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PS5 Tips and Tricks That Make Your Console Better
A few PS5 settings can save you time and make the console easier to use.
🎮 Set Up the Features That Save Time
| 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 |
Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets to set your preferences. Choose Performance Mode for smoother motion or Resolution Mode for sharper visuals. Sony says presets only apply to games with matching settings.
🖥️ Check Your Display Settings
A good TV or monitor makes a bigger difference when your console is set up correctly. Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and check the following:
- 🖼️ Check the resolution.
- 🌈 Check the HDR setting.
- ⚡ Check 120Hz output.
- 🎮 Check VRR if your display supports it.
- 🔌 Check your HDMI cable quality.
Sony says PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz video output with a compatible TV or monitor. Use the cable included with the console or another good HDMI 2.1 cable.
For a 1440p display, the video settings let you test 60Hz, 120Hz, HDR, and VRR output. The test is useful if you game at a desk monitor rather than a living room TV.
📲 Use Remote Play When the TV Is Busy
Remote Play lets you keep gaming from another room or while someone else uses the TV. Sony says it can stream PS4 and PS5 games to compatible iOS, Android, PC, and Mac devices. You can use a DualSense or DualShock 4 controller when the device and game support it.
- 📱 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.
Wire the console to your router when possible. Remote Play relies heavily on your home network, not just your internet speed.
📸 Save Screenshots and Gameplay
Press the Create button on the DualSense, rather than the PS button, to open the Create menu. Sony’s support page says the menu lets you:
- 📷 Take a screenshot.
- 🎥 Start a new recording.
- 🕹️ Save recent gameplay.
- 📤 Share clips or images.
Saved captures appear in the Media Gallery. You can also upload them to the PlayStation App for easier sharing.
☁️ Protect Your Saves and Clear Storage
Large games fill storage quickly. Check what you can move or back up before deleting anything:
- 🧹 Delete games you are not playing.
- 💾 Move PS4 games to USB extended storage.
- ☁️ Use PlayStation Plus cloud storage to copy and download saved data on PS5 consoles. Backups can protect your progress when you switch consoles, delete a game, or clear space.
- 📦 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 as the console cools itself, though dust and poor airflow can make it worse over time.
- 🌬️ Keep the vents open.
- 🧱 Leave space around the console. Sony’s safety guide recommends at least 10 cm from a wall surface for airflow.
- 🧼 Remove dust from the vents.
- 🚫 Do not cover the console with cloth.
- 🔌 Turn it off and unplug it before cleaning.
🗣️ Set Up Audio Before an Online Session
Get your audio and privacy settings ready before starting multiplayer:
- 🎧 Set your headset as the main audio device.
- 🎙️ Select your microphone input and test its level.
- 🔕 Use the mute button when needed.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Set up party chat before launching a game.
- 🌐 Keep your profile privacy settings updated.
Open Settings > Sound to adjust audio, including headset volume and controller speaker volume. The Control Center gives you faster access to audio changes during a session.
The best PS5 upgrades are often the simplest: set up your display, clear storage, learn the Create button, and turn on the features that save time.
What PS5 setting or feature do you use the most?
