The PlayStation 4 (PS4) can be connected to an Android or iOS device through the use of the dedicated PlayStation application. This allows you to control the console using your smartphone and even use it as an additional second screen, if the game you choose supports this feature. You can also connect an external USB memory drive to your PS4 to be able to play multimedia files or back up important data on the console.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Connecting a Smartphone to the PS4 Via the PlayStation App
Step 1. Download the PlayStation application to the device you wish to connect to the console
You can do it completely free of charge by accessing the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In order to install and use the program, you need to have an iOS or Android device
Step 2. Connect the PS4 and the smartphone to the same LAN network
- You can choose to use a wireless or wired connection via an Ethernet network cable. It is essential that both devices (the PS4 and the smartphone) are connected to the same LAN network.
- You can check your PS4's network settings by going to the "Settings" menu and choosing the "Network" option. If it is connected directly to the router via an Ethernet network cable, just make sure that the smartphone is connected to the same network via Wi-Fi connection.
Step 3. Go to the PS4 "Settings" menu
It is located at the far right of the top menu. Press the "Up" key on the controller while in the main console menu to access the menu bar located at the top of the screen
Step 4. Choose the "PlayStation App Connection Settings" option
Select the item "Add device". A numeric code will appear on the screen.
Step 5. Now launch the PlayStation app on the mobile device you wish to connect to the console
You don't need to log in using your PlayStation Network account to connect your smartphone to your PS4
Step 6. Tap the "Connect to PS4" option
This item is located at the bottom of the screen
Step 7. Select your PS4
It should be listed on the "Connect to PS4" screen, along with "On" located exactly below the name. If the console is not displayed, make sure your smartphone is connected to the same LAN as the PS4. Press the "Refresh" button to re-scan the network
Step 8. Enter the numeric code provided by the PS4
This is a security code that is used to authorize the mobile device to connect with the console. The code consists of eight digits
Step 9. Connect with PS4
After entering the security code, the connection of the smartphone with the console will take place automatically. At this point you can start controlling the PS4 using the mobile device you are holding
Step 10. Enable the use of the mobile device on the PS4 by selecting the "Second Screen" option
- In this way the smartphone will effectively become a controller, which you can use to navigate the PS4 menu. Unfortunately, you won't be able to use it as an actual controller when you play.
- Swipe your finger on the screen to move around the menus and tap it to select the desired option (exactly as if it were the touchpad of any laptop).
Step 11. Enable the "Second Screen" feature (the procedure to follow varies depending on the video game in use)
Some video games allow you to use your smartphone as if it were a second screen. If your game supports this feature, select the "2" icon located at the top of the virtual controller shown on your phone screen
Step 12. Use your smartphone as if it were a PS4 keyboard
By tapping the keyboard icon you can use your smartphone as if it were a normal keyboard. This will make typing text much easier than using a normal controller
Step 13. Turn off the PS4
If you have finished using the console, you can turn it off directly from the PlayStation app on your mobile device. Turn off the "Second Screen" feature, then tap the "Turn Off" option. If the PS4 is configured to shut down completely, you will be prompted to confirm your willingness to do so. Conversely, if the console is set to enter "Rest Mode", you will be asked to confirm the activation of this mode
Part 2 of 2: Using a USB Memory Drive
Step 1. Format a USB storage device so that it can be used by the PS4
- You can use this type of device to play multimedia files or to store game saves. In order for the PS4 to detect the memory drive, it must be formatted using a file system supported by the console. Most modern USB storage devices are already formatted correctly. Remember that the format procedure permanently deletes all data on the drive.
- Connect the drive to your computer, select its icon with the right mouse button, then choose the "Format" option from the context menu that appeared. Choose the "FAT32" or "exFAT" file system.
Step 2. Create the folders "MUSIC", "MOVIES" and "PHOTOS" inside the chosen drive (remove the quotes from the directory names)
To be able to read the data on the external drive, the PS4 requires you to use a specific folder structure. So make sure that the folders indicated are stored directly inside the USB drive and not inside other subfolders
Step 3. Copy the files you want to play on the PS4 into their respective directories, according to their nature
All audio files must be copied into the "MUSIC" folder, the video files into the "MOVIES" directory, and the images and photos into the "PHOTOS" folder
Step 4. Connect the USB memory drive to the console
Note that due to the way the PS4 has been built and the design it has, it may be very difficult or completely impossible to connect USB sticks that have a consistent thickness
Step 5. Launch the "Media Player" app which is capable of playing audio and video files
You can find its icon in the "Apps" section of the PS4 "Library"
Step 6. Select the USB stick or drive that contains the files to play
The first time you start the "Media Player" you will be asked to select the USB memory drive
Step 7. Browse the contents of the stick or external drive to locate the music or video you want to play
Remember that the contents will need to be stored within the folder structure you created in the previous steps
Step 8. Play the file you want
After selecting it, the chosen song or video will be played automatically. To return to the main PS4 menu screen, you can press the controller's "PlayStation" button. Playback of the chosen content will not be interrupted
Step 9. Copy the game save data to the USB drive
- You can use this type of storage device as a backup unit for personal data related to game saves.
- Access the "Settings" menu, then select the "Application saved data management" item.
- Choose the item "Data saved in the system's storage memory", then consult the list that appears looking for the information you want to copy to the external memory drive.
- Press the "Options" button on the controller and select the "Copy to USB storage device" option.
- Now select the files to copy then choose the "Copy" option.
Step 10. Copy the screenshots and movies created while playing games to the USB memory drive
- You can use a USB storage device to keep a copy of the clips and screenshots you captured while playing your favorite video game.
- Launch the "Catch Gallery" app. It is located within the content area of the PS4;
- Locate the content you want to copy onto the USB memory drive;
- Press the "Options" button on the controller and select the "Copy to USB storage device" option;
- Now select the files to copy, then choose the "Copy" option. The chosen items will be automatically copied to the USB stick or disk connected to the console.
