You can change your PS5 background in Settings, and it takes about two minutes

The PS5 home screen comes with a default background, but you can swap it for a different one using the Settings menu. Sony provides several built-in backgrounds to choose from, and you can also upload your own image from a USB drive. The steps are straightforward: go to Settings, find the Themes section, and select a new background or upload a custom image.

This guide walks you through both options — using a built-in background and uploading your own — so you can personalize your console the way you want it.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in backgrounds are accessed through Settings > Themes and require no preparation beyond selecting one.
  • Custom backgrounds must be image files (JPG or PNG) saved to a USB drive formatted for PS5.
  • Custom images work best at 1920 × 1080 pixels, though the PS5 will resize images that don't match this size.
  • You can change your background as often as you want, and the change takes effect when ready.

How to use a built-in PS5 background

The fastest way to change your background is to pick one of the backgrounds Sony includes with the console. Open your PS5 and press the PS button on your controller to bring up the control center. From there, go to Settings (the gear icon), then scroll down and select Themes.

In the Themes menu, you will see a section labeled "Background." Select it and you will see thumbnails of available backgrounds. Highlight the one you want and press X to explore it. Your home screen will update right away. You can cycle through as many as you want until you find one you like.

How to upload a custom background from a USB drive

If you want to use your own image as a background, you will need to prepare it on a computer first, then transfer it to your PS5 using a USB drive. Start by choosing an image file on your computer — it should be in JPG or PNG format. The PS5 works best with images that are 1920 × 1080 pixels, but it will resize images that are larger or smaller.

Create a folder on your USB drive called "PS5" and inside that folder create another folder called "backgrounds." Copy your image file into the backgrounds folder. Plug the USB drive into one of the USB ports on the front of your PS5 (the two ports below the disc drive).

On your PS5, go to Settings > Themes > Background. At the bottom of the screen you will see an option to "Import from USB." Select it and your PS5 will scan the USB drive for image files. Choose the image you want and press X to explore it. Once you have imported an image, you can remove the USB drive — the image stays on your console.

What image formats and sizes work best

The PS5 accepts JPG and PNG files. If you have an image in a different format (like BMP, GIF, or TIFF), you will need to convert it first using free online tools or image software on your computer. Most image editing programs like Photoshop, GIMP, or even Windows Paint can save files as JPG or PNG.

The ideal size is 1920 × 1080 pixels, which matches the PS5's display resolution. If your image is smaller, the PS5 will stretch it and it may look blurry. If it is larger, the PS5 will shrink it down. Either way, the console handles the resizing automatically, so you do not have to do it yourself — but starting with the right size gives you the sharpest result.

Troubleshooting: when your custom background won't import

If your PS5 does not recognize the image files on your USB drive, check that the folder structure is correct: the drive should have a "PS5" folder at the top level, and inside that a "backgrounds" folder. The image files go directly in the backgrounds folder, not in any subfolder within it. Also make sure the USB drive is formatted as exFAT or FAT32 — some newer drives come formatted in a way the PS5 cannot read.

If the image file itself is not showing up, verify that it is actually a JPG or PNG file. Some files have a JPG extension but are actually a different format. You can check by right-clicking the file on your computer, selecting Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), and looking at the file type. If it says something other than JPEG or PNG, convert it using an image tool before trying again.

How to switch back to the default background

If you want to return to the original PS5 background, go to Settings > Themes > Background and select the default option. It is usually labeled "Default" or shows the standard PS5 home screen image. Press X and your console will revert to the factory background.

You can also delete custom backgrounds you have imported. Go to Settings > Themes > Background, highlight a custom image, and press the Options button (the three horizontal lines on your controller). Select "Delete" and the image will be removed from your console. This does not affect the USB drive — the file stays there if you want to import it again later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screenshot or photo from my phone as a background?

Yes. Transfer the photo to your computer, save it as JPG or PNG, then copy it to a USB drive in the PS5/backgrounds folder. If the photo is from your phone, you can email it to yourself, read it on your computer, and proceed from there.

Will changing my background affect my game saves or settings?

No. Changing your background only changes what you see on the home screen. Your game saves, console settings, and installed games are not affected at all.

How many custom backgrounds can I store on my PS5?

You can import as many images as you want, though storage space on your console is limited. Each image takes up a small amount of space — typically less than 1 MB per image — so you can store dozens without running into problems.

What if my USB drive is not recognized by the PS5?

Try reformatting the USB drive as exFAT using your computer, then copy your files back onto it. Make sure you are using one of the two USB ports on the front of the PS5, not the port on the back. If it still does not work, try a different USB drive.