The app continues using Wi-Fi when the mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi. Wireless quality depends on the network, distance, interference, and traffic between the device and router. |
| Phone or tablet over mobile data | Remote Play without relying on a Wi-Fi connection | Availability depends on the carrier and network conditions, and data use can be much higher than many video-streaming services. Consider your data allowance before enabling it. |
On a mobile device, use mobile data by signing in to the app, opening Settings > Mobile Data > Use Mobile Data, and confirming the setting. If you leave it disabled, Remote Play uses Wi-Fi when the phone or tablet is on Wi-Fi. Mobile-data Remote Play is not automatically better or worse than Wi-Fi: it may be useful while traveling, but congestion, coverage, carrier policies, and data caps can affect the session.
There are three practical controller choices. Use an existing compatible DualSense or DUALSHOCK 4, use the touchscreen controls on a phone or tablet, or use a phone-mounted controller accessory. Compare the device and operating-system compatibility, whether the controller must be connected by USB or can pair wirelessly, and whether you already own the hardware. Sony’s compatibility lists are device-specific, so confirm the combination rather than assuming that a controller supported on one platform is supported identically on another.
Can you play away from home?
Yes, Remote Play can connect when the receiving device and PS5 are on different networks, provided the console is online, the account and setup are correct, and the networks allow the connection. A successful session at home is a useful first check, but it does not guarantee that a different Wi-Fi network, mobile carrier, router, or internet connection will work as well.
For a computer, Sony recommends using wired Ethernet when possible if connection quality is poor. For Wi-Fi, try a 5 GHz network and reduce competing network traffic. A 5 GHz connection can reduce congestion in some homes, but it still depends on router placement and signal strength. Pause large downloads and other high-bandwidth activity on the network before judging Remote Play performance.
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Sony’s support guidance uses UDP port 8572 for Remote Play and warns that NAT Type 3 may prevent a connection. NAT behavior is controlled by the network and router, so avoid changing settings at random. If a remote connection fails because of network configuration, Sony suggests contacting your internet provider, router maker, or carrier for help.
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Fix connection problems in a useful order
- Confirm the console is ready. Check that Remote Play is enabled and the PS5 is online. If you expect to connect while it is in Rest Mode, verify that both Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network are on.
- Check the account. Make sure the app and PS5 are using the same PlayStation account. A different account can prevent the app from finding or controlling the intended console.
- Update the software. Check for updates to the PS5 and the Remote Play app. Also confirm that the receiving device is running an operating-system version supported by Sony.
- Test nearby. Try connecting on the same local network, close to the console. If automatic discovery does not work on PC or Mac, use Settings > System > Remote Play > Pair Device and enter the displayed number in the app.
- Reduce network competition. Pause downloads and reduce other activity using the connection. Check that both the console and receiving device have a working network connection instead of testing only one end.
- Improve the link. Try 5 GHz Wi-Fi; on PC or Mac, try wired Ethernet where possible. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download as a baseline and at least 15 Mbps in both directions for better performance. The upload speed at the console’s location matters as well as the download speed at the receiving device.
- Check possible blocks. On a computer, check whether antivirus software is blocking the app. If the issue occurs on a remote network, ask the network provider or router maker about NAT settings; Sony identifies NAT Type 3 as a possible cause of failure and UDP port 8572 as the port Remote Play uses.
If the app connects but play is unstable, treat the problem as a network-quality issue as well as a setup issue. Stuttering, delayed controls, image degradation, or disconnects can come from the PS5’s connection, the receiving device’s connection, Wi-Fi interference, competing traffic, or the route between networks. Meeting a speed recommendation alone does not ensure a stable result.
Sony describes game performance as dependent on the specific game and the quality of connectivity in the network environment. A fast connection can still perform poorly if it has inconsistent latency or packet loss, while a lower-resolution setting may make a marginal connection more usable. Test the same game and location you plan to use rather than relying only on a generic speed test.
Games and activities that may not work
Remote Play does not reproduce every PS5 function. Sony excludes games that require PS VR or PS VR2 and games that need additional peripherals. Its support pages also list restrictions involving Share Play, PS Plus Premium game streaming, Blu-ray and DVD playback, PS VR modes, music, and video services.
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Practical checks before leaving home
Run through a short checklist before relying on Remote Play during travel. Start a local session and verify that the PS5 appears in the app. Put the console in Rest Mode, then confirm that the app can wake it; this tests both network-wake settings rather than only normal discovery. Check that the controller is charged or that the USB cable works, and confirm that the receiving device has enough battery for the planned session.
If you plan to use mobile data, enable Settings > Mobile Data > Use Mobile Data and test the app while disconnected from Wi-Fi. Watch your carrier’s data allowance because Sony cautions that Remote Play can use much more data than many video-streaming services. If you plan to use a different Wi-Fi network, test from a similar network when possible and be prepared for its NAT or firewall policies to differ from those at home.
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- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need PS Plus to use PS Remote Play?
The setup itself does not require buying a subscription. However, Sony says games that must be streamed through PS Plus Premium game streaming are not compatible with Remote Play, so Remote Play does not turn a Premium-only cloud game into a console-streamed game.
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The console must be on or in Rest Mode for Remote Play. To wake it from Rest Mode, enable Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
Can I play my PS5 on a phone without a controller?
On supported mobile devices, the app provides touchscreen controller buttons and a control panel. A compatible DualSense, DUALSHOCK 4, or phone-mounted controller can be used instead, subject to the device and operating-system compatibility requirements.
What internet speed does Remote Play need?
Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download as a standard baseline and at least 15 Mbps in both directions for better performance. These figures are recommendations, not a guarantee of smooth play. Latency, congestion, Wi-Fi quality, and the game also affect the result.
Why can’t the app find my PS5?
Confirm Remote Play is enabled, both devices use the same PlayStation account, the PS5 is online, and the app and console are updated. Test on the same local network. On PC or Mac, use Settings > System > Remote Play > Pair Device and enter the number shown on the console if automatic discovery fails.
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Can I use mobile data for PS Remote Play?
Yes, if the carrier and network support it. In the mobile app, open Settings > Mobile Data > Use Mobile Data and confirm. Sony warns that Remote Play may use substantially more data than many video-streaming services, so check your allowance.
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- 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
Why does Remote Play lag even though my speed test is fast?
Speed is only one factor. Wi-Fi interference, competing traffic, inconsistent latency, packet loss, the internet route, and the game can all affect control response and image quality. Try 5 GHz Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet on a PC or Mac, fewer simultaneous downloads, and a local test near the console.
Does Remote Play support VR games and every PS5 activity?
No. Sony excludes games requiring PS VR or PS VR2 and games needing additional peripherals. Restrictions also apply to activities such as Share Play, PS Plus Premium game streaming, Blu-ray or DVD playback, PS VR modes, music, and video services. Some images and controller features may also be unavailable.
What does NAT Type 3 mean for Remote Play?
Sony warns that NAT Type 3 may prevent a connection and identifies UDP port 8572 for Remote Play. If NAT is causing a failure, ask your internet provider, router manufacturer, or carrier for configuration help instead of changing router settings by guesswork.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stream PS5 games to a PC, phone, or tablet?
Enable Remote Play on the PS5, install Sony’s PS Remote Play app on the receiving device, sign in with the same PlayStation account, and select the PS5. Use a compatible controller on PC or Mac; on mobile, use a compatible controller or the app’s touchscreen controls.
Can I Remote Play my PS5 away from home?
Yes, if the PS5 is online and both networks allow the connection. Test locally first, enable Rest Mode network wake-up if needed, and expect performance to vary by the remote network, carrier, NAT type, and game.
The Bottom Line
PS Remote Play is Sony’s official way to stream games from your PS5 to a Windows PC, Mac, phone, or tablet. Enable the console settings, use the same account in the app, choose a compatible controller or mobile touch controls, and test locally before playing away from home. Keep the 5 Mbps baseline and 15 Mbps preferred recommendation in perspective: network stability, latency, game compatibility, and device support matter just as much as headline speed.
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