How to Use a PS5 Without a Controller

Aaron Donald May 9, 2023

Playing your favorite PS5 games, even without a controller, is highly convenient. You can do this by using the “Remote Play” feature.

Learning how to use a PS5 without a controller and how to work the “Remote Play” feature can also be beneficial if you don’t have an available monitor or TV for your console.

Here’s what you need to know about the PS5 “Remote Play.”

What You Need for Remote Play

If your controller isn’t working, or you just want to play without your PS5 controller, you will need the following:

A smartphone, tablet, or computer
A PlayStation Network account
A high-speed internet connection

It’s best to avoid playing on mobile, given the app’s high data usage compared to streaming services. In addition, you will need to ensure your mobile device or computer has a built-in microphone to use in-game voice chat.

Remote Play Setup

Before you can start playing, you need to do two things. First, you must enable Remote Play on your console and then use the Remote Play app to launch your game.

You can use a different controller if your PS5 Dual Sense is damaged or missing, which can be any compatible non-PS5 controller (PS4 Dual Shock or a PS4 compatible controller).

You can also use a Bluetooth/USB mouse and keyboard to set up Remote Play. A mouse lets you navigate the Dashboard, Settings, and apps like Netflix and Hulu.

Once you have a usable device, you can use it to set up Remote Play on the PlayStation 5 console.

Here’s how to enable Remote Play:

Launch your PS5 console.
Go to the “Settings” menu.
Select the “System” tab.
Select the “Remote Play” feature.
Use the slider to enable “Remote Play.” If you don’t leave the PS5 turned on or in rest mode, you won’t be able to use “Remote Play” to control the console.
Leave your PS5 on or in rest mode.
Launch your PS5 and go to the “Settings” menu.
Select the “System” tab.
Go to the “Power Saving” page.
Select “Features Available in Rest Mode.”
Enable the “Stay Connected to the Internet” feature.
Turn on the “Enable Turning on PS5 from Network” option.

How to Use the Remote Play App

This is what you need to do to install the app, depending on your device.

Go to the Google Store or App Store.
Download and install the “Remote Play” app.
Launch the app and follow the instructions.
Select your PS5 from the list of devices on your network.
Enter the eight-digit code if prompted.
Go to “Video Quality for Remote Play” and change the video settings in accordance with the capabilities of your device.
Select a compatible game and start playing.

How to Use Remote Play on a Computer

Before using “Remote Play,” you should ensure that your computer has at least the Windows 10 OS installed and a newer-generation CPU. The RAM requirements are only 2 GB.

Here are the steps to follow:

Download and install the “Remote Play” app on your computer.
Follow the installation wizard.
Prepare your PS5 by enabling the “Remote Play” feature.
Optionally, enable the “Stay Connected to the Internet” option.
Turn on the “Turning on PS5 from Network” feature.
Connect your PS5 to your computer via a USB cable.
Launch the “Remote Play” app on your computer.
Log into your PSN account.
Configure your video settings.
Select the PS5 console from the list of available devices.
Use your mouse to configure the buttons or connect a controller to your computer.

Remote Play Compatibility

You should understand that the “Remote Play” feature has some limitations. For example, it can’t be used simultaneously with the “Share Screen” or “Share Play” features.

In addition, the feature won’t allow you to watch a Blu-Ray movie or stream music on Spotify. The same applies to the PSVR mode.

Furthermore, not all games can be played via “Remote Play.” You may find a selection of compatible titles in the PlayStation store. But as a general rule, any game requiring the PlayStation Camera or the PSVR mode won’t support “Remote Play.”

It may also interest you to know that “Remote Play” is available on PS4, too, so you can use this feature on an older-generation console.

PS5 Games on Demand

A broken controller is one of the main reasons to use the “Remote Play” feature on your PS5. But the feature can also be used when using another screen to enjoy your PS5 games.

Despite not all titles being available and no streaming compatibility, “Remote Play” is one of the best quality-of-life improvements implemented, starting with PS4.

Have you used the “Remote Play” feature? Use the comments section below to let us know how this experience went for you and if you figured out more ways to make the most out of “Remote Play.”