Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To play your PS4 on a phone, use PS Remote Play. To keep playing on the TV while using your phone for menu control, text entry, or compatible-game extras, use PS4 Second Screen. They are separate features: Remote Play streams the PS4 display, while Second Screen does not mirror the game.
Choose the right PS4 feature
| What you want | Feature | What appears on the phone | Does the TV remain the main display? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play the PS4 from your phone | PS Remote Play | The PS4 display, with controls | No; the phone shows the streamed PS4 experience |
| Use the phone alongside the TV | PS4 Second Screen | Menu controls, a keyboard, or information in games that support it | Usually yes |
| Manage account activity, messages, or downloads | PlayStation App | PlayStation account and app features; Remote Play can also be launched from the app | Not applicable |
| Mirror the PS4 to a phone without using an app | Not supported as a generic phone feature | No display | Not applicable |
Sony describes Remote Play as a way to stream and play PS4 games on another screen, and documents PS4 Second Screen separately. See PlayStation App features and Sony’s PlayStation App support page.
Use PS Remote Play to play on your phone
Remote Play works with supported Android phones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads. Check the current PS Remote Play listing in your region’s app store for device and operating-system requirements; those can change. You also need a PlayStation account, the same account signed in on the PS4 and phone, an internet connection, and the PS4 activated as that account’s primary console. Sony’s setup instructions are at Remote Play on mobile devices.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Enable Remote Play and activate the PS4
- On the PS4, open Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings.
- Turn on Enable Remote Play.
- Open Settings > Account Management.
- Select Activate as Your Primary PS4, then choose Activate. An account can have only one primary PS4 at a time.
Allow the PS4 to wake from Rest Mode
These settings let Remote Play wake the console over the network; the PS4 must be in Rest Mode rather than fully powered off.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
- Open Settings > Power Save Settings.
- Select Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Enable Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network.
Connect from the mobile device
- Install PS Remote Play from the official app store for your device.
- Open the app, select Sign In, and use the same PlayStation account as on the PS4.
- Select PS4 and let the app search for the console. If it finds more than one, select the one you want.
- Once connected, the PS4 display appears in the app. Later, you can select a previously connected console.
Sony’s mobile setup page covers automatic console discovery and connecting again: PS4 support.
Choose a control method
You can use the app’s touch controls or a compatible physical controller. Sony documents DUALSHOCK 4 support on supported mobile devices; compatibility with other controllers depends on the device and app. Touch controls are handy for menus, while a physical controller is generally easier for precise gameplay. Pairing a controller with a phone is separate from pairing it with the PS4: use the phone’s Bluetooth settings to connect, then pair it with the console again when you want to use it there.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Use PS4 Second Screen alongside the TV
PS4 Second Screen is for companion features rather than a video feed. Sony described it as supporting PS4 menu control, phone-keyboard text entry, and extra information in games designed to use the feature. It was announced as a separate app in 2017, not simply a mode inside the PlayStation App. See Sony’s Second Screen announcement.
Before following older setup guides, check whether PS4 Second Screen appears in the current Apple App Store or Google Play listing for your country and device. Sony support materials still reference the feature, but that does not guarantee current app availability on every platform or in every region.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere — perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style — just close the grip, press down, twist 90°, and snap on a new top.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile — a timeless essential for any phone.
- PopSockets Ecosystem: Mix and match your favorite PopSockets products — from grips and wallets to cases and mounts — all designed to work together seamlessly.
Pair the app with the PS4
- Connect the phone and PS4 to the same local Wi-Fi network.
- On the PS4, open Settings > Mobile App Connection Settings, then select Add Device.
- Note the registration number displayed on the TV.
- Open PS4 Second Screen on the phone. Sign in if prompted, choose the PS4, and enter the registration number.
- Complete the pairing prompts. Menu labels can vary with system language and app version.
Know what game support means
Second Screen extras are specific to each game. A supported title might use the phone for a map, radar, inventory, or another companion interface; installing the app does not add those features to games that do not implement them. Historical Sony examples included Grand Theft Auto V, Tearaway Unfolded, Watch Dogs, and Wolfenstein: The New Order. These are examples from Sony coverage published in 2020, not a current compatibility list: Sony’s 2020 PlayStation apps overview.
Improve Remote Play quality
Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and 5 Mbps download, with 15 Mbps or higher in both directions recommended for better performance. These are connection-speed recommendations, not promises of low latency or uninterrupted play. Sony also suggests 5 GHz Wi-Fi where possible. The PS4 Remote Play resolution choices Sony documents are 360p, 540p, and 720p; the cited resolution menu applies to PS4 Remote Play and excludes PS4 Pro, so options can differ by console, device, and connection.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
- Connect the PS4 to the router by Ethernet if practical, and use a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for the phone.
- Pause downloads and other heavy network activity while playing.
- In the mobile app, open Settings > Video Quality for Remote Play and lower resolution if the stream stutters or looks unstable.
- Use mobile data only if your plan can handle the usage; Sony warns that Remote Play can consume substantial mobile data.
- If the app offers a frame-rate setting, try a lower setting when the connection is unstable.
For Sony’s connection guidance, including resolution options and network troubleshooting, see PS4 Remote Play connection troubleshooting.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTroubleshoot connection and display problems
The Remote Play app cannot find the PS4
- Confirm that both devices are online and signed in to the same PlayStation account.
- On the PS4, verify Enable Remote Play is on and that this console is activated as the account’s primary PS4.
- Update the PS4 system software and mobile app, then restart the app, phone, and console.
- Check that the phone and console are not separated by a guest Wi-Fi network or network isolation setting.
- Test the PS4’s internet connection; try Ethernet for the console if available.
- If connection still fails, investigate router firewall and NAT restrictions. Sony identifies UDP port 8572 and NAT Type 3 as possible connection issues; router changes can affect security and other devices, so consult the router or ISP guidance before changing settings.
Remote Play connects but lags or looks poor
- Move closer to the Wi-Fi access point and use 5 GHz Wi-Fi when available.
- Reduce network congestion, connect the PS4 by Ethernet, and lower the stream resolution in app settings.
- If the problem happens only away from home, check mobile coverage, carrier restrictions, and the home router’s NAT or firewall behavior.
The PS4 does not wake from Rest Mode
Check that the console is in Rest Mode, not fully off, and that both Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network are enabled under Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Second Screen pairs but has no game information
Pairing alone does not provide a game companion display. Check the game’s own instructions for Second Screen support or an in-game setting. If the title does not support it, the app cannot add a map or other extra view.
The picture is blank or partly missing
Sony notes that some images may not appear in Remote Play and that certain functions cannot be used at the same time. Restart the app, update it, lower stream quality, and test another game to distinguish a connection problem from a game or feature restriction. Remote Play has restrictions involving, among other things, Share Play, PS Plus Premium cloud game streaming, PS4 broadcasting while controlling a PS4 through Remote Play, Blu-ray and DVD playback, VR modes, music playback, and some video services. Check Sony’s current troubleshooting guidance for the applicable limitation.
Quick Recap
If neither app fits
- For text entry while the TV remains in use, a compatible physical keyboard is an alternative to the Second Screen keyboard.
- If a specific game has its own companion app, check the publisher’s documentation; that app may provide features separate from Sony’s Second Screen.
- PS Remote Play is also available for supported computers, which can be useful when a larger secondary display is preferable to a phone.
- A capture card is an advanced recording or streaming option, not the simplest way to play a PS4 on a phone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
