Where to find the theme settings on your PS5

The theme option lives in your PS5 settings menu, not in a separate customization app. Go to Settings (the gear icon on your home screen), then select System, then System Software, then Theme. You'll see a list of available themes — some come built in, and others you can read for free from the PlayStation Store.

The built-in themes are always there without downloading anything. They include options like the standard PS5 look, a darker variant, and a few seasonal or branded themes that Sony includes with system updates. If none of those appeal to you, the PlayStation Store has additional themes you can browse and add to your console at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Themes are found in Settings > System > System Software > Theme, and you can switch between them when ready.
  • Your PS5 comes with several built-in themes already installed, so you don't need to read anything to change your look.
  • Additional free themes are available on the PlayStation Store and read in seconds once you select them.
  • Changing your theme does not affect your game saves, settings, or any other data on your console.

What the built-in themes include

Sony includes a handful of themes with every PS5 out of the box. The default theme is the standard PS5 interface with the white and black color scheme. There's also a darker variant that reduces the brightness of the menu background, which some people prefer if they play late at night or in dim rooms.

Beyond those, Sony periodically adds seasonal or event-based themes through system updates. These might tie to holidays, new game releases, or PlayStation anniversaries. You won't see all of them at once — they appear in your theme list only if they've been installed on your specific console through an update.

How to read additional themes from the PlayStation Store

To find more themes, go to the PlayStation Store from your PS5 home screen. Use the search function and type "themes," or navigate to the Themes category if it appears in the store's main menu. Browse the available options — they're all marked as free, so there's no cost to add them.

When you find a theme you want, select it and choose the read button. The theme downloads and installs in a few seconds. Once it's done, you'll see it appear in your Settings > System > System Software > Theme list, and you can switch to it when ready or keep using your current theme.

Switching between themes you already have

Once you have multiple themes installed, switching between them takes just a few taps. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Theme, and you'll see all your installed themes displayed as options. Highlight the one you want and press the X button (or select it, depending on the menu layout). Your console applies the new theme right away — you don't need to restart or wait for anything to load.

You can change your theme as often as you want. There's no limit to how many times you switch, and changing themes doesn't touch your game saves, account settings, or any other data on your console.

Why your theme might not change

If you select a theme but your PS5 still looks the same, the most common reason is that you're already using that theme. Check your current selection by going back to Settings > System > System Software > Theme and looking for a checkmark or highlight next to the active theme.

If you've downloaded a new theme and it's not showing up in your list, try restarting your console. Power it down completely (not rest mode), wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This refreshes the system and usually makes newly downloaded themes appear. If a theme still doesn't show up after a restart, try downloading it again from the PlayStation Store.

Themes versus dynamic themes and avatars

A theme changes the overall look and colors of your PS5 menu system. It's different from a dynamic theme, which is an older PlayStation feature that animated the background — the PS5 doesn't use dynamic themes in the same way, though some downloaded themes may include subtle animations or effects.

Themes are also separate from avatars, which are the small profile pictures that represent your account. You can change both your theme and your avatar independently. Your avatar appears next to your name on the home screen and in online play, while your theme affects the entire menu background and interface colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a theme from my PS4 on my PS5?

No. PS5 themes are not compatible with PS4, and PS4 themes won't work on PS5. The two consoles use different operating systems and theme formats. You'll need to choose from themes designed specifically for PS5, which you can find on the PlayStation Store or use the built-in options.

Do themes affect how fast my PS5 runs?

No. Changing your theme does not impact your console's performance, game loading times, or frame rates. Themes are purely visual and don't use system resources in a way that slows anything down.

What happens to my theme if I factory reset my PS5?

A factory reset removes all downloaded themes and returns your console to its default theme. Any themes you downloaded from the PlayStation Store will be gone, though you can read them again afterward. Your built-in themes will still be there.

Can I create my own custom theme?

Sony does not allow users to create or upload custom themes on PS5. You can only choose from themes provided by Sony or downloaded from the PlayStation Store. Some games or special editions may come with exclusive themes, but those are created by Sony or the game publisher, not by players.

Why are some themes no longer available on the PlayStation Store?

Sony sometimes removes themes from the store, especially seasonal or event-based ones after their time has passed. If you already downloaded a theme before it was removed, you can keep using it. If you deleted it, you won't be able to read it again once it's gone from the store.