The PS4 Remote Play application allows you to control your PlayStation®4 system from your computer. With this application installed on your PC or Mac, you will enjoy immersive PlayStation® gaming while being connected remotely to your PS4™ system. If you’re an avid console gamer who happens to let Sony handle your video-gaming needs, then the chances are that you’re already happily gaming away on some PS4 hardware with the latest 3.50 software installed on it. Part of Sony’s latest software update is the extension of Sony’s Remote Play capability to include Mac OS X and Windows PCs into the fold. How to Play PS4 Games on a Laptop or Mac. Fortunately, all is not lost. If you did want to play PS4 games on a laptop or Mac, you can use PS4 remote play. PS4 remote play is an app for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It lets you connect to your PS4 remotely, as long as you have a fast Internet connection.
In the recent 3.50 update for the PlayStation 4, one of the most notable features is the ability for PC and Mac users to use Remote Play.
This finally means you can stream your PS4 to any Windows 8.1/10 PC or OS X Yosemite/El Capitan device, even if you are across the other side of the world. But actually getting this to work can be kind of confusing. So we're here to help you figure out just how to get PS4 remote play to work with PC or Mac.
- The Remote Play app basically allows you to control the Playstation remotely from a computer, streaming a PS4 game from the Playstation 4 itself to the Mac or PC over a wi-fi or ethernet connection, allowing you to play whatever game is in the PS4, except on the computer.
- PS4 Remote Play will allow you to control your PlayStation 4 system from your computer. With this application installed on your PC or Mac, you'll enjoy immersive PlayStation gaming while being connected remotely to your PS4 system.
Once it's all set up correctly, everything will run as smoothly as this:
But first, you need to know if you can run it
While it doesn't take a powerful system to be able to run Remote Play, just make sure you can -- you probably can.
You will need any MicroUSB cable (one came with your PS4), and a free USB port too.
Windows Specs
- OS - Windows® 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows® 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
- CPU - Intel Core i5-560M Processor 2.67 GHz or faster
- RAM - 2 GB or more
- Monitor - 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
- HDD - 100 MB or more free space
Mac Specs
Ps4 Remote Play Macos Catalina
- OS - OS X Yosemite or OS X El Capitan
- CPU - Intel Core i5-520M Processor 2.40 GHz or faster
- RAM - 2 GB or more
- HDD - 40 MB or more free space
Setting up your PS4
First make sure you have installed the latest update. If you have automatic updates set, you are fine.
Enable Remote Play
- Go to 'Settings'.
- Find 'Remote Play Connection Settings'
- When there, put a tick in the box for 'Enable Remote Play'.
Set your PS4 as your primary system
- Go to 'Settings'.
- Find 'PlayStation Network/Account Management'.
- Then find 'Activate as your Primary PS4'.
- Make sure you then select 'Activate.'
If your PS4 is already your primary system, 'Activate' will be greyed out.
Optional: To start your PS4 with Remote Play
You need to have already setup your PS4 to use Rest Mode for this.
- Go to 'Settings'.
- Find 'Power Saving Settings'.
- In there find 'Set Features Available in Rest Mode
- Tick the boxes for 'Stay Connected to the Internet' and 'Enable Turning On of PS4 from Network'.
Installing Remote Play
- Click on either Windows or Mac, depending which system you have, and download the file anywhere on your system.
- Run the installer.
- Click 'Next' or 'Continue' a bit, making sure you read everything.
If you have any issues, please leave me a comment, I'll do my best to help.
Using Remote Play
I recommend being on the same network and having your PS4 already on for this -- so be at home next to your PS4.
- Ensure your PS4 is on.
- Launch the PS4 Remote Play program.
- When prompted, connect your DualShock controller via USB.
- Here you can either find 'Settings' at the bottom left of the program (in Windows, for Mac users go to 'Preferences'), or select 'Start' at the bottom right.
If the program fails to find your PS4, which is unlikely, you should have an 8 digit code appear on your screen. Ensure you are on the same network as your PS4, and follow the instructions.
You are all ready to rock!
Have a tinker with the Remote Play program settings -- there are quite a few options you can play around with. Unfortunately, there is no 1080p resolution setting like there is with the Xbox One streaming, but Remote Play allows you to use your console from outside of the local network, so hopefully this will be updated in the future. Also, you cannot use Remote Play if your controller isn't connected to your computer.
Hopefully everything went smoothly, and you are now able to use Remote Play. If anything has gone wrong, let me know and I will do my best to help!
Some PS4 users have reported to us that they need help in fixing Remote Play feature on their console that won’t connect to their PC. In case you did not know, you can actually play your favorite PS4 game on either a smartphone or computer even when you’re not in front of your console. All you have to do is to set up Remote Play on your phone or computer.
If you encounter connection issues or Remote Play errors during setup, or after using it for some time, this article should help.
Things you need for PS4 Remote Play
If you plan on playing away from your PS4, you can make use of its Remote Play feature. Below are the things that you should have to successfully do that:
- Updated PS4 console.
- Internet connected computer.
- Good working PS4 DUALSHOCK wireless controller
- USB cable to connect the controller to your computer. Or, a compatible wireless adapter to allow PS4 wireless connection.
- PlayStation Network account.
- At least 15Mbps download and upload internet connection speeds (for both the PC and PS4)
Causes why your PS4 Remote Play won’t connect
There are several possible reasons why PS4 Remote Play stops or won’t connect. Mostly, the issue is network setup related so it’s important that you make sure to check the status of your own local network ahead of time.
At other times, PS4 Remote Play may encounter connection issues or errors due to problems with the PlayStation Network itself.
For first time users, some may find out that they are unable to use PS4 Remote Play due to their computer’s security software.
Below are some of the common causes for PS4 Remote Play issues.
Internet connection is slow or intermittent.
In order to avoid having latency or lag when using Remote Play, you want to make sure that you have a fast broadband connection. Sony recommends that your PS4 has a minimum of 15Mbps. Anything slower than that can be problematic although I’ve personally been able to use Remote Play normally even though my PS4 speed test result shows that it’s only getting less than 6Mbps of upload speed.
For best results though, try to only use Remote Play when you have a fast enough connection.
PS4 software is outdated.
Most PS4 games and features that uses online functionality usually won’t work when the console’s software is outdated. Make sure that you manually check for software updates if you encounter Remote Play errors.
NAT type is strict or restrictive.
Some users may encounter “A connection to the server could not be established” error due to NAT type issues on the PS4. You should strive to have NAT Type 1(open) on your console although NAT Type 2 (moderate) is also okay. If your PS4 has NAT type 3 (strict), you will not be able to play with others online, talk via voice chat, or run Remote Play on your computer.
Random console or computer OS bug.
Sometimes, electronic devices may develop flukes. Temporary bugs are usually fixed by simply rebooting the device so make sure to restart your PC and PS4.
Can You Remote Play Ps4 On Mac
Local network issue.
Issues with your local networking devices can cause Remote Play to cut off or not load. Make sure that your home network is fast enough and does not disconnect frequently. Intermittent connection issues can cause connection time outs, which can make Remote Play virtually unplayable.
Security software blocking the connection.
If you’re getting a 88010E0F error when setting up Remote Play for the first time, it’s more likely an antivirus or firewall issue. You can try to disable your antivirus or firewall temporarily to check if that’s the case.
Make sure to turn your security software back on after testing.
PlayStation Network is down.
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Remote Play may not work if there’s an issue with its servers. You can check PlayStation Network status if you have trouble connecting with Remote Play.
What to do if PS4 Remote Play won’t connect
If you’re encountering an error with Remote Play, or if the feature suddenly stops working for no apparent reason, the following solutions should help.
- Check the PlayStation Network status.
Before you troubleshoot your PC or PS4, make sure that you visit the PlayStation Network status page to see if there’s any issue from Sony’s side.
- Check your internet connection speed.
Slow or intermittent connection speed can significantly impact how Remote Play works. Make sure to run a connection speed test on your PS4 first to see if it’s getting the minimum 15Mbps download and upload speeds.
Your computer should also meet with the minimum speed requirements.
To check for a possible intermittent connection issue, you’ll need to observe your network. Using your other devices (smartphones or computers), try to see if the connection keeps dropping for a few hours. If internet connection is unstable or constantly disconnecting, you’ll need to fix this issue first in order to reliably use Remote Play. - Use wired connection.
If you are using wireless or wifi connection with your PS4, it’s possible that there may be wifi signal interference that causes the connection to drop. Try using an ethernet connection from the router to your PS4 before attempting to use Remote Play again.
If a wired connection is not possible, move the PS4 closer to the router so as to ensure that it gets a good wifi signal. - Update your PS4 software.
One of the simplest ways to keep bugs away is to ensure that your PS4 runs the most recent software. To manually check for software updates:
-Go to your PS4 Home screen.
-Go to the Settings Menu.
-Select System Software Update. - Restart Remote Play on your PC.
If Remote Play still won’t connect, make sure that you restart it. On your computer, open the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL), select PS4 Remote Play under the Processes tab, then hit the End Task button at the lower right.
- Reboot the computer.
If restarting the Remote Play application will not fix the error or connection issue, the next good thing that you can do is to restart your computer. This ensures that you address possible temporary bugs with your PC that might be interfering with Remote Play.
- Power cycle your local networking devices.
While your PC is restarting, take the time to also refresh your network connection. To do that, you want to unplug your modem and/or router from the power outlet or strip for about 30 seconds.
- Disable your antivirus and/or firewall.
For some, disabling their security software like antivirus or similar fixes Remote Play issues. If your computer’s firewall is active, you should consider turning off that too for testing purposes. Or, you can make an exception in your firewall settings to allow Remote Play to establish a connection. Use Google to know how to do this suggestion.
- Delete and reinstall Remote Play.
If all the possible causes have been checked and not one of the solutions above has helped so far, consider deleting and reinstalling Remote Play.
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