You’ve just set up your new PS5, but there’s a small problem: the TV is occupied. Your laptop screen is sitting right there, looking crisp and clear, and a question pops into your head: can I just use my laptop as a monitor for my PS5? It seems like a simple and convenient solution, and you’re not alone in wondering about it.
Unfortunately, the short and direct answer is no, you cannot directly connect your PS5 to your laptop’s screen with an HDMI cable. Laptop HDMI ports are almost always designed as outputs to send a signal to a larger display, not to receive one from a console. But don’t lose hope just yet—while the direct method is off the table, there is a clever workaround that can get the job done.
The Workaround: Streaming with Remote Play
Instead of a physical cable connection, you can use Sony’s official PS Remote Play application. This free software streams the video and audio from your PS5 directly to your laptop over your home Wi-Fi network. It essentially turns your laptop into a wireless monitor for your gaming sessions, allowing you to play most of your PS5 games right on your laptop.
Setting Up Remote Play on Your Laptop
Getting started is straightforward. First, download and install the PS Remote Play app from Sony’s official website onto your laptop. On your PS5, navigate to Settings > System > Remote Play and ensure the feature is enabled. It’s also best to connect your PS5 to your network with an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Finally, sign in to the same PlayStation Network account on both the app and your console, and they should link up automatically.
What to Expect from the Experience
While Remote Play is a fantastic tool, it’s important to manage your expectations. The quality of your gameplay will depend heavily on the speed and stability of your Wi-Fi. You might experience some slight input lag, which makes it less ideal for highly competitive, fast-paced games where split-second reactions are key. For single-player adventures, RPGs, or more casual games, however, it works wonderfully and is a great way to keep playing when the TV is unavailable.
A Quick Tip for Better Gameplay
For the best possible Remote Play session, connect your laptop to your router with an Ethernet cable as well. This creates a wired network between your devices, significantly reducing lag and improving visual quality. Also, using a USB cable to connect your DualSense controller directly to your laptop can provide a more responsive feel than using a Bluetooth connection.
So, while you can’t plug a cable directly from your PS5 into your laptop, the Remote Play feature offers a powerful and official alternative. It might take a little setup, but it provides a fantastic way to access your PS5 from the comfort of your laptop screen whenever you need to.
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