The PS4 console along with the PS5 feature the ability to remotely play games on your computer or smartphone. This feature is a popular selling point for the PlayStation console. The remote play app generally does a good job of automatically detecting your console but occasionally it falls short. In these situations, it will ask you to enter the IP address of your PlayStation. Some people exclusively use the remote play function and do not have their console connected to a TV. In this situation you will need to locate the IP address from your computer or smartphone.
Step 1) Power on Your PlayStation 4 / 5 Console
Press the power button on your PlayStation console and make sure it powers on. The console must be powered on for the following procedure to work properly.
Step 2) Ensure Your PlayStation is Connected to Your Network
If your PlayStation has been previously connected to your Wi-Fi it should connect automatically assuming your Wi-Fi SSID or password has not changed. If your Wi-Fi configuration has changed you will need to temporally connect your console to your network with an ethernet cable or connect a TV and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
If you are already using ethernet simply make sure the cable is firmly connected to your PS4 / PS5 console and to your router or switch. If needed temporarily relocate your console next to your router and connect it via ethernet.
Step 3) Download a Free IP Scanner Tool
From your computer download a free IP scanner tool. You can also do this on your smartphone if you prefer, however it is easier on a computer. The IP scanner I recommend is called Advanced IP Scanner.
From this point you will want to download the IP scanner. If you are using the tool I recommend, you have the option of running a portable version of the software which doesn’t leave anything on your computer after you are finished using the program.
Step 4) Run the Scan
Press scan and allow the software to scan your network for devices. This will usually take between 30 seconds and a minute to complete. Generally you do not need to change the IP address range that is being scanned. The software by defaults scans the same network that your computer is connected to. Assuming your PlayStation is connected to the same network it will show up in the scan results.
Step 5) Find Your PlayStation in the List of Discovered Devices.
When the scan finishes you will get a list of devices found on your network. From here you will look for a device named PlayStation or something similar. In many cases that will be the name that shows up. If you do not see a device called PlayStation 4 / 5 you will want to looks for anything that looks similar such as Microsoft or gaming.
From here you will want to record the IP address of your Ps4 / PS5 console. Once you have recorded the IP address you are good to go. Enter that IP address into your remote play application and you will hopefully be able to connect. If your PlayStation doesn’t show up make sure it is powered on and connected to your network. If you are still having trouble, try temporarily setting your PlayStation right beside your router and plugging it in with a short ethernet patch cable. This will ensure your console is connected to your network. If you don’t have an ethernet cable you can purchase one very affordably.
Step 6) Optional: Set Up a Static IP Address
From here you will want to set up your PS4 / PS5 console with a static IP address. Once you assign a static IP address your IP address will never change. This way you simply need to make note of this IP address and you will always be able to connect. This step is optionally but highly recommended for sure.
Option 2: Login to Your Router to View the IP Address
Step 1) Power on Your PlayStation 4 / 5 Console
Press the power button on your PlayStation console and make sure it powers on. The console must be powered on for the following procedure to work properly.
Step 2) Ensure Your PlayStation is Connected to Your Network
If your PlayStation has been previously connected to your Wi-Fi it should connect automatically assuming your Wi-Fi SSID or password has not changed. If your Wi-Fi configuration has changed you will need to temporally connect your console to your network with an ethernet cable or connect a TV and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
If you are already using ethernet simply make sure the cable is firmly connected to your PS4 / PS5 console and to your router or switch. If needed temporarily relocate your console next to your router and connect it via ethernet.
Step 3) Login to Your Router
ou will want to complete the remaining steps on your computer, it can be either a PC or Mac. It will make the process much easier. If you do not have access to a computer, they can also be completed on a tablet or smartphone. Using a computer is highly recommended given the small text on your router configuration settings page.
Open your web browser. I am using Chrome, but this process will also work in any modern web browser including Safari, Edge, Firefox, etc. In the address bar enter the gateway IP address you wrote down from the previous step and press enter.
This will open your router’s login page. You may get a security warning because many routers use a self signed SSL certificate. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern. Simply choose to proceed anyways. You may need to click advanced to expose this option if you are using Chrome.
From here you will reach the login page of your router. If you changed your login credentials when you set up your router you will enter them here. If you did not change your login credentials you will enter the default credentials for your router. Sometimes they are printed on the bottom of your router. If not simply Google the brand of your router and look up the default login credentials.
Step 4) Find Your PlayStation Console’s IP Address
Once you enter your login credentials successfully, you will reach the admin dashboard of your router. From here you will want to find your DHCP settings. On some routers this will be listed under LAN settings, on others it will be directly on the initial dashboard screen. Your router will likely look a little different than mine but most routers will have a DHCP settings page. Once you find your DHCP settings page you will want to open it up.
Now that you have opened up your DHCP settings, you will want to find your PlayStation console in the list of connected devices. Depending on how many devices are connected to your router this list may be short or long.
Step 5) Optional: Set Up a Static IP Address
From here you will want to set up your PS4 / PS5 console with a static IP address. Once you assign a static IP address your IP address will never change. This way you simply need to make note of this IP address and you will always be able to connect. You can easily set a static IP address by making a DHCP reservation from within your router’s settings menu. This step is completely optional but highly recommended to prevent your PlayStation’s IP address from changing.