You can change your PS5 background from your phone, but only through the PlayStation App and only to pre-made themes

The PlayStation App on your phone lets you browse and download themes to your PS5 console, but it does not let you apply them directly from the app itself. Instead, you download a theme through the app, and then your PS5 automatically receives it. You then go to your console to set it as your background. This means you cannot complete the entire process from your phone alone — you need access to your PS5 at some point to finish the change.

The app works best if your phone and PS5 are on the same Wi-Fi network and your PS5 is in rest mode rather than completely powered off. Themes you download through the app appear in your PS5's theme library within a few minutes, even if you are not actively using the console.

Key Takeaways

  • Download themes through the PlayStation App on your phone, but you must use your PS5 console to actually set one as your background.
  • Your phone and PS5 should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for themes to sync quickly.
  • The PlayStation App only offers pre-made themes — you cannot upload custom images or designs from your phone.
  • Themes appear in your PS5's library within minutes of downloading them through the app, even while the console is in rest mode.

How to download a theme through the PlayStation App

Open the PlayStation App on your phone and sign in with the same account you use on your PS5. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select Personalisation. From there, tap Themes to see the available options.

Browse the theme library and tap any theme to see a preview. When you find one you want, tap the download button (usually a downward arrow or a plus sign, depending on your phone's operating system). The app will confirm the download has started. You do not need to stay in the app while it downloads — you can close it and come back later.

How to set the theme as your background on your PS5

Go to your PS5 console and navigate to Settings in the top menu. Select Themes, then Theme Library. You should see the theme you just downloaded from your phone listed here. Highlight it and press X on your controller to select it. The theme will apply immediately to your PS5's home screen and menus.

If the theme does not appear in your library right away, make sure your PS5 is connected to Wi-Fi and either in rest mode or actively powered on. Themes can take a few minutes to sync from the app to your console, especially if your network connection is slow.

What types of themes are available through the app

The PlayStation App offers official Sony themes, licensed themes based on popular games and franchises, and seasonal or promotional themes that rotate throughout the year. Some themes are free, while others cost between $2 and $5. You can preview any theme before downloading it, so you can see exactly how it will look on your PS5's home screen.

The app does not let you upload your own images or create custom themes from your phone. If you want a completely custom background, you would need to use your PS5 console directly to capture a screenshot from a game and set it as your background — the app cannot do this.

Troubleshooting if your theme is not showing up

If you downloaded a theme through the app but it is not appearing on your PS5, first check that both devices are signed into the same PlayStation Network account. Open the PlayStation App and confirm you are logged in under the correct username. Then check your PS5 and make sure it is also signed into that same account.

Restart your PS5 by holding the power button for a few seconds and selecting Restart PS5 from the menu. This forces your console to sync with the app and download any pending themes. If the theme still does not appear after a restart, try downloading it again through the app — sometimes the first attempt does not complete fully.

Why you cannot apply themes directly from your phone

Sony designed the PlayStation App to let you browse and download content, but the actual management of your PS5's appearance happens on the console itself. This is a security measure — it ensures that only someone physically using your PS5 (or someone signed into your account on the console) can change how it looks. The app acts as a remote shopping tool rather than a remote control for your console's settings.

This also means the app cannot change your profile picture, your background music, or any other visual settings. It can only download themes and manage your library. All actual changes to your PS5's appearance must be made through the console's settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PS5 background to a custom photo from my phone?

No. The PlayStation App only offers pre-made themes. To use a custom photo as your background, you must use your PS5 console directly. You can capture a screenshot from a game and set it as your background through the console's settings, but you cannot upload photos from your phone.

Do I need to pay for themes?

Some themes are free, and some cost money. The PlayStation App shows the price before you download, so you can see which ones are paid. You will not be charged until you confirm the download.

What if my PS5 is offline when I download a theme through the app?

The theme will still download to your phone's app, but it will not sync to your PS5 until your console connects to the internet. Once your PS5 is back online, the theme will appear in your library within a few minutes.

Can multiple people on the same PS5 use different themes?

No. The theme you set applies to the entire console, not to individual profiles. Everyone who uses that PS5 will see the same background and theme.