How to Set Up a PlayStation 4

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. What's in the Box

Once you've unboxed the PlayStation 4, the base system should include the following items:

• the console itself
• a wireless controller
• a power cable
• an HDMI cable
• a controller charging USB cable
• an earbud with integrated microphone

It's recommended you keep the box your PlayStation 4 came in, as it's designed to be used as a carrying case so you can transport it safely.

2. Identify Buttons and Ports

The PlayStation 4 comes in three main models: Original, Slim and Pro. Below are some images for reference on how they look alike and how they differ.

• PlayStation 4 Original front and rear views
  

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• PlayStation 4 Slim front and rear views
  

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• PlayStation 4 Pro front and rear views
  

3. Connect Power

The AC IN connector shape on the power cable varies depending on your PlayStation 4 model.

1. Plug one end of the power cable into the AC IN port on the back of the PlayStation 4
2. Then plug the other end into a power outlet.
3. Power on the PlayStation 4 by pressing and releasing the power switch located on the front side of the device. You will hear it beep briefly when pressing it.

4. Connect Device to TV Via HDMI

5. Connect Controller

You only need to have the wireless controller plugged in when you're recharging it or when you have to activate it with the console for the first time you are using it.

1. Plug one end of the provided wireless controller USB cable into a USB port on the front of the PlayStation 4.
   
   

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2. Plug the other end into the micro USB port on top of the wireless controller.
   
   

6. Navigation

To navigate the PlayStation 4 first time setup and main screen you will need to use the directional buttons to select items, X to confirm an action or enter and O to cancel an action or go back.

Depending on the version of system software installed, the first time setup screens and navigation screens may vary but should contain similar options and content. Once the first time setup is completed, the main screen will be split up in three areas:

1. Function Area
2. Content Area
3. Content Info Area
   
   

7. Basic Setup

1. If it hasn't been done already, power on the PlayStation 4 by pressing and releasing the power switch located on the front side of the device. You will hear it beep briefly.
2. On the first screen you will have to register the controller with the console. We have already wired the controller to the console during the cable setup steps. Now, you only need to press the PS button. Once the controller is activated you no longer need to have it plugged in with the USB cable.
   

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2. Select and confirm the language you want to use on your PlayStation 4.
   

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2. The next screen will show you a list of steps that will be taken to setup your PlayStation 4. Press Next.
   

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2. If you wired your PlayStation 4 to your internet device with an Ethernet cable then your Internet connection will be detected and setup automatically. If you haven't done that then you will get a message asking you how you want to connect to the network. For now just select Set Up Later.
   

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2. The base system comes without a camera, so you can Skip this step. If you purchased one separately then plug it into the Aux port on the back of your PlayStation 4 and press Next on the screen.
   

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2. Select and confirm your time zone.
   

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2. Set your date and time then press Next.
   

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2. Read through the User Agreement then press Accept.
   

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2. You've reached the end of the setup. Press Start Now to enjoy your PlayStation 4.
   

8. Connect to Wi-Fi

To connect your PlayStation 4 to the Wi-Fi network, follow the below steps:

1. From the PlayStation 4 main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Settings option.
   

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2. Then go down to Network.
   

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2. Make sure Connect to the Internet is checked then go to Set Up Internet Connection.
   

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2. Select Use Wi-Fi for the way you want to connect to the network.
   

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2. Choose Easy for how you want to setup the connection.
   

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2. Wait for the list of Wi-Fi networks to show up, then pick the one you want to connect to. Wi-Fi networks showing a padlock symbol are secured and require a password to connect.
   

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2. If you chose to connect to a secured Wi-Fi network, then type in the connection password using the on-screen keyboard and select Done then press OK.
   

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2. At this point the Wi-Fi connection should be set up and you can back out or you can make sure the Internet connection is established properly by pressing Test Internet Connection.
   

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2. If the Wi-Fi internet connection was set up successfully, the test results should look like this.
   

9. Manual Update

The console must have an Internet connection (wired or wireless) before proceeding.

1. From the PlayStation 4 main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Settings option.
   

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2. Then go down to System Software Update.
   

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2. The system will now check for an update over the internet.
3. If no update is available, you will get the message "The latest version of the system software is already installed."
4. If an update is found, you may be prompted to press Next and/or Update to begin download.
5. You can wait for the system to download the update file or if it takes too long then you can back out of the screen and use your PlayStation meanwhile.
   

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2. If you chose to wait, after the download is completed, the system will prepare for the installation then reboot.
   

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2. If you chose to back out to the main screen, when downloading and preparation are complete, a notification message will be displayed in the upper left corner of the function area.
3. On the main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Notifications option.
   

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2. Go to Downloads and you should see the System Software being Ready to Install.
   

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2. Select the System Software update to perform the installation.
3. Follow any on screen prompts.
4. The system will reboot to complete the install.
5. Once rebooted, the update will be installed and the system will reboot one more time.
   

At this point the PlayStation 4 will be updated to the latest system software.

10. Sign in PSN

Using the PlayStation Network (PSN) gives you a wide variety of features and services. You need a Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) account and an internet connection to gain access to them. Follow these steps to sign in:

1. From the PlayStation 4 main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Profile option.
   

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2. Select the default User1 profile. If you wish you can edit the username, otherwise go to Sign In to PlayStation Network.
   

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2. If you already have an Sony Entertainment Network account, then type in the email address used as the Sign-In ID for the SEN account and the SEN accounts password (this is not the emails password). If you signed in with an existing account then you can skip the next steps. If you don't have an account already, then go to New to PlayStation Network? Create an Account.
   

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2. Press Sign Up Now on the next screen.
   

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2. Select your Country or Region, Language and set your Date of Birth then press Next.
   

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2. Fill in your location. Typing in the Postal Code should automatically populate the City and State/Province. Press Next when done.
   

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2. Enter the email address you wish to use as a Sign-In ID for you SEN account and create a strong password for it. This is not your email password. Check or uncheck the two boxes below if you're interested or not in receiving additional information via email the press Next.
   

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2. Create your online profile here. The Online ID is the name by which others identify you on the PlayStation Network. Type in your First and Last Name and Choose an Avatar if you wish. Then press Next.
   

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2. Customize your activity sharing preferences or leave them as default and press Confirm.
   

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2. Choose how others get in touch with you and press Confirm.
   

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2. Manage who can view your friends list and contact you, then press Confirm.
   

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2. Read the agreements and policies then press Accept.
   

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2. Next you'll have to verify your email address that you used to create the SEN account. Check your email on a computer, tablet or smartphone and look for sender PlayStation Network and subject Account Registration Confirmation then open it and click on Verify Now.
   

1. Back on the PlayStation 4 press Already Verified. Next, if you're asked whether you want to link your account to Facebook, select Do It Later, and when asked to Join PlayStation Plus press Next, then Skip.
   

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2. If this is your only or primary PlayStation 4 you can activate it now.
   

This will conclude the Sign In process to the PlayStation Network.

11. Connect Device to Network - Wired

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable.
2. Take one end of the cable and plug it into your router/modem's Ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into your device's Ethernet port.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet Port

12. Connect Ethernet

If you will be connecting your PlayStation 4 to the internet via a wired connection, you can now connect an Ethernet cable between the LAN port on the rear of the PlayStation 4 and your router or modem.

To configure your PlayStation 4 to use this wired connection:

1. From the PlayStation 4 main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Settings option.
   

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2. Then go down to Network.
   

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2. Make sure Connect to the Internet is checked then go to Set Up Internet Connection.
   

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2. Select Use a LAN Cable for the way you want to connect to the network.
   

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2. Choose Easy for how you want to setup the connection.
   

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2. At this point the Ethernet connection should be set up and you can back out or you can make sure the internet connection is established properly by pressing Test Internet Connection.
   

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2. If the Wi-Fi internet connection was set up successfully, the test results should look like this.