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PS5 Tips and Tricks That Make Your Console Better
PS5 tips and tricks can fix many of the small problems gamers deal with every week, including slow downloads, messy storage, missed screenshots, weak settings, and a console that sounds louder than expected.
The PS5 already does a lot out of the box. These practical settings and features can make the console cleaner and easier to use without requiring you to search through every menu.
🎮 Set Up These PS5 Features First
Start with the features that save time and make the console easier to manage.
| Feature | What It Helps With |
|---|---|
| Game presets | Sets your preferred difficulty, subtitles, and performance mode when supported |
| Auto-downloads | Keeps updates ready before your next session |
| Remote downloads | Lets you start downloads from the PlayStation App |
| Cloud saves | Helps protect saved data with PlayStation Plus |
| Game lists | Keeps your library easier to sort |
Game presets are one of the easiest features to set up. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets.
You can choose Performance Mode for smoother motion or Resolution Mode for sharper visuals in games that support those options. Sony notes that these presets only apply to games with matching settings.
🖥️ Check Your Display Settings
A good TV or monitor can make a major difference when the console is configured correctly.
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and check:
- 🖼️ Resolution
- 🌈 HDR
- ⚡ 120Hz output
- 🎮 VRR, if your display supports it
- 🔌 HDMI cable quality
Sony says the console supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz video output with a compatible TV or monitor. Use the HDMI cable included with the console or another strong HDMI 2.1 cable.
If your display supports 1440p, you can test its 60Hz, 120Hz, HDR, and VRR output through the video settings. This is useful for gamers who use a desk monitor instead of a living room TV.
📲 Use Remote Play Away From the TV
Remote Play lets you continue gaming from another room or when someone else is using the TV.
Sony says PS Remote Play can stream PS4 and PS5 games to compatible iOS, Android, PC, and Mac devices. Depending on the device and game, you can use a DualSense or DualShock 4 controller.
To get started:
- 📱 Install the PS Remote Play app
- 🔐 Sign in with the same PlayStation account
- ⚙️ Turn on Remote Play in the console settings
- 🌐 Use a strong Wi-Fi connection
- 🎮 Pair your controller before starting
Keep your console wired to the router when possible. Remote Play depends heavily on your home network, not only your internet speed.
📸 Capture Screenshots and Gameplay
Instead of pressing the PS button, use the Create button on the DualSense controller to capture gameplay.
Sony’s support page says pressing the Create button opens the Create menu. From there, you can:
- 📷 Take a screenshot
- 🎥 Start a new recording
- 🕹️ Save recent gameplay
- 📤 Share clips or images
Your saved captures appear in the Media Gallery. You can also upload captures to the PlayStation App for easier sharing.
☁️ Protect Saves and Manage Storage
Large games can fill the PS5’s storage quickly. Before deleting anything, check which files you can move or back up.
PlayStation Plus cloud storage lets subscribers copy and download saved data on PS5 consoles. This can protect your progress if you switch consoles, delete a game, or need to clear space.
Use this simple storage routine:
- 🧹 Delete games you are not playing
- 💾 Move PS4 games to USB extended storage
- ☁️ Back up saves with PlayStation Plus
- 📦 Add an internal M.2 SSD if you need more room
- 🧾 Check file sizes before downloading large games
Do not delete save data unless you are sure it has been backed up.
🌬️ Keep the PS5 Clean and Cool
A loud fan does not always mean something is wrong. Sony says fan noise can be normal while the system cools itself, but dust and poor airflow can make the problem worse over time.
Follow these habits:
- 🌬️ Keep the vents open
- 🧱 Leave space around the console
- 🧼 Remove dust from the vents
- 🚫 Do not cover the console with cloth
- 🔌 Turn it off and unplug it before cleaning
Sony’s safety guide says not to block the vents and recommends keeping the console at least 10 cm away from a wall surface for proper airflow.
🗣️ Prepare Your Online Audio Settings
Set up your audio and privacy options before starting an online multiplayer session.
Check these settings:
- 🎧 Set your headset as the main audio device
- 🎙️ Test your microphone level
- 🔕 Use the mute button when needed
- 🧑🤝🧑 Set up party chat before launching a game
- 🌐 Keep your profile privacy settings updated
You can adjust audio through Settings > Sound or use the Control Center for faster changes during a session. The console settings also let you change the microphone input, microphone level, headset volume, and controller speaker volume.
The best PS5 upgrades are often the simplest. Set up your display, clean up storage, learn the Create button, and turn on the features that save time.
What PS5 setting or feature do you use the most?
