There is no single best PS5 setup: the right choices depend on your TV or monitor, the games you play, your account and accessibility needs, and personal preference. These eight checks cover display output, game defaults, audio, accessibility, privacy, and shortcuts. You can change any of them later.
1. Check your display’s video output options
Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Review the capabilities the PS5 detects from your connected HDMI display, then check the options that matter to your setup, including resolution, 120 Hz output, variable refresh rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and HDR. Those features require compatible equipment, and some also depend on the game.
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With Resolution set to Automatic, the PS5 selects the highest resolution it detects as supported. PlayStation explains this behavior in its PS5 resolution guidance. If enabling 120 Hz causes video output problems, PlayStation advises turning it off. If applying VRR to games that do not support it causes unexpected behavior, disable that option.
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2. Choose how HDR handles non-HDR content
In Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, the HDR setting determines what happens to content that was not made for HDR:
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- On When Supported: HDR is used for supported content; unsupported content stays in SDR.
- Always On: the PS5 converts non-HDR-compatible games and apps to HDR output.
Neither setting is automatically better for every display or viewer. Compare them with the content you actually play and keep the option whose image looks right to you. Use Adjust HDR in the same area to set brightness. See PlayStation’s video output and HDR guidance.
3. Set game presets for your usual preferences
Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Depending on the game, you can choose defaults for difficulty, performance or resolution mode, camera view, subtitles and audio, and online multiplayer sessions.
Performance or resolution
When a game offers both modes, performance mode prioritizes smoother motion, while resolution mode prioritizes higher graphic quality. Try the option that suits how you play; the choice is not available in every game.
Other defaults
Presets can save time by applying your preferred starting choices, but they are not universal overrides: they apply to PS5 games and may not work in every title. Check a game’s own settings if it does not follow a preset. PlayStation lists the available options in its PS5 game presets guide.
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4. Measure 3D audio for your TV speakers
If you use TV speakers, open Settings > Sound > 3D Audio (TV) and follow the on-screen measurement instructions. The PS5 uses the wireless controller’s built-in microphone to measure the room acoustics. Listen to stereo and 3D audio with your usual seating position, then choose what sounds better to you.
Repeat the measurement if you move the TV, change where you sit, or make a significant change to the room. The steps are described in PlayStation’s 3D audio setup guide.
5. Compare headphone 3D audio profiles if you use headphones
PS5 also offers a personalized 3D audio profile for headphones and five preset profiles. Compare the available profiles and select the one that sounds best to you; there is no need to buy headphones just to improve your settings. Headphone and TV-speaker setup are separate options, so use the one that matches how you listen. PlayStation covers both in its 3D audio instructions.
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6. Review accessibility options
Open Settings > Accessibility and explore the options that make the console and games easier or more comfortable to use. Relevant controls include display and text settings, zoom, screen reader, captions, chat transcription, controller settings, and custom button assignments.
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- Display and motion: adjust text size, bold text, high contrast, color correction, or reduce motion.
- Reading and communication: review screen reader and caption options. Screen reader languages are limited, and chat transcription in games requires support from the game.
- Controls: configure controller options and custom button assignments. Console-navigation haptics work only with the controller types PlayStation lists as supported.
Availability can depend on language, controller, or game support. Consult PlayStation’s PS5 accessibility settings guide for the current options and compatibility details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Match privacy and communication controls to your account
Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy. You can start with one of four presets—Social and Open, Team Player, Friend Focused, or Solo and Focused—or customize individual controls for activity visibility, personal information, messages, friends, and multiplayer.
Think about the trade-off you want: broader visibility and communication can make it easier to connect, while narrower controls limit who can see or contact you. For a child account, some settings may be managed by the family manager. PlayStation explains the controls in its PS5 privacy settings guide.
8. Reorder Control Center shortcuts and review Rest Mode
Put frequent controls within reach
Press the PS button to open the Control Center. Highlight a control, press Options, then move it to change its position. Sound, mic, accessories, profile, and power functions are available there; some icons cannot be hidden. Rearranging the shortcuts you use most can reduce menu navigation.
See PlayStation’s Control Center guide.
Know what Rest Mode can do
Rest Mode supports functions such as charging a controller, downloading software updates, and keeping a game or app suspended. The exact available behavior can depend on console configuration; consult PlayStation’s PS5 quick-start guide for current guidance.
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