PlayStation tips can transform how players interact with their console. Many gamers miss hidden features that improve performance, save time, and extend hardware life. Whether someone owns a PS4 or PS5, these practical adjustments make a real difference.
This guide covers settings optimization, controller shortcuts, storage management, online gaming improvements, and battery-saving techniques. Each section delivers actionable steps that players can apply immediately. No fluff, just useful information to get more from every gaming session.
Key Takeaways
- Enable Performance Mode on your PlayStation to prioritize frame rate and enjoy smoother gameplay during every session.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi to reduce lag and improve your online gaming experience.
- Free up storage by deleting unused games and clearing your Media Gallery—digital purchases can always be redownloaded.
- Lower controller brightness, reduce haptic feedback, and disable vibration to significantly extend DualSense battery life.
- Master controller shortcuts like double-tapping the PlayStation button to quickly switch between apps without interrupting gameplay.
- Enable Rest Mode features to automatically download updates and charge controllers while your console isn’t in use.
Optimize Your Console Settings for Better Performance
The default PlayStation settings work fine for most users. But a few tweaks can improve visuals, reduce input lag, and speed up the overall experience.
Adjust Display Settings
Players should match their TV’s capabilities with their console output. On PS5, going to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output lets users enable 4K, HDR, and 120Hz where supported. Enabling “Automatic” mode usually works well, but manual selection ensures the best resolution.
For PS4 users, checking Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings confirms the console outputs at the highest supported resolution.
Enable Performance Mode
Games often offer quality or performance modes. Performance mode prioritizes frame rate over resolution. Players who value smooth gameplay should set this as their default. On PS5, navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets and select “Performance Mode.”
Turn Off HDCP
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) can cause issues with certain capture cards and monitors. If players experience blank screens or connection problems, disabling HDCP under Settings > System > HDMI often fixes the issue.
Reduce System Notifications
Constant pop-ups interrupt gameplay. Players can disable friend requests, trophy notifications, and other alerts under Settings > Notifications. This keeps the screen clean during intense gaming moments.
These PlayStation tips take only minutes to carry out but deliver noticeable results.
Master Controller Shortcuts and Hidden Features
The DualSense and DualShock controllers have features many players never discover. Learning these shortcuts saves time and adds convenience.
Quick Menu Access
Holding the PlayStation button opens the Control Center (PS5) or Quick Menu (PS4). From here, players can adjust volume, check downloads, manage party chat, and switch audio output without leaving their game.
Screenshot and Video Capture
Pressing the Create button (PS5) or Share button (PS4) captures screenshots. A long press saves recent gameplay footage. Players can customize capture settings to save the last 15, 30, or 60 minutes of gameplay.
Mute Microphone Instantly
The PS5 controller has a dedicated mute button below the PlayStation button. One press mutes the built-in microphone. This proves useful during party chat or when someone enters the room.
Controller Speaker Volume
Some games route audio through the controller speaker. Players can adjust this volume through the Control Center or disable it entirely if they find it distracting.
Double-Tap PlayStation Button
Double-tapping the PlayStation button switches between the two most recently used applications. This makes jumping between a game and streaming app quick and simple.
These controller-based PlayStation tips improve daily use without any cost or downloads.
Manage Storage and Downloads Efficiently
Modern games consume massive storage space. A single title can exceed 100GB. Smart storage management keeps the console running smoothly.
Check Storage Usage
On PS5, go to Settings > Storage to see what’s taking up space. The console breaks down usage by games, apps, media gallery, and other data. PS4 users find this under Settings > Storage > System Storage.
Delete Unused Games and Apps
Players should remove games they haven’t touched in months. Digital purchases remain tied to the account, so redownloading later costs nothing. This simple step often frees dozens of gigabytes.
Use External Storage
Both PS4 and PS5 support external USB drives. PS5 owners can store PS4 games on external drives and play them directly. PS5 games require the internal SSD or an approved NVMe expansion drive, but external storage works for archiving.
Pause and Schedule Downloads
Large downloads can slow internet speeds for everyone in the household. Players can pause downloads during peak usage hours. Rest Mode also downloads updates automatically when the console isn’t in active use, a practical PlayStation tip for households sharing bandwidth.
Clear the Media Gallery
Screenshots and video clips accumulate over time. The Media Gallery can grow to several gigabytes without players noticing. Regular cleanup keeps storage available for actual games.
Enable Auto-Updates
Under Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates, players can enable automatic game patches. This ensures games stay current without manual intervention.
Improve Your Online Gaming Experience
Online multiplayer demands stable connections and low latency. These PlayStation tips help reduce lag and disconnections.
Use a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi works for casual gaming, but serious online players benefit from Ethernet cables. Wired connections deliver lower latency and more consistent speeds. Even a basic Cat5e cable makes a noticeable difference.
Test Network Connection
The console’s built-in test (Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection) shows download speed, upload speed, and NAT type. Running this test helps identify problems before they affect gameplay.
Check NAT Type
NAT Type 2 works best for most players. Type 3 can cause matchmaking issues and voice chat problems. If players see Type 3, they may need to adjust router settings or enable UPnP.
Change DNS Settings
Switching to public DNS servers sometimes improves connection speeds. Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) are popular options. Players can change these under Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
Close Background Applications
Games running in the background consume bandwidth and system resources. Before starting an online session, players should close any suspended games or streaming apps.
Position the Console Properly
For Wi-Fi users, console placement matters. Keeping the PlayStation away from walls, other electronics, and metal objects improves signal strength.
Extend Your Controller Battery Life
Nothing interrupts a gaming session like a dead controller. These PlayStation tips help the DualSense and DualShock batteries last longer.
Lower Controller Brightness
The light bar drains battery constantly. On PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Brightness of Controller Indicators and select “Dim.” PS4 users find similar options under Devices > Controllers.
Reduce Haptic Feedback and Trigger Intensity
The DualSense’s haptic motors and adaptive triggers consume significant power. Players can lower these under Settings > Accessories > Controllers. Setting both to “Weak” extends battery life substantially while still providing feedback.
Disable Controller Speaker
Game audio through the controller speaker uses additional power. Players who don’t need this feature can turn it off or reduce the volume to minimum.
Turn Off Vibration
Vibration motors drain batteries quickly. Disabling vibration entirely adds hours to each charge. This setting lives under Accessories > Controllers.
Use Rest Mode Charging
Connecting controllers while the console is in Rest Mode keeps them charged for the next session. Enable this under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports.
Buy a Second Controller
The most practical solution? Having two controllers means one charges while the other is in use. This eliminates interruptions entirely.
