How to Use PS4 PlayStation 4 Remote Play on Your PC Mac Guide

Remote Play, the nifty PlayStation 4 feature that allows you to stream your games wherever you go, has now been extended to the PC and Mac. This means that, in addition to the PlayStation Vita, you'll be able to play all of your games on a laptop or a MacBook – as long as you have a DualShock 4 controller and a USB charging cable handy. But how do you setup this futuristic feature? We've provided a quick start guide below.

1. Download and install the Remote Play software your PC or Mac

The first stage is to download and install Sony's new Remote Play software to your PC or Mac. You can find the installer through here. Once you've downloaded the file, opening it will whisk you away to a wizard which should make installing the relevant files a cinch. Remember, your computer will need the following recommended specs in order for Remote Play to perform properly:

Windows PC

  • A computer with either of the following operating systems:
  • Windows® 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows® 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Intel Core i5-560M Processor 2.67 GHz or faster
  • 100 MB or more of available storage
  • 2 GB or more of RAM
  • 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution
  • Sound card
  • USB port

Mac

  • A computer with either of the following operating systems:
  • OS X Yosemite or OS X El Capitan
  • Intel Core i5-520M Processor 2.40 GHz or faster
  • 40 MB or more of available storage
  • 2 GB or more of RAM
  • USB port

Your PS4 will also need to updated to firmware update v3.50.

Remote Play Connection Settings PS4 PlayStation 4 1

2. Enable Remote Play on your PS4

If you've used Remote Play on your Vita, then you can probably skip this step. However, if you haven't, you may want to check that the feature is enabled on your console. From the main menu screen, push up and scroll to 'Settings' on the top layer of the user interface. Scroll down the big list that appears and select 'Remote Play Connection Settings'. Then tick the checkbox that says 'Enable Remote Play'.

You may also want to ensure that the PS4 is your primary system. Again, from the Settings menu, select 'PlayStation Network Account Management', then 'Activate As Your Primary PS4 Account', then 'Activate'.

If you want to enable Remote Play from Rest Mode, return to the Settings menu and select 'Power Saving Settings', then 'Set Features Available in Rest Mode'. Check the boxes alongside 'Stay Connected to the Internet' and 'Enable Turning on PS4 from Network'.

3. Connect Your DualShock 4 to your PC or Mac

In order for Remote Play to work, you'll need to connect your DualShock 4 to your PC or Mac. Using the USB charging cable that comes with the console, simply plug your controller into an open USB port on your computer.

4. Open the Remote Play software

With everything set up and the Remote Play software installed on your computer, open it by clicking the shortcut saved on your machine. It'll search for updates before opening a dialogue box reminding you to plug in your controller. Click the 'Start' button and you'll be prompted to login using your PlayStation Network details. Enter these, and the software will start searching for a PS4 on your network.

Remote Play PS4 PlayStation 4 PC Mac Walkthrough Installation Help

5. Enjoy Accessing Remote Play on your PC or Mac

Bumping up the image quality

After a minute or so, you should see your PS4's screen on your computer. You can now browse the PlayStation Store, play games, or message your friends remotely. If you want to improve the image quality of Remote Play, then return to the previous step, and select the 'Settings' option before pushing ' Start'. Here you'll have the option to increase the visual fidelity to 720p, and bump the framerate to 'High'.