You can connect your PS4 to your iPhone or Android with the PlayStation app. Once the two devices are connected, you can control the PS4 via your phone, or use your phone as a second screen if the game you're playing supports. You can also connect a USB drive to your PS4 to play video files or back up data.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Connecting a Smartphone with the PlayStation App
Step 1. Download the PlayStation app on your phone
You can download the PlayStation app for free from the App Store or Play Store. The PlayStation app is available for iPhone and Android
Step 2. Connect PS4 and phone to the same network
- You can connect your PS4 to a network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. In order to connect to each other, the PS4 and the phone must be connected to the same network.
- Check PS4 network settings in Settings > Network menu. If you're connecting your PS4 via Ethernet, make sure your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network on the same router.
Step 3. Open the Settings menu on PS4
It's in the top-right corner of the screen. To access this menu, press Up on the PS4 main menu
Step 4. Select the PlayStation App Connection Settings option.
Select Add Device. You will see the code on the screen
Step 5. Open the PlayStation app on your phone
To access PS4 via mobile, you don't need to sign in to your PSN account
Step 6. Tap Connect to PS4.
This option is at the bottom of the screen
Step 7. Tap on your PS4
PS4 will appear on the Connect to PS4 screen, with the caption Powered On. If your PS4 doesn't appear on the screen, check the network connections on both devices, and make sure your phone and PS4 are connected to the same network. To search the PS4, tap Refresh
Step 8. Enter the code that appears on the PS4
This 8-digit code will allow the phone to connect to the PS4
Step 9. Connect your phone to PS4
After entering the code, your phone will instantly connect to the PS4. You can control PS4 directly through your phone
Step 10. Enable PS4 controls by tapping on the Second Screen option
- This option will turn your phone into a controller, which you can use to navigate PS4 menus. Unfortunately, you can't control the game with the controller on your phone screen.
- Swipe the screen to move between menus, then tap the phone screen to select.
Step 11. Enable the Second Screen function for a specific game
Some games allow you to use your phone as a second screen. If the game you're playing supports the second screen feature, tap the "2" icon at the top of the virtual PS4 controller on your phone
Step 12. Use your phone as a PS4 keyboard
Tap the keyboard icon on your phone to make your phone a PS4 keyboard. This way, you can type on the PS4 more easily
Step 13. Turn off the PS4
When you're done using your PS4, you can turn off your PS4 directly from your phone. Close the Second Screen controller, then tap Power. If your PS4 is set to turn off completely, you will be prompted to turn off the PS4. Meanwhile, if your PS4 is set to enter Rest Mode mode, your PS4 will enter Rest Mode mode
Part 2 of 2: Using a USB Drive
Step 1. Format the USB drive to match the PS4
- You can use a USB drive to play media files or save game data. In order for the drive to be recognized by the PS4, you must first format the drive. The format process will erase all data on the drive. However, most USB drives already have a format suitable for the PS4.
- Right-click the drive on the computer, and then click Format. In the File System column, select FAT32 or exFAT.
Step 2. Create "MUSIC", "MOVIES", and "PHOTOS" folders on the drive
PS4 requires that you store data in the appropriate folder structure. Make sure the folder is on the outermost part of the USB drive
Step 3. Copy the media you want to play to the appropriate folder
Copy music to the MUSIC folder, videos to the MOVIES folder, and photos to the PHOTOS folder
Step 4. Connect the drive to the USB port on the PS4
Some thick drives can't be connected to the PS4 due to the location of the USB port that doesn't allow it
Step 5. Open the Media Player app to play music and videos
You can find this application in Library > Apps
Step 6. Select your USB drive to display its contents
You will be asked to select a drive when you open Media Player
Step 7. Find the content you want
The content you enter will be organized by folder
Step 8. Play the content you want
The song or video you selected will play immediately. To return to the PS4 main menu, press the Home button. The music will still play in the background
Step 9. Copy your game data to the USB drive
- You can back up game data to a USB drive.
- Open the Settings application, then select Application Save Data Management.
- Select Saved Data in System Storage, then select the data you want to back up.
- Press the Options button, then select Copy to USB Storage.
- Select the files you want to copy, then click Copy.
Step 10. Copy screenshots and game videos to USB drive
- You can use a USB drive to save game videos and screenshots.
- Open the Capture Gallery app from the Library.
- Find the content you want to copy to the USB drive.
- Press the Options button, then select Copy to USB Storage.
- Select the files you want to copy, then click Copy. The file will be copied to the USB drive.
