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How to set up PS5 cloud streaming

⚡ Fast fix

  • Premium gets you access. Cloud streaming is an exclusive perk for PlayStation® Plus Premium members, not the Essential or Extra subscription tiers.
  • Unlock it in the system menu. Turn on cloud streaming from the PS5 system settings, not in the game itself.
  • Plug in for worry-free gameplay. A wired connection to fast, stable internet is key to avoiding lag and buffering.
  • Not every game supports it. As you browse the library, look for titles marked for cloud streaming.

When you're itching to try a new game, there's nothing more painful than staring at the PlayStation download screen. The minutes tick by, and the progress bar has barely budged. Fortunately, with PS5® cloud streaming, you can start playing right away without waiting for a download.

Asurion Experts help gamers get more out of their consoles every day. We'll walk you through how to set up PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming, so you can spend less time waiting and more time slaying zombies.

Make sure your PS5 and subscription qualify

PS5 cloud gaming lets you play without downloading anything first. The game is hosted on a remote server and streams directly to your console, just like a Netflix® show streaming to your TV.

That's different from how Remote Play works on your other devices. This feature lets you stream your console's own games to another screen. For example, if you download Hogwarts Legacy™ on your console, you could use Remote Play to play it on your PS5 handheld or another device while you're on break at work.

To use cloud streaming for PS5, you'll need:

  • An active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription
  • A PS5 console with the latest system software
  • A title from the supported games library

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Turn on cloud streaming and connect to a strong network

Cloud gaming may not automatically work, even if you have the right subscription. Here's how to turn it on in the system settings:

  1. Turn on your PlayStation.
  2. Press the PS button to open Quick Menu.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Select Cloud Streaming and toggle On.

You'll also need at least 5 Mbps of network bandwidth. For the most stable internet, consider plugging an Ethernet cable into the LAN port for a wired connection. You can also connect wirelessly to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network.

A fast and stable connection also usually has low latency. When you press a button on your controller, you should see that action reflected on your screen almost instantly.

If your cloud games are lagging or buffering, try setting up a stronger home network. Typically, the faster your Wi-Fi connection speed, the less likely your game will freeze during a battle or other key scenes.

Launch a supported game

Not all titles work with this game streaming service. It depends on your region and subscription tier. Here's how to find a supported game:

  1. Go to your console's Home screen.
  2. Select the Cloud Streaming tab.
  3. Choose an eligible game from Your Library, Cloud Streaming with PlayStation Plus Premium, or Streaming Games in PlayStation Plus.
  4. Select Stream and start playing.

Fix common PS5 cloud streaming problems

Don't stress if your PS5 cloud streaming is not working. Here are a few common issues and quick fixes:

  • Cloud streaming is missing from the home screen. Make sure you've turned on this feature in the Settings menu.
  • You don't have the right subscription. Currently, cloud streaming is only available to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers.
  • You keep getting connection errors. For the most stable connection, use an Ethernet cable to connect your console directly to your router.
  • Your cloud streaming keeps lagging or freezing. An unstable internet connection or outdated firmware might be the culprit. Start troubleshooting PS5 lag issues by switching to a wired connection if you're using Wi-Fi and updating your console firmware.
  • The game looks fuzzy. Try adjusting the resolution in the streaming quality settings. Open the Quick Menu while you're streaming a game and select Max Resolutionto see your options. You'll need to restart the game to apply your chosen setting.

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FAQ

What is PS5 cloud streaming?

Cloud streaming lets you play games from a remote server instead of downloading them to your device. This option is helpful for game trials and trying out new titles without clogging your PS5's storage space.

Do I need PlayStation Plus Premium for cloud streaming?

Yes, cloud streaming is currently only available for Plus Premium members.

Why is cloud streaming not showing up on my PS5?

If you don't have a Plus Premium subscription, cloud streaming won't show up on your PS5. It's also not available for child accounts, so make sure you haven't accidentally logged into your kid's profile.

Can I use PS5 cloud streaming on mobile devices?

No, cloud streaming is only available if you're using a PS5 console. However, you can use Remote Play to access downloaded games from your phone or tablet.

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