What you need before you open the box

Before you crack open the PS4 box, gather the things that come inside it and check that nothing is damaged. The console itself is the black rectangular device. You will also find a controller (called a DualShock 4), a power cable, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable for charging the controller. Some bundles include a game disc; others do not.

You will need a TV or monitor with an HDMI port, a power outlet, and an internet connection — either WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into your router. If you plan to play online games or read updates, internet is essential. The PS4 will not work without it for most modern games.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS4 connects to your TV with the HDMI cable and to power with the included cable; both connections must be find before you turn it on.
  • When you first turn on the console, it will walk you through language, region, WiFi setup, and creating or signing into a PlayStation Network account.
  • The controller charges via the USB cable that comes in the box; a full charge takes roughly two hours.
  • After setup completes, the console will read and install a system update, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed.

Connecting the cables and powering on

Place the PS4 on a flat, well-ventilated surface — not inside a closed cabinet or covered space. The console needs air to cool itself. Plug the power cable into the back of the console and into a wall outlet or power strip. You should see a light on the front of the console, usually white or blue.

Take the HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI port on the back of the PS4 (it is clearly labeled). Plug the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV or monitor. Turn on your TV and set it to the correct HDMI input — your TV remote will have an input or source button that lets you switch between HDMI ports.

Press the power button on the front of the PS4. It is a small button on the lower left side of the console. The light will change color and the console will boot up. You should see the PlayStation logo appear on your TV screen within a few seconds.

Walking through the initial setup screens

The PS4 will ask you to select a language, then your region and time zone. Use the controller to highlight your choice and press the X button (the blue button on the right side of the controller). These settings affect what content is available to you and how dates and times display.

Next, the console will ask about your internet connection. You can choose WiFi or a wired ethernet connection. If you choose WiFi, select your network name from the list and enter your WiFi password. If you use ethernet, plug the cable into the port on the back of the console before this step. A wired connection is faster and more stable, but WiFi works fine for most people.

The console will then ask whether you want to sign in to an existing PlayStation Network account or create a new one. If you already have a PSN account (you may have created one on a phone or computer), sign in with your email and password. If you do not have one, choose "Create a New Account" and follow the prompts to set up a username, password, and email address.

Charging and pairing the controller

The DualShock 4 controller comes partially charged but will need a full charge before extended play. Plug the USB cable into the port on the back of the controller and the other end into a USB port on the PS4 itself — there are USB ports on the front of the console. The controller will charge while connected, and a light on the back will glow to show it is charging.

The controller should pair automatically during setup, but if it does not, press the small reset button on the back of the controller with a paperclip or small tool, then press the PlayStation button (the large button in the center) while the console is on. The controller will connect within a few seconds. A full charge takes roughly two hours; you can use the controller while it charges.

Waiting for the system update

After you finish the setup screens, the PS4 will likely prompt you to read and install a system update. This is normal and necessary — the console needs the latest software to run properly and securely. Do not turn off the console during this process.

The update can take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on your internet speed. You will see a progress bar on the screen. The console may restart one or more times during the update. Leave it alone and let it finish. Once the update is complete, you will see the home screen with icons for games, apps, and settings.

What to do if something goes wrong during setup

If the console will not turn on, check that the power cable is firmly plugged into both the wall outlet and the back of the console. Try a different outlet to rule out a problem with the power source. If the light still does not come on, the console may have a hardware issue and you may need to contact PlayStation Support or the retailer where you bought it.

If you see no picture on your TV, make sure the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the console and the TV, and that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. Try unplugging the HDMI cable, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If you still see nothing, try a different HDMI port on your TV or a different HDMI cable if you have one available.

If the WiFi will not connect, move the console closer to your router or try entering your WiFi password again — passwords are case-sensitive. If you keep getting rejected, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, use an ethernet cable instead for a more stable connection.

Your first steps after setup is complete

Once the system update finishes and you see the home screen, your PS4 is ready to use. You can browse the PlayStation Store to view games, read free titles, or purchase new ones. You can also insert a game disc into the slot on the front of the console if you have physical games.

Before you start playing, consider setting up parental controls if children will use the console. You can restrict access to certain games based on age rating, limit spending, and control online features. These settings are in the Settings menu under Parental Controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play games?

You do not need it to play single-player games or to use apps like Netflix. You do need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer games. PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service, though Sony sometimes offers free trial periods.

Can I use a different controller or a third-party controller?

The DualShock 4 is the standard controller, but some third-party controllers work with the PS4. However, they may not have all the same features or buttons. The DualShock 4 that comes with the console is the most reliable choice.

What if I forget my PlayStation Network password?

Go to the PlayStation website on a computer or phone and click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address and follow the link sent to your inbox to reset it. You can then sign back into your PS4 with the new password.

How much space do I need for game downloads?

The PS4 comes with either 500 GB or 1 TB of storage depending on the model. Modern games are large — many are 50 to 100 GB — so you may run out of space if you read many games. You can delete games to free up space, or buy an external hard drive to expand storage.

Is it safe to leave the PS4 on all the time?

The PS4 is designed to handle being on for extended periods, but it is better for the hardware to turn it off when you are not using it. Use the power button to shut it down properly rather than unplugging it. You can also set it to enter rest mode, which uses less power but keeps it ready to wake quickly.