To set up a PS5, connect the console to a display and power, pair the DualSense controller with USB, then follow the on-screen prompts. Afterward, update the system, check display and privacy settings, and transfer data or install games as needed. These instructions apply to PS5, PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro, but stand hardware, storage and disc-drive details vary by model.
What you need before setting up a PS5
Check the box and identify your console model before connecting anything. The standard setup uses the console, DualSense wireless controller, supplied HDMI cable, AC power cable and USB cable for the controller. The box may also include stand or base hardware and printed safety or quick-start information. Contents and stand configuration can vary by model or bundle; use the included cables first and follow the manual for your exact model.
- A TV or monitor with an HDMI input.
- A nearby power outlet or suitable surge-protected power strip.
- Internet access if you want to sign in, download updates or games, and use online services.
- A PlayStation account if you want Store purchases, online services, cloud saves, trophy synchronization or other account features. You can connect the console and play supported offline games without signing in.
- Your PS4 or previous PS5, if you plan to transfer data.
Sony’s PS5 instruction manual provides model-specific setup guidance. For other revisions, find the matching guide through PlayStation manuals and warranties.
Identify your PS5 model
- Disc-equipped PS5: Plays compatible physical PS5 and PS4 game discs as well as digital downloads.
- PS5 Digital Edition: Has no integrated disc drive, so games must be downloaded unless that specific model supports a compatible add-on drive. Check the exact model before buying one.
- PS5 Pro: A performance-focused model with different storage and display considerations. Confirm its box contents and model-specific instructions rather than assuming they match another PS5.
Storage capacity, dimensions, stand installation and disc-drive compatibility can differ across generations and revisions. If you are moving a console between vertical and horizontal positions, consult its own manual rather than relying on a universal placement rule.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Place and connect the console
Set the PS5 on a stable, level surface with ventilation openings unobstructed. Keep it away from enclosed cabinets, heaters, radiators, direct sunlight and moisture. Leave room to reach the ports, power button and disc slot if your model has one. Attach the supplied stand or base as instructed for your model.
- Connect the supplied HDMI cable to the PS5’s HDMI OUT port.
- Connect the other end to an HDMI input on the TV or monitor. The console’s HDMI OUT is not the same as an input on the display.
- Connect the supplied AC power cable to the console and a suitable wall outlet or surge-protected power strip.
- Turn on the display and choose the HDMI input you used.
- Connect the DualSense controller to the PS5 with the supplied USB cable, then press the controller’s PS button.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts.
Using the cable supplied with the console is the simplest starting point. Advanced display modes depend on the console model, display, game, settings and the entire HDMI path.
Pair the DualSense controller
For first pairing, connect the controller to the PS5 by USB and press the PS button. Once paired, it can generally be used wirelessly. A USB-C cable that only supplies power may not complete pairing, so use the supplied cable or another known-good data-capable cable.
If pairing does not work, try another USB port, charge the controller, and reconnect it directly to the console. You can reset the controller using the small reset button on its rear, then try pairing by USB again. Sony’s DualSense controller page has controller information.
Complete first-time setup
Choose a language and follow the prompts for display output, internet access, account sign-in, privacy, power settings and users. The exact screens and labels can change with system software; follow the console’s prompts if they differ from these descriptions. If the interface allows, internet setup can be skipped temporarily, but an internet connection is needed for online features and downloads.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
- Select your language and confirm the display setup.
- Connect to the internet now or skip temporarily if offered.
- Sign in to an existing PlayStation account or create one. If you are upgrading from PS4 and want your purchases, friends, trophies, subscriptions and account information to sync, use the same account. See Getting ready for PS5.
- Set privacy and communication preferences, including who can contact you or invite you to games.
- Choose power and Rest Mode behavior.
- Install a system-software update if one is offered.
- Add other users or family members. If setting up for a child, arrange the child’s account and family controls before independent use.
- Transfer data from an older console if wanted, or continue with a fresh setup.
Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet
After setup, the current connection path is Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Select a Wi-Fi network and enter its password, or connect a LAN cable for wired internet. Sony says PS5 supports IPv6 but not IPv6-only network connections. Details are in Sony’s internet connection guide.
- Ethernet: A good choice when the router is nearby and you want a more consistent connection for downloads or online play; it requires a cable run.
- Wi-Fi: Easier where cabling is impractical, but performance can vary with distance, walls, congestion and router placement.
To check the connection, open Settings > Network > Connection Status. If setup fails, recheck the password, restart the router and PS5, move the console or router, or try Ethernet. Check whether other devices can get online and whether PlayStation Network is having an outage. Hotel, school, apartment and other managed networks may require a sign-in portal or authorization that prevents normal console setup.
Update system software
Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software, then choose Update System Software if an update is available. Sony recommends keeping the console current; some apps or content require up-to-date software. See PS5 system-software update instructions.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIf an ordinary update fails, restart and retry, then check the internet connection and available storage. Use Safe Mode only if normal updating does not work. Sony’s USB update process specifies a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive, a PS5 folder, an UPDATE subfolder and the filename PS5UPDATE.PUP; follow the official instructions exactly. Do not power off during an update or use unofficial files. Do not confuse updating with Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software): reinstallation deletes console data and is not a routine update.
Transfer data from PS4 or another PS5
Sony supports transferring compatible users, saved data, games and settings from a PS4 or another PS5. Update both consoles and sign in to the relevant account before starting. After initial setup, open Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue. Follow Sony’s transfer instructions for the source and destination consoles.
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- Do not turn off either console, change network settings or run connection tests during the transfer.
- The destination PS5 may restart, and some data may continue transferring after the console becomes usable.
- A child account does not use the same initial-transfer route as an adult account; complete the relevant account setup first.
- PS5 saved data cannot ordinarily be copied to a USB drive in the same way as PS4 saves. PlayStation Plus cloud storage or the official transfer process may be alternatives.
For a large transfer, wired networking is generally preferable. If the transfer repeatedly fails, consider cloud storage for supported saves, USB-supported PS4 save transfer, redownloading digital games or reinstalling disc games.
Settings worth checking after setup
Display
Review Settings > Screen and Video for resolution, HDR, screen-size adjustment and available refresh-rate or VRR options. Do not assume 4K, 120 Hz or VRR will work just because the console supports a feature: the display, HDMI cable path, game and settings must also support it.
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Review Settings > Sound for the output device, HDMI device type, headphones, microphone, 3D audio and chat-audio balance. If sound is missing from the TV or headset, check which device is selected as the active output.
Privacy and communication
Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy to review messaging, game invitations, voice chat, friend requests, activity visibility and real-name visibility. Choose settings that fit the user and how the console is shared.
Family and parental controls
Parental controls are account- and family-based, not simply a single console-wide child mode. A family manager can manage playtime, spending, access to games and apps, messaging, voice chat and user-generated content. To add someone, use Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management > Add Family Member. See PlayStation family account setup.
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Rest Mode and power
Open Settings > System > Power Saving. Rest Mode supports faster resumption, controller charging and remote downloads, depending on power and network settings, but uses standby electricity. More restrictive settings reduce standby use. Choose full shutdown when transporting the console, troubleshooting or leaving it unused for an extended period.
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Install games and choose storage
Disc games
On a disc-equipped PS5, insert the game disc and allow installation and any available update to finish. Keep the disc inserted when launching a disc-based game if it is required as the license.
Digital games
Open Game Library, select a purchased title and choose Download. Track progress in Downloads/Uploads. After linking the console to your account and configuring remote features, the PlayStation App can also queue purchased digital games for download. See Getting ready for PS5.
Internal storage, USB storage and M.2 expansion
| Storage choice | Useful for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Internal console storage | Games you play frequently | PS5 games run from the console’s internal storage. |
| External SuperSpeed USB drive | Playing compatible PS4 games and archiving PS5 games | Sony lists a capacity range of 250 GB to 8 TB. PS5 games can be stored on it but must be moved back to internal storage to play. |
| Internal M.2 SSD expansion | Keeping more PS5 games installed and playable | Sony supports compatible M.2 SSD expansion up to 8 TB, subject to performance, size, cooling and compatibility requirements. Update the console before installation. |
Check Sony’s storage requirements before buying an M.2 SSD; not every PCIe 4.0 drive is automatically compatible. To free space quickly, delete games rather than save data if the games are the main source of storage use. You can redownload digital games or reinstall disc games later. Sony’s backup and restore guide covers console backups; its transfer guidance explains saved-data handling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need PlayStation Plus?
No subscription is required for basic console setup or supported offline play. PlayStation Plus may be relevant for online multiplayer in games that require it, cloud storage, monthly games, discounts and subscription catalogs. Free-to-play games may have different multiplayer requirements, so check the individual game.
Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Sony’s listed U.S. plans and prices below are current as of August 18, 2026; prices and benefits can change, and subscriptions renew automatically until canceled. Annual prices are lower than paying monthly for twelve months at these listed rates.
| U.S. plan | Listed monthly price | Listed annual price | Benefits relevant to setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $10.99 | $79.99 | Online multiplayer for games that require the service, monthly games, cloud storage and discounts. |
| Extra | $16.99 | $134.99 | Essential benefits plus the Game Catalog. |
| Premium | $19.99 | $159.99 | Extra benefits plus Classics Catalog, game trials and PS5 cloud streaming. |
See Sony’s U.S. PlayStation Plus plans and PlayStation Plus support. Sony’s current support information lists 100 GB of cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saves. Its Plus information lists a minimum connection of 5 Mbps for cloud streaming, or 15 Mbps for 1080p.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
No picture or “No Signal”
- Confirm that the TV is on the HDMI input connected to the PS5.
- Reseat both ends of the HDMI cable and confirm it is connected to the console’s HDMI OUT.
- Connect the PS5 directly to the display, bypassing a receiver, soundbar, switch or capture card.
- Try a different HDMI input and another known-good cable, then power-cycle the TV and console.
- If the picture still does not appear, start the PS5 in Safe Mode and use an appropriate display-related option, or test another display.
A blank screen does not normally call for a factory reset, which can erase data.
Controller will not connect
Connect it directly to the PS5 with a data-capable USB cable, press the PS button, charge it, and reset it if needed. Try another port or controller if available.
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Wi-Fi setup fails
Recheck the network name and password, restart the router and PS5, try Ethernet, or move the console closer to the router. A phone hotspot can help test whether the problem is specific to the home network, but it is only a diagnostic option. Managed networks may require additional authorization.
Update fails
Check available storage and connectivity, restart and retry, then use Safe Mode if needed. If online updating still fails, follow Sony’s official USB update instructions. Do not choose a system reinstallation as though it were a normal update; it deletes console data.
Transfer is slow or fails
Keep both consoles powered on, avoid changing network settings during the process, and allow for activity to continue after the PS5 becomes usable. If transfer repeatedly fails, use an appropriate cloud or PS4-save transfer route, or redownload or reinstall games.
Storage fills quickly
Move compatible PS4 games to external USB storage, archive PS5 games externally for later transfer back, or consider a compatible M.2 SSD after checking Sony’s requirements. Where supported, remote storage management through the PlayStation App depends on the console’s remote features and Rest Mode settings.
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