How to Change Your PS5 Background From Your Phone

You cannot change your PS5 background from your phone directly

The PS5 does not have a mobile app that lets you change your console's background or theme settings remotely. Sony's PlayStation app for iPhone and Android lets you manage some console features — like starting downloads, checking your friends list, or viewing your library — but background customization is not one of them. You need to be at your PS5 and use the controller to change the background yourself.

If you want a different background on your PS5, you have two real options: change it through the console's settings menu, or use the PS5's built-in themes and wallpapers. Both take just a few minutes and require you to be in front of the TV.

Key Takeaways

The PlayStation app on your phone cannot change your PS5 background or theme — you must use the console itself.
You can change your background by going to Settings, then Themes, and selecting from built-in options or custom images you have uploaded.
Custom backgrounds must be JPEG or PNG files stored on a USB drive, which you plug into the PS5 to import.
Some PS5 games come with their own themes that change your background automatically when you install them.
The PlayStation app does let you manage downloads, messages, and your library from your phone, but not visual settings.

How to change your background using the PS5 settings menu

Start at your PS5 home screen and press the PS button on your controller to open the control center. Scroll down and select Settings, then go to Themes. You will see a list of built-in themes that Sony provides — each one includes a background image and a color scheme for your menus. Select any theme to preview it, then press X to explore it.

The built-in themes change your entire visual experience, not just the background. When you choose a theme, it also changes the color of your menu text, icons, and buttons. If you want only the background to change without altering the rest of your interface, you will need to use a custom image instead of a full theme.

How to use a custom image as your PS5 background

To set a custom image as your background, you first need to get that image onto your PS5. The console accepts JPEG and PNG files. Prepare your image on a computer, save it to a USB drive, and plug the drive into one of the USB ports on the front of your PS5.

Once the drive is connected, go to Settings, then Themes, then Custom. Select Import Image and navigate to your USB drive. Choose the image you want and confirm. The PS5 will load it as your background. You can now unplug the USB drive — the image stays on your console.

Custom images work best if they are at least 1920 by 1080 pixels in size. Smaller images may look blurry or stretched. If you have a high-resolution photo or artwork you want to use, make sure it is saved in one of those two formats before you put it on the USB drive.

Game-specific themes that come with PS5 titles

Many PS5 games include their own theme as a bonus. When you install a game like Final Fantasy XVI or Spider-Man 2, the theme often installs automatically alongside it. You do not have to do anything — the game's background and menu design become available in your Themes list once the game is fully installed.

To use a game's theme, go to Settings, then Themes, and look for the game's name in the list. Select it and press X to explore. You can switch back to a different theme anytime. Game themes are usually designed to match the game's visual style, so they can be a quick way to customize your console without uploading your own images.

What the PlayStation app can and cannot do from your phone

The PlayStation app on your phone is useful for some tasks, but background changes are not one of them. You can use it to start a game read on your PS5 while you are away from home, check which friends are online, send messages, or browse your game library. The app also shows you your trophies and lets you manage your account settings like your profile picture or privacy options.

What you cannot do from the app: change your background, adjust your theme, manage your storage, or access your console's system settings. These features require you to be at your PS5 with a controller in hand. If you need to change your background and you are not home, you will have to wait until you can get to your console.

Troubleshooting custom images that do not appear

If you upload a custom image to your PS5 and it does not show up in the Themes menu, check these things first. Make sure the file is saved as a JPEG or PNG — other formats like BMP, GIF, or WEBP will not work. Verify that the image is at least 1920 by 1080 pixels; very small images may be rejected. Try unplugging the USB drive, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in, then importing again.

If the image still does not appear, the USB drive itself might not be recognized. Try formatting the drive on a computer as FAT32 or exFAT, then copying the image file to it again. Some older or specialty USB drives have compatibility issues with the PS5. If you have another USB drive available, try that one instead.

Why you might want to use themes instead of custom images

Built-in themes are simpler because they are already on your console — you do not need a USB drive or a computer. They also integrate with your entire menu system, so the background, text color, and icon style all match. Custom images give you more freedom to use any photo or artwork you want, but they only change the background, not the rest of your interface.

If you change your background often, themes are faster. If you have a specific image you want to use — a photo of your family, a piece of fan art, or a screenshot from a game — a custom image is the way to go. You can have multiple custom images imported at once, so you can switch between them without needing the USB drive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PS5 background if I am not logged in as the main account?

No. Only the account that owns the console or an account with administrator privileges can change themes and backgrounds. If you are a guest or a secondary account, you will not see the option to change themes in the Settings menu. Ask the console owner to make the change for you.

What size should my custom image be?

Your image should be at least 1920 by 1080 pixels. Larger images work fine — the PS5 will scale them to fit your screen. Smaller images may look pixelated or stretched. JPEG and PNG are the only formats the PS5 accepts.

Do I need to keep the USB drive plugged in after I import a custom image?

No. Once you import an image, it is saved to your PS5's storage. You can unplug the USB drive when ready and use it for something else. The image will stay on your console until you delete it or replace it with a different one.

Can I use a screenshot from a PS5 game as my background?

Yes. Take a screenshot in any PS5 game by pressing the Create button on your controller. The screenshot saves to your console. You can then copy it to a USB drive using a computer, and import it as a custom background. This is a popular way to personalize your console with moments from games you love.

Will changing my theme affect my game saves or settings?

No. Themes and backgrounds are purely visual. Changing them does not touch your game saves, your account settings, your friends list, or anything else on your console. You can switch themes as often as you want with no risk to your data.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.