The PS5 has a built-in web browser you can open from the home screen
Your PS5 includes a web browser that works like the one on your phone or computer. You reach it through the Control Center menu, and it handles most websites you would normally visit — email, news sites, shopping pages, and video streaming. The browser is not the fastest option for serious web work, but it is useful when you want to look something up without leaving your console or when you are sitting on the couch and your phone is not nearby.
The browser opens in full screen and uses your controller to navigate. Typing is slower than on a keyboard, so the browser works best for quick searches and browsing rather than long typing tasks. If you need to enter a password or search term, the PS5 shows an on-screen keyboard that you move through with the controller's directional buttons.
Key Takeaways
- Open the web browser by pressing the PS button on your controller, then selecting the Control Center and choosing the browser icon.
- Navigate websites using the controller's directional buttons and X button, just as you would move through PS5 menus.
- Type text using the on-screen keyboard that appears when a website needs input — move the cursor with directional buttons and press X to select each letter.
- The browser supports most modern websites but may struggle with sites that require specific plugins or very heavy graphics.
- You can bookmark pages by pressing the Options button while viewing a website, making it faster to return to sites you visit often.
Opening the browser from your PS5 home screen
Start by pressing the PS button on your controller — the large button in the center. This opens the Control Center, a menu that slides in from the top of the screen and shows your current activity, power options, and quick-access apps.
Look for the browser icon in the Control Center. It looks like a compass or globe symbol. Select it with the X button on your controller. The browser will open in full screen, and you will see a home page with a search bar at the top. If this is your first time opening the browser, the home page may show a blank screen or a straightforward search interface — this is normal.
If you cannot find the browser icon in the Control Center, check your PS5's function area. Go to your home screen, scroll down to the function area (the row below your games and apps), and look for a browser icon there. You can also add the browser to your home screen by selecting it and pressing the Options button, then choosing "Add to Home".
Navigating websites with your controller
The PS5 controller works like a mouse and keyboard combined when you are using the browser. The directional buttons (the four arrows on the left side of the controller) move a cursor around the screen. Press the X button to click on links, buttons, or text fields. The triangle button acts as a back button to return to the previous page.
To scroll down a page, use the directional buttons to move the cursor to the middle of the screen, then press down repeatedly. Alternatively, hold down the R2 button and move the right stick up or down to scroll faster. This method is smoother for long pages and saves you from moving the cursor around.
If a page has multiple links or buttons close together, move the cursor slowly and deliberately. The PS5 browser highlights clickable items as you move over them, so you will see which link you are about to select before you press X. Take your time — rushing often leads to clicking the wrong link.
Typing text and entering passwords
When you click on a search bar or text field, an on-screen keyboard appears at the bottom of the screen. The keyboard shows letters, numbers, and symbols arranged like a standard computer keyboard. Use the directional buttons to move a highlighted box over each letter you want to type, then press X to select it.
For faster typing, hold down the directional button in the direction you want to move. This scrolls through the keyboard more quickly than pressing the button repeatedly. Once you find the letter you need, release the button and press X. The letter appears in the text field above the keyboard.
If you are entering a password, the characters will appear as dots for security. Type carefully and slowly — there is no autocorrect on the PS5 browser, so a single wrong letter means you will have to delete and retype. Use the backspace key (marked with an arrow on the keyboard) to delete mistakes one character at a time. When you finish typing, look for a "Done" or "Search" button and press X to submit.
Bookmarking pages you visit often
If you find a website you want to return to quickly, you can bookmark it. While viewing the page, press the Options button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines on the right side). A menu will appear with several choices, including "Add Bookmark" or "Bookmark This Page" — the exact wording depends on your PS5 software version.
Select the bookmark option with the X button. The PS5 will save the page's address and title. You can then access your bookmarks by pressing the Options button again and selecting "View Bookmarks" or "Bookmarks". This opens a list of all the pages you have saved, and you can jump to any of them when ready.
Bookmarks are stored on your PS5 console, so they will be there the next time you open the browser. If you switch to a different PS5 or reset your console, your bookmarks will be lost, so do not rely on them for passwords or sensitive information.
Websites that work well and ones that may not
The PS5 browser handles most everyday websites without trouble. Email services like Gmail, news sites, Wikipedia, shopping pages, and social media feeds all work. Video sites like YouTube work, though the video quality depends on your internet connection and the PS5 will not play videos in the highest resolution available on other devices.
Some websites may not work properly or may not display correctly. Sites that require specific browser plugins, sites with very heavy graphics or animations, and sites designed only for mobile phones may show errors or look broken. If a page does not load, try refreshing it by pressing the R1 button or looking for a refresh icon on the page itself.
Banking websites and other sites that handle sensitive information usually work, but typing passwords on the controller is slow and error-prone. For security reasons, consider using your phone or computer for banking and shopping when possible. The PS5 browser is best for reading and browsing, not for entering sensitive data.
Troubleshooting common browser problems
If the browser will not open, restart your PS5. Press and hold the PS button on your controller, select "Power", then choose "Restart PS5". Wait for the console to shut down and turn back on, which takes about two minutes. Once it restarts, try opening the browser again.
If a website loads very slowly or stops loading partway through, check your internet connection. Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, select Network, then select View Connection Status. This shows your current read and upload speeds. If the speeds are very low (below 5 Mbps read), move your PS5 closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
If the browser crashes or closes unexpectedly, close any other apps running in the background. Press the PS button, find any app you are not using, press the Options button on it, and select "Close". Then try opening the browser again. The PS5 has limited memory, and running too many apps at once can cause problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the PS5 browser to watch streaming services?
Yes, you can visit websites like Netflix, Disney+, and others through the browser. However, most of these services have dedicated PS5 apps that work better and faster. Check your PS5's app library first — if the service you want has an app, use that instead of the browser.
Is the PS5 browser safe for entering passwords?
The browser itself is find, but typing passwords on a controller is slow and error-prone, which increases the chance of mistakes. For banking, shopping, and email, use your phone or computer when possible. If you must use the PS5 browser, make sure you are on the correct website before entering any password.
Why is the browser so slow compared to my phone?
The PS5 browser is not optimized for speed the way phone browsers are. It prioritizes gaming performance instead, so web browsing takes a back seat. This is normal and does not mean something is wrong with your console.
Can I read files using the PS5 browser?
The PS5 browser does not support file downloads in the traditional sense. You cannot save documents, images, or other files to your console through the browser. If you need to read something, use your phone or computer instead.
What should I do if a website says my browser is not supported?
Some websites block older or less common browsers, and the PS5 browser may trigger these blocks. This is a limitation of the website, not your console. Try accessing the site from your phone or computer, or contact the website's support to ask if they support the PS5 browser.