The PS5 does not come with a built-in web browser, but you can access the internet through the console's control center

The PlayStation 5 does not have a dedicated browser app like older PlayStation models did. Instead, Sony removed the browser feature entirely from the PS5 hardware. However, you can still view web content on your TV through the PS5 by using the Control Center, which lets you access limited web functions without installing anything.

If you need full web browsing on your TV, your actual options are to use a different device — a phone, tablet, or computer — and either hold it while you play, connect it to your TV separately, or use screen mirroring. This guide explains what the PS5 can actually do, what it cannot, and the real alternatives if you need a browser.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS5 has no web browser app and Sony has not released one, so you cannot browse the full internet directly from the console.
  • The PS5 Control Center lets you access limited web features like checking your profile or viewing notifications, but this is not a real browser.
  • If you need to browse the web on your TV, you can use a phone or tablet and mirror the screen to your TV, or connect a computer to your TV with an HDMI cable.
  • Some streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube are available on PS5, but these are not browsers — they are single-purpose apps.

What the PS5 Control Center can actually do

When you press the PS button on your controller, the Control Center opens. From there, you can see your profile, check notifications, and access some limited web-connected features. You can view your PlayStation Network messages and see what your friends are playing. You can also access the PlayStation Store to browse games and add-ons, though you cannot use this to browse arbitrary websites.

The Control Center is not a web browser. It is a closed system that only connects to PlayStation's own servers and services. You cannot type a web address into it, visit news sites, check email, or do anything else that requires accessing the open internet. Think of it as a dashboard for your PlayStation account, not a gateway to the web.

Why the PS5 has no browser

PlayStation 4 had a web browser, but Sony removed it from the PS5 for security and performance reasons. A full browser requires constant updates to stay find against new threats, and it competes for system resources with games. Sony decided that most people who want to browse the web already have a phone or computer nearby, so the feature was not worth maintaining.

This decision is unlikely to change. Sony has not announced any plans to add a browser to the PS5, and the console is now several years into its lifecycle. If a browser were coming, it would have arrived by now.

Using your phone or tablet as a browser on your TV

The simplest way to view web content on your TV while using your PS5 is to use a phone or tablet you already own. Most modern phones and tablets can mirror their screen to a TV wirelessly, or you can straightforward hold the device in your lap while you sit in front of the screen.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use AirPlay to send the screen to an Apple TV, or use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect directly to your TV. If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can use Google Cast if your TV supports it, or use a USB-C or Micro-HDMI adapter for a wired connection. The exact steps depend on your TV model and device type, but the principle is the same: your phone becomes the browser, and your TV becomes the display.

Connecting a computer to your TV

If you need a full browser experience on your TV and do not want to use your phone, you can connect a laptop or desktop computer to your TV with an HDMI cable. This gives you a real web browser with full functionality — you can visit any website, use multiple tabs, and do everything you would normally do on a computer.

Most laptops and desktop computers have an HDMI port. If yours does not, you can buy an adapter for under twenty dollars. Once connected, your TV becomes a second monitor for your computer. You can then use your computer's browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — to browse the web while your PS5 is still connected and ready to use.

Streaming apps available on PS5

The PS5 has apps for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services. These are not browsers — they are single-purpose apps that only let you watch content from that one service. You cannot use YouTube to check email or use Netflix to visit a news website. Each app is locked to its own function.

If you need to watch a video or stream content, these apps work well. But if you need to browse the web for research, check a website, or do anything that requires a real browser, these apps will not help you.

What to do if you need internet access while gaming

Many people want a browser on their PS5 because they are gaming and need to look something up quickly — a game guide, a walkthrough, or an answer to a question. The fastest solution is to keep your phone next to you. Pull it out, search for what you need, and put it back down. This takes seconds and requires no setup.

If you are playing a game that supports a second screen experience, some games have companion apps that let you use your phone to interact with the game. Check the game's documentation to see if this is available. Otherwise, your phone's browser is your best tool for quick lookups while you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sideload a browser app onto my PS5?

No. The PS5 does not allow you to install apps from outside the PlayStation Store, and no browser app is available in the PlayStation Store. You cannot jailbreak or modify a PS5 to add a browser without voiding your warranty and risking your account.

Will Sony ever add a browser to the PS5?

Sony has not announced any plans to add a browser, and it is unlikely given that the console is already several years old. If it were coming, it would have been released by now. Your phone or computer remains the intended way to browse the web.

Can I use the PS5 to watch videos from websites like YouTube?

Yes, but only through the YouTube app. You cannot visit YouTube.com in a browser on the PS5. The YouTube app is available in the PlayStation Store and works well for watching videos, but it is not a browser — it is a dedicated app for YouTube only.

What if I need to enter a code or password from a website while gaming?

Use your phone. Pull it out, visit the website, get the information you need, and go back to your game. This is faster and easier than trying to navigate a browser on your TV. If you need to do this frequently, consider placing your phone on a stand next to your TV so you can glance at it without picking it up.

Is there a difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro for web browsing?

No. Both the standard PS5 and the PS5 Pro have no web browser. The only difference between the two models is gaming performance and graphics capability. Neither one has internet browsing features.