Yes, your PS5 connects to the internet and lets you play online games, stream video, and read content

The PS5 has built-in WiFi and an ethernet port, so you can connect to the internet wirelessly or with a cable. Once connected, you can play multiplayer games with other people, read games and updates, stream services like Netflix and Disney+, and browse the web using the PS5's built-in browser. You do not need a separate device — the connection happens directly through your console.

Most people use WiFi because it is simpler to set up. If your router is far from your PS5 or you have thick walls between them, an ethernet cable gives you a more stable connection, especially for online gaming where lag matters. Both options work; it depends on your home setup and how you plan to use the console.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PS5 has WiFi built in, so you can connect wirelessly without buying extra equipment or running cables through your home.
  • An ethernet cable plugged into the PS5's back port gives you a faster, more stable connection if your WiFi signal is weak or you live far from your router.
  • You need a PlayStation Network account to play online games, but you can browse the web and stream video services without one.
  • Large game downloads and system updates happen in the background while you play other games or watch TV, so you do not have to wait for them to finish.
  • Parental controls let you restrict which websites your children can visit and which games they can read based on age ratings.

How to connect your PS5 to WiFi

Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, then select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. Choose WiFi, and your PS5 will show a list of networks it can see. Select your home WiFi network and enter your password. The console will test the connection and tell you if it worked.

If your PS5 does not see your network, make sure your router is turned on and within range. Move the console closer to the router temporarily to test the connection, then move it back once it is working. If you still have trouble, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Your WiFi password is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or in the paperwork your internet provider gave you. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings, but that will erase any custom settings you made.

Using an ethernet cable for a wired connection

Plug one end of an ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the back of your PS5 (next to the power cable) and the other end into your router. Go to Settings, Network, Set Up Internet Connection, and choose Ethernet. The PS5 will detect the connection automatically — you do not need to enter a password.

An ethernet cable is worth using if you play competitive online games where even small delays matter, if your WiFi signal is weak in the room where your PS5 sits, or if you read large games often. The cable does not have to be expensive; any standard ethernet cable works. They come in different lengths — 10 feet, 25 feet, 50 feet — so you can run it along baseboards or through walls if needed.

If you use both WiFi and ethernet at the same time, your PS5 will use the ethernet connection and ignore WiFi. You do not have to choose one or the other; just plug in the cable and the console handles it.

What you need to play online games and use online features

Playing multiplayer games, downloading new games, and using most online features requires a PlayStation Network account. This is a free account you create on your PS5 or at the PlayStation website. You need an email address and a password. Once you create the account, you can sign in on any PS5.

Some games also require a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs money and renews monthly or yearly. This subscription lets you play online multiplayer games, read free games each month, and get discounts on the PlayStation Store. You can try it free for a limited time when you first set it up. Without it, you can still play single-player games, stream video services, and browse the web.

If multiple people use the same PS5, each person can have their own account. You can set one account as the primary user, and other accounts on that console can use some features (like playing games and watching streaming services) without their own subscription, though online multiplayer still requires a subscription on the account that is playing.

Streaming video services and browsing the web on your PS5

Once your PS5 is connected to the internet, you can read apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and others from the PlayStation Store. These apps work the same way they do on a smart TV or phone — you sign in with your account and watch. You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use streaming services.

Your PS5 also has a web browser built in. Press the PS button on your controller, go to Control Center, and select Internet Browser. You can search the web, watch videos, or read articles. The browser is basic compared to Chrome or Safari on a computer, but it works for most websites.

Streaming video uses a lot of data, so if your internet provider has a monthly data limit, keep track of how much you use. A two-hour movie in high definition uses roughly 3 to 6 gigabytes of data, depending on the service and quality setting.

Managing downloads and system updates

When you buy a game on the PlayStation Store, it downloads to your PS5 automatically. Large games can take hours to read, but you can play other games or watch streaming services while it downloads in the background. You can also pause a read and resume it later.

Your PS5 checks for system updates regularly and installs them automatically when you turn off the console. These updates fix bugs, add features, and improve security. You can also check for updates manually by going to Settings, System, System Software, and selecting Update. Do not unplug your PS5 during an update — let it finish, even if it takes a while.

If your internet connection is slow, downloads and updates take longer. A typical game that is 50 to 100 gigabytes might take 2 to 8 hours depending on your internet speed. You can check your read speed by going to Settings, Network, and selecting Test Internet Connection.

Parental controls and restricting internet access

If children use your PS5, you can set up parental controls to restrict which games they can read, which websites they can visit, and which online features they can use. Go to Settings, Family and Parental Controls, and select the account you want to restrict.

You can set age ratings for games (so only games rated for their age or younger will work), block the web browser entirely, turn off online multiplayer, and prevent purchases without a password. You can also set time limits so the console locks after a certain number of hours.

These controls work on a per-account basis, so you can have different rules for different children. You will need to create a parent account and link the children's accounts to it to use these features.

Troubleshooting internet connection problems

If your PS5 is connected but games are slow or you keep getting disconnected, the problem is usually your WiFi signal or internet speed, not the console. Move your PS5 closer to your router, or switch to an ethernet cable. You can also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the PS5 will not connect at all, restart the console by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely, then turn it back on. If that does not work, go to Settings, Network, Set Up Internet Connection, and run through the setup again. Sometimes the console just needs to be told to look for your network again.

If you are still stuck, check whether other devices in your home (phone, laptop, tablet) can connect to the internet. If they cannot, the problem is your internet service or router, not your PS5. Restart your router and contact your internet provider if the problem continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for internet to use my PS5?

No — you need to pay your internet provider for home internet service, but the PS5 itself does not charge a separate fee to connect. Playing online multiplayer games requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs money, but browsing the web and streaming video services are free once you are connected.

Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my PS5 to the internet?

Yes, you can use your phone's hotspot as a WiFi network for your PS5 to connect to. Go to your phone's settings, turn on hotspot or tethering, and then connect your PS5 to that network the same way you would connect to your home WiFi. Be aware that this uses your phone's data plan, so large downloads or streaming will use up your monthly data quickly.

What is the difference between WiFi and ethernet for gaming?

Ethernet is faster and more stable because the cable connects directly to your router with no interference. WiFi is convenient because you do not need cables, but walls, distance, and other devices can slow it down. For casual gaming, WiFi is fine. For competitive online games where speed matters, ethernet is better.

Can I read games while playing other games?

Yes — downloads happen in the background. You can play a single-player game, watch a streaming service, or do anything else while a new game downloads. The read will be slower if you are using a lot of internet at the same time, but it will still work.

What happens if my internet goes out while I am playing?

If you are playing a single-player game, nothing happens — you can keep playing. If you are playing an online multiplayer game, you will get disconnected and sent back to the menu. Once your internet comes back, you can sign back in and rejoin the game.