How To Use PS4 And PS5 Without Controller? (2024)

You can play your PlayStation games elsewhere, not on your console. It’s not a widespread function. Therefore, we’re showing you how to use PS5 and PS5 without a controller.

The solution is the “Remote Play” app, alongside the “Remote Play” feature. It’s beneficial if you don’t have or like the controller. Also, it’s the answer if you don’t have a monitor, display, or TV available for the console.

In any case, “Remote Play” is free-to-use, but you must first enable some options on PS5 or the PS4. I know; it’s like needing a scissor to get a new scissor out of its plastic bag.

On this particular matter, there’s nothing we can do. However, there’s a chance your console already has these options working, so you can skip that part of the tutorial.

There’re other solutions we’re exploring as well. These are, specifically, using a keyboard and mouse on your PlayStation; or a TV media remote.

How to Use PS4 And PS5 Without Controller?

As you see, there’re three general ways to use a PlayStation console without the controller:

• The Remote Play applets you stream your console games to other displays, like smartphones and PCs. On PC, you need the DualShock 4 or the DualSense 5. On smart devices, though, the controller is optional.
• You can use a .Both consoles would instantly recognize any keyboard and mouse, and you can use them for browsing your dashboard and apps. However, they don’t work on every game.
  
• You can use a media remote or an app that emulates media remotes.These would allow you to use the console’s dashboard and your apps, like Netflix. You wouldn’t be able to play, though.
• You can use PS4 controllers with the PS5. However, the DualShock 4 would only play PS4 games on the PS5.

We’re not counting the PlayStation Now app as part of the options. This program allows you to play PS4 and PS5 games on PC, but it only works with a DualShock or a DualSense.

There’re limits to the three options, but we’re checking each one patiently.However, let’s start by…

Updating Your Console

The options we’re showcasing only work if your console is up to date. Updates happen automatically, but we advise you to check manually before going forward.

On the PS4,

1. Go toSettings.
2. SelectSystem Software Update.
3. Select the update if you see one. It will download and install in the background.

On the PS5,

1. SelectSettings.
2. Go toSystem.
3. SelectSystem Software.
4. SelectSystem Software Updateand Settings.
5. If there’s an available update, selectUpdate System Software.
6. Enable “Download Update Files Automatically” and “Install Update Files Automatically.”

What Is PlayStation Remote Play?

Remote Play is a PlayStation app for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. It streams the game installed on your PS4 or PS5 into these other devices.

On PCs, you can play with either a DualSense or a DualShock 4 controller. In this case, both controllers will play any game generation, but neither supports advanced features like Haptic Feedback.

You’ll see the gamepad on the screen on smartphones and tablets like on any other mobile game. Additionally, you can plug the PlayStation peripheral via Bluetooth.

To use the app, here’s what you need:

• An internet connection ranging from 5mBps to 15Mbps via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Setting up the feature on the console.
• Enabling network functionalities while on Rest Mode.
• Putting the console on Rest mode.
• Installing Remote Play on another device. Here’s the download link.
• Log into the app with your PSN account.
• Play!

I’m going to explain it further.

Set Up Remote Play on Your Console

First, let’s set up Remote Play and network features on your console, then put it on Rest Mode to leave it ready to go.

As I said, there’s a chance the features are already ON on your console. So, if you can’t use it currently, skip to the next step. Alternatively, you can try to use a keyboard & mouse to browse through your menu, which I’ll explain later.

On PS5

1. Go toSettings.
2. SelectSystem.
3. SelectRemote Play.
4. Turn on “Enable Remote Play.”
5. Go back toSystem.
6. SelectPower Saving.
7. SelectFeatures Available in Rest Mode.
8. Toggle on “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS5 from Network.”
9. Press thePS buttonon your controller.
10. Go to thePower options.
11. SelectEnter Rest Mode.

On PS4

1. Go toSettings.
2. SelectAccount Management.
3. SelectActivate as your Primary PS4.
4. SelectActivate.
5. Go back toSettings.
6. SelectPower Save Settings.
7. Go toSet Features Available in Rest Mode.
8. Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Turning PS4 from Network.“
9. Press the controller’s PS button.
10. Go to thePoweroptions.
11. SelectEnter Rest Mode.

Afterward, you’re ready to download and install Remote Play on another screen.

How to Set Up and Use Remote Play on Other Devices?

Despite the initial steps, using Remote Play is intuitive. Here’s how it works:

1. Download and install the app on your Android, macOS, Windows, or iOS device.You can find it on the Play Store or the App Store for smart devices. MacOS users can visit this link for download, and Windows users can visit this link instead.
   
2. Plug your PlayStation controllers into the PC via Bluetooth or USB cables. You don’t need to plug in controllers on smart devices.
3. Launch the app.
4. Log in with yourPSN credentials.
5. Select your console from the list of available consoles.
6. The app will search for your console. Once it finds it, it will take you to the same dashboard you’d see on your console.

As I said, you’d be able to play games on your smart devices without controllers. Alternatively, you can connect your controller via Bluetooth.

How to Use Keyboard & Mouse on PS4 And PS5?

Connecting a is quite easy. Either Bluetooth or wired peripherals work, but we recommend the wired options.

If this is the case, simply plugging the mouse and keyboard into the console’s USB ports is enough. You can go toSettings > Devices to check further.

Bluetooth devices vary per model, as they may have different ways to pair. Sometimes, the Bluetooth is always on, and it pairs automatically.

Other times, it has a USB adapter you have to plug into the USB. You can go toSettings > Devices (and Bluetooth devices on the PS4)to check further.

A keyboard & mouse setup allows you to move through the dashboard and app. Not every game works with a keyboard and mouse, but here’s the specific list of the games you could play like this:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Ark: Survival Evolved
• Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Cities: Skylines
• DayZ
• DC Universe Online
• Death Stranding
• Deep Rock Galactic
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Final Fantasy XIV
• Fortnite
• Ghostrunner
• Hollow Knight
• House Flipper
• Immortals: Fenyx Rising
• Minecraft
• Mount and Blade: Warband
• Neverwinter
• Overwatch
• Paladins
• Planet Coaster
• Project CARS
• Quake
• Risk of Rain 2
• Slime Rancher
• Smite
• The Spectrum Retreat
• Splitgate
• The Sims 4
• Terraria
• They Are Billions
• Untitled Goose Game
• Wick
• Wick: No Way Out
• Warframe
• War Thunder

How to Use a Media Remote with PS4 or PS5?

PlayStation sells a media remote that controls the console’s dashboard and apps. It’s like turning your console into a Roku or an AppleTV.

PlayStation sells a media remote that controls the console’s dashboard and apps. It’s like turning your console into a Roku or an AppleTV.

Like so, many “PDP” universal media or gaming remotes are compatible with the PS4 and the PS5. They won’t play games, but they will use your apps and turn your console into an entertainment center.

The installation varies per controller, but it’s enough with searching PS4 and PS5 compatible universal controllers. Generally, they connect to the gaming device automatically via Bluetooth. Altern

Lastly, there’re apps, free and otherwise, offering similar functionality for iOS and Android devices. These connect wirelessly by using the same wired network your console is using.