The PS5 has a built-in web browser you can launch from the home screen

Your PS5 includes a web browser called Safari (on PS5 consoles sold in most regions) or a Chromium-based browser, depending on your system software version. You access it directly from your home screen without downloading anything — it's already there. The browser works like any other: you can search the web, watch videos, check email, or read articles on your TV.

The browser is useful when you want to look something up without leaving your console, or when you're sitting on your couch and your phone is across the room. It's not as fast as a computer browser, and some websites don't display perfectly on a TV screen, but for basic browsing it works fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the browser by pressing the PS button, scrolling to the function area, and selecting the browser icon — it looks like a globe or compass.
  • Navigate using your controller's touchpad or by connecting a USB keyboard and mouse for faster typing.
  • The browser supports most standard websites, but some sites with heavy graphics or specific plugins may not load correctly.
  • You can bookmark pages and return to them later, making it easy to save your favorite sites.
  • The browser does not store passwords by default for security reasons, so you'll type login information each time.

How to launch the browser from your PS5 home screen

Press the PS button on your controller to bring up the home screen. You'll see a row of icons at the bottom — these are your functions and apps. Look for the browser icon, which resembles a globe or compass depending on your region. Highlight it and press X to open it.

If you don't see the browser icon in the function row, scroll left or right along that bottom row — it may be off-screen. On some PS5 systems, the browser appears under a "Media" or "Utilities" section instead. Once you find it, select it and the browser will load on your TV screen.

Navigating websites with your controller

Your PS5 controller has a built-in touchpad on the front. Swipe your finger across it to move the cursor around the screen, and press it to click. This works for most browsing tasks, but typing is slow — you'll swipe to the address bar, press the touchpad, and then use the on-screen keyboard to type letter by letter.

For faster browsing, connect a USB keyboard and mouse to your PS5. Plug them into the USB ports on the back of the console (or use a USB hub if you need more ports). Once connected, the mouse will control the cursor and the keyboard will let you type normally. This makes searching and entering passwords much quicker than using the controller alone.

Bookmarking pages and managing your browsing history

When you find a website you want to return to, you can bookmark it. While viewing the page, press the Options button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines). Select "Add Bookmark" or a similar option, and the browser will save the page. Your bookmarks appear in a menu you can access from the browser's home screen.

The browser also keeps a history of sites you've visited. Press Options and look for "History" to see a list of recent pages. You can clear your history at any time through the browser settings if you want to remove the record of where you've been. This is useful if you share your console with others and want privacy.

What websites work well on PS5, and what doesn't

Most standard websites display on your PS5 browser — news sites, search engines, email services, and social media generally work fine. Video sites like YouTube work, though the experience is better if you use the dedicated YouTube app instead. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and others have their own apps, which are faster and more reliable than using the browser.

Some websites may not load correctly because they use features the PS5 browser doesn't support, such as Flash or certain plugins. Banking sites and sites that require two-factor authentication usually work, but the small on-screen keyboard makes entering codes tedious. If a site isn't working, try refreshing the page or checking if a dedicated app exists on the PS5 instead.

Adjusting browser settings for your comfort

Open the browser and press Options to find settings. You can adjust text size if websites are hard to read on your TV — this is especially useful if you sit far from the screen. You can also manage cookies, clear cached data, and control whether the browser remembers your browsing history.

If you want to browse privately without saving history or cookies, look for a "Private Browsing" or "Incognito" mode option in the settings menu. This is useful if you're checking something you don't want recorded on your console. Some browsers also let you set a home page, so the browser opens to your preferred site each time you launch it.

Troubleshooting common browser problems

If a website won't load, first try refreshing the page by pressing the refresh button or pressing the R1 button on your controller. If that doesn't work, check your internet connection — go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, select Network, and run a connection test. A weak or unstable connection will cause websites to load slowly or fail.

If the browser itself freezes or becomes unresponsive, close it by pressing the PS button and selecting "Close" on the browser app, then reopen it. If you're having trouble with a specific website, try a different site to see if the problem is with that site or with your browser. Restarting your PS5 (not just putting it in rest mode) can also fix persistent browser issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the PS5 browser to stream movies or TV shows?

You can access streaming websites through the browser, but the dedicated apps for Netflix, Disney+, and similar services work better and load faster. If you want to watch something on a streaming site that doesn't have a PS5 app, the browser will work, though the experience may be slower.

Is it safe to enter passwords in the PS5 browser?

The PS5 browser is reasonably secure for everyday use, but it doesn't store passwords by default, so you'll type them in each time. Avoid entering sensitive financial information like credit card numbers unless you're on a secure site (look for "https://" in the address bar). For banking or shopping, using a computer or phone is generally safer.

Why is typing so slow on the PS5 browser?

The on-screen keyboard that appears when you use your controller is slow because you navigate letter by letter. Connecting a USB keyboard and mouse to your PS5 makes typing much faster and easier. Most standard keyboards and mice work with the PS5 without needing drivers.

Can I download files using the PS5 browser?

The PS5 browser can download some files, but storage is limited and the console isn't designed for file management the way a computer is. Downloaded files typically go to a downloads folder you can access through the browser settings. For large downloads or important files, a computer is a better choice.

What should I do if the browser app is missing from my home screen?

The browser should always be available in your function row at the bottom of the home screen. If you can't find it, scroll left and right along that row to see if it's off-screen. If it's still missing, restart your PS5 by holding the PS button and selecting "Restart PS5" from the power menu.