How to set up a PS4 or PS4 Pro

The PS4 and PS4 Pro are the most popular consoles available at the moment, with a combined 103m units sold since the original unit was introduced in 2013. It holds a lion’s share of the market compared to Microsoft’s Xbox One S and Xbox One X, and the Nintendo Switch too.

But how do you set Sony’s consoles up? It’s a fairly straight-forward process, and here we explain exactly how to set up your brand new PS4 or PS4 Pro. 

Setting up your PS4: A Guide

Before we get into the setup, it’s worth noting that the PS4 box has been designed as a carry case for safe transportation, so it may be worth keeping it handy for such situations. Resist the temptation to rip it open!

Connect the console to the TV

1. The first part of the setup is connecting the console to your TV, of course. 
2. Plug the included HDMI cable into your TV and the PS4’s HDMI Out port.
3. Plug the power cable into the rear of the console, and plug the other end into a power source.
4. Plug the Ethernet cable into the rear of the console if not using Wi-Fi to connect to the internet.
5. Plug the small end of the included micro USB cable into the DualShock 4 controller, and the other end into the USB port of the PS4.
6. To turn on the PS4, either hold the PS button on the DualShock 4 controller or press the power button on the front of the console.

Connect to the internet

Once the console has powered on, the next step is to connect to the internet. Once you’ve connected, you’ll be able to download games from the PlayStation Store and game online via the PlayStation Network. While Ethernet provides a faster internet connection, Wi-Fi is the easiest option for most users.

1. From the Home screen, press Up on the directional controls on your controller to access the top navigation bar, and select Settings.
2. Within the Settings menu, click Network > Set up Internet Connection and select your preferred method of connection – Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
3. Select the Easy setup method, select your Wi-Fi network from the displayed list and enter the password. Select “Do Not Use” if prompted about proxy servers.
4. Next, select “Test Internet Connection” to run a test that makes sure you’re connected to the internet and the PlayStation Network.

Update the PS4 system software

Once you’re connected to the internet, the next step is to update your system software – you’ll have to do this before accessing the PlayStation Store or any other online feature of the console. In most cases, the software update will begin downloading in the background, but it won’t be automatically installed.

1.  From the Home menu, press Up on the DualShock 4 D-Pad to access the Function menu and select Notifications.
2. Select Downloads from the left-hand side.
3. Highlight the System Software Update and press the X button. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, pressing Next and Update when prompted.
5. The PS4 will then restart and begin the installation of the update – you just sit tight.
6. Once the update has been installed, the PS4 will restart.
7. Once it’s powered up, press the PS button on your controller and enjoy access to all the online features of the PS4. 

Once you’re connected and fully up-to-date, you can head to the PlayStation Store and download your favourite games. Oh, and take a look at our PlayStation VR review if you want to upgrade your PS4 gaming experience.