PS4 Second Screen App Guide

The most useful feature of the PS4 Second Screen app. Instead of slowly typing with the DualShock 4 controller and the on-screen keyboard, you can use your phone's keyboard to enter text on your PS4. This makes typing passwords, search queries, messages, and account details much faster. When a text field appears on your PS4, a keyboard icon pops up in the app automatically.

The app lets you navigate the PS4 dynamic menu using touch controls on your phone. Swipe left and right to move between menu items, tap to select, and use the on-screen buttons for PS Home, Back, and Options. While it is not a replacement for your controller, it is handy for quickly checking notifications, browsing the PlayStation Store, or queuing downloads without picking up your controller.

Some PS4 games support the second screen feature, displaying additional game information on your phone while you play. This can include maps, inventory screens, mini-games, or companion content. The number of games that support this is limited, but titles like PlayLink games and certain apps use this feature to enhance the gaming experience with your phone as a controller.

If you are broadcasting your gameplay on YouTube or Twitch, the PS4 Second Screen app displays spectator comments directly on your phone. This lets you read and respond to chat while you stream, without the comments cluttering your TV screen. You can tap the speech bubble icon in the app to view the live comment feed.

The app works as a controller for PlayLink games, which are designed for group play with friends using their phones. Games like Knowledge is Power, Hidden Agenda, and That's You! use the Second Screen app (or the PlayStation App) as the primary input method. Each player uses their own phone to answer questions, vote, and interact with the game.

When paired with the PlayStation App, you can trigger game downloads and purchases from your phone and have them install on your PS4 remotely. This is separate from the Second Screen app itself, but the two work together. If you buy a game on the PS Store via your phone, it can start downloading to your PS4 at home immediately, as long as the console is in rest mode with internet connected.

App cannot find my PS4

Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your PS4 is turned on and signed in. Go to Settings > Mobile App Connection Settings on your PS4 and make sure it is enabled. If you have multiple Wi-Fi networks (e.g., 2.4GHz and 5GHz), make sure both devices are on the same one. Restart both the app and your PS4 if the issue persists.

Pairing number does not appear

On your PS4, go to Settings > Mobile App Connection Settings > Add Device. The 8-digit number should appear on screen. If it does not, try restarting your PS4. Make sure no other device is currently in the pairing process, as only one device can pair at a time.

App connects but text entry does not work

Make sure you are on the latest version of the app. When a text field appears on your PS4, a keyboard icon should appear in the app. Tap it to bring up your phone's keyboard. If it does not appear, try disconnecting and reconnecting in the app. Some text fields (like password entry) may not trigger the keyboard on all firmware versions.

Second Screen disconnects frequently

This is usually a Wi-Fi signal issue. Ensure your phone has a strong Wi-Fi connection. Close other apps that may be using bandwidth. If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, try switching to the other band. Keep your phone screen on while using the app, as some phones aggressively close background apps when the screen is off.

App says "PS4 not connected to the internet"

Your PS4 must be connected to the internet for the Second Screen app to work, even though the connection is local. Check Settings > Network on your PS4 to verify connectivity. If you are behind a strict firewall or using a captive portal, the app may not function properly.

Cannot sign in to PSN in the app

Make sure you are using the same PSN account as your PS4. Check that your PSN account is not suspended or locked. Try signing in on the PlayStation website first to verify your credentials. If you have two-step verification enabled, make sure you have access to your verification method.

Is the PS4 Second Screen app free?

Yes, the PS4 Second Screen app is completely free to download and use. It is available on the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices. You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use it. A free PlayStation Network account is required.

Does the PS4 Second Screen app work on PS5?

The PS4 Second Screen app is designed for PS4 only. On PS5, the functionality is integrated into the main PlayStation App, which includes console navigation, game launching, and text entry features. If you have both a PS4 and PS5, the PlayStation App will let you switch between consoles.

Can I play games with the PS4 Second Screen app?

No, the Second Screen app cannot play regular PS4 games. It is a companion app for navigation, text entry, and viewing additional content. The exception is PlayLink games, which are specifically designed to use phones as controllers. For actual game streaming, you need the PS Remote Play app instead.

What is the difference between PS4 Second Screen and PS Remote Play?

PS4 Second Screen is a companion app that lets you navigate menus, type text, and view game info on your phone. PS Remote Play is a full game streaming app that mirrors your PS4 screen and lets you play games remotely. Second Screen requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network, while Remote Play works over the internet from anywhere.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use the PS4 Second Screen app?

Yes, both your PS4 and your phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The app uses your local network to discover and communicate with your PS4. It does not work over the internet or cellular data. If your PS4 is connected via Ethernet, it must be on the same network as your phone's Wi-Fi.

Can I use the PS4 Second Screen app as a controller?

For most games, no. The app provides basic menu navigation (swipe, tap, PS Home, Options, Back) but does not have the full button layout of a DualShock 4. However, PlayLink games are designed specifically to use the phone as a controller, and the app provides full touch controls for those games.

Can I use the PS4 Second Screen app to listen to game audio?

No, the Second Screen app does not stream game audio to your phone. If you want to listen to PS4 audio through your phone (for example, to use AirPods), you would need a Bluetooth audio transmitter or the workaround methods described in our AirPods guide. The Second Screen app is not designed for audio streaming.

Why does the app show "No PS4 found"?

This means the app cannot detect your PS4 on the network. Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, your PS4 is turned on and signed in, and Mobile App Connection Settings is enabled on your PS4 (Settings > Mobile App Connection Settings). Restarting both devices often resolves the issue.

Can multiple phones connect to one PS4?

Yes, multiple phones can be paired and connected to the same PS4. This is how PlayLink party games work - each player connects their own phone. However, for menu navigation, only one phone can control the PS4 at a time. The most recently connected phone takes control.

Does the PS4 Second Screen app work with a PS Vita?

The PS Vita has its own second screen functionality through the PS4 Link app, which is separate from the PS4 Second Screen mobile app. The PS Vita can be used for both second screen features and Remote Play. However, the PS Vita is discontinued and increasingly difficult to find.

Is the PS4 Second Screen app still supported in 2026?

Yes, the app remains available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Sony has not discontinued it, though most active development has shifted to the main PlayStation App which now includes many of the same features for PS5. For PS4 owners, the Second Screen app continues to work as described.

Can I use the app to type passwords on my PS4?

Yes, the app can be used for text entry in most fields including passwords, search queries, and messages. When a text field appears on your PS4, a keyboard icon appears in the app. Tap it to use your phone's keyboard. This is significantly faster than using the on-screen PS4 keyboard with a controller.