New PlayStation Portal? Here’s how to set it up
💡 Need to know
- Your PS5 needs to be ready first. Set up the console, connect it to the internet, and turn on Remote Play before pairing your PlayStation Portal™.
- Use the same PlayStation account. Your Portal and PS5® need to be signed in to the same account.
- A strong connection matters. PlayStation Portal streams games from your PS5, so reliable Wi-Fi makes a big difference.
- Keep your PS5 available. Leave it on or in Rest Mode with the right settings enabled so your Portal can connect when you're ready to play.
Just unboxed your PlayStation Portal? Congrats! You’re probably ready to jump into your favorite PS5 games. But first, you need to complete the initial setup.
Asurion Experts help people get their gaming gear ready to go and troubleshoot issues every day. Here’s how to set up PlayStation Portal in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need first
Before setting up and using your PS Portal, you’ll need:
- A PS5 console—getting your PS5 connected and ready, if you haven’t yet, will make the setup simple and quick
- A PlayStation Network account—a free profile that connects you to online gaming services for PlayStation® consoles
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- A charged PlayStation Portal
You don’t need a PS Plus Premium subscription to link the PS Portal to your console. You only require the subscription for PlayStation cloud gaming, which lets you play games on your Portal when you’re away from home or when your console is turned off.
How to set up a Portal-PS5 connection
To connect PS Portal to PS5, configure your console and then pair it with your Portal.
How to configure your PS5 console for Remote Play
Connect your PS5 to a stable Wi-Fi network and make sure it’s signed in to the PlayStation Network account you want to use in your PS Portal. Next, turn on PS5 Remote Play settings, which allow you to stream and control your console from another device over an internet connection:
- From your console’s home screen, go to Settings > System > Remote Play.
- Turn on Enable Remote Play.
If you want to use Portal while your PS5 is on standby, you’ll need to change a few settings on your console. Here’s how to use PlayStation Portal with PS5 in Rest Mode:
- From your console’s home screen, go to Settings >System > Power Saving.
- Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Turn on Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Switch on Enable Turning On PS5 from Network.

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How to connect Portal to PS5
After unboxing your remote player, charge it using the USB Type-C cable that comes with the package. Plug one end of the PlayStation Portal charging cable into the charging port at the back of the device. The other end can go into a charger or the USB Type-C port on your console.
Here’s how to turn on PS Portal and connect it to PS5:
- Press the power button on the top left of the PS Portal screen.
- Choose your language using the DualSense-style controls or the touch screen.
- Connect your PS Portal to the same Wi-Fi network as your PS5 console.
- Set the date and time zone, then download any available system software update when prompted. After installing the updates, the device may restart and ask you to repeat the PlayStation Portal Wi-Fi setup.
- Sign in to the PlayStation Network account you’re using on your PS5 by entering your details manually or scanning a QR code.
- Set your data collection preferences, then tap Confirm and Continue.
- Select Pair a PS5to connect your console.
While pairing, you’ll see Connecting to [Name of your PS5] at the top left of your screen. Once the PlayStation-Portal pairing is complete, you’ll see Ready to Play. You can then press X to access your PS5 games on your PlayStation Portal.
Fix common PS5 Portal setup snags
Experiencing setup issues? Here are common problems that may prevent your Portal from connecting to your PS5:
- A weak Wi-Fi connection that keeps dropping: Move closer to your router or connect your PS5 and Portal to a stronger Wi-Fi network.
- Your PlayStation Portal Remote Play is off: Enable the setting on your PS5 before trying to pair your Portal.
- Your Portal’s software is outdated: Check for a system update and install it before trying to connect your PS Portal to your console.
Try advanced troubleshooting if your Portal still won’t connect to your PS5. You can also check whether PlayStation Network is down.
FAQ
Do I need PlayStation Plus to set up my Portal?
No. You don’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription to connect your Portal to your PS5. The premium subscription is only required for cloud streaming.
Can I connect my PlayStation Portal to a PS4?
No. PlayStation Portal connects to a PS5 console for Remote Play. It can’t connect to a PS4.
How fast does my Wi-Fi need to be for PlayStation Portal?
Sony®recommends a minimum speed of 5Mbps for PlayStation Portal, though 15 Mbps or faster offers a better gaming experience.
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