How to Set Up PlayStation Portal (for PS5 Users)
If you just picked up the PlayStation Portal and you’re ready to get it working with your PS5, you’ll be glad to know the setup process is pretty straightforward.
Still, there are a few things that can cause connection problems if you’re not familiar with Remote Play or haven’t adjusted your console’s settings yet.
This guide walks you through the steps from getting connected to troubleshooting common issues people have run into during setup.
But if you missed my PlayStation Portal overview, make sure you check that post out.
Let’s get started!
At a Glance…
| What You’ll Learn | How to set up the PlayStation Portal with your PS5 |
|---|---|
| What You Need | PS5, Wi-Fi, Portal, PSN account, PlayStation App |
| Setup Time | About 10 minutes |
| Who This Is For | New Portal users, gift recipients, or anyone pairing to a PS5 |
| What It Covers | Step-by-step setup, common connection issues, essential settings |
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you jump into the setup, make sure you’ve got everything ready:
- A charged PlayStation Portal
- Your PS5, powered on or in Rest Mode
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (5GHz works best for streaming)
- Your PlayStation Network (PSN) login details
- The PlayStation App installed on your phone
If you’re helping someone else with setup, make sure the right PSN account is signed in on both the app and the Portal to avoid pairing issues.
Also for full official specs and support info, you can also check out Sony’s PlayStation Portal setup support page.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up PlayStation Portal with Your PS5
With everything in place, here’s how to get your Portal connected and ready to go.
1. Charge the Portal
Use the included USB-C cable to charge the Portal. It doesn’t need to be fully charged, but it should have enough battery to complete setup without interruption.
Anything over 50% battery charge should do.
2. Power On and Select Language
Press and hold the PS button to turn on the Portal. Once it powers up, you’ll be asked to pick your language and walk through a few basic setup screens.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Next, choose your Wi-Fi network and enter your password. If you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz available, go with 5GHz. It’s better for streaming and overall stability.
If you’re wondering whether setup works when you’re away from your PS5, I cover that in more detail here:
[Can You Set Up the PlayStation Portal Without Being Home?]
4. Update the Portal Firmware (If Required)
If the Portal asks for a system update, go ahead and install it before moving on. Updates help avoid connection issues and make sure everything runs smoothly with your PS5.
You can also check the official Sony Portal support page for any recent changes or feature updates.
5. Sign In to Your PSN Account
After the update (or if no update is needed), you’ll see a QR code on the Portal’s screen.
- Open the PlayStation App on your phone
- Use the scan option to scan the QR code
- You’ll be signed in automatically with your PSN account
Manual login is also available, but scanning is quicker and saves you from typing on the Portal’s screen.
6. Enable Remote Play on Your PS5
Switching gears a bit, we’ll hop over to the PS5.
Once your console is turned on, go to:
Settings → System → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play
This setting needs to be on for the Portal to find and connect to your console.
7. Adjust Rest Mode Settings
To let the Portal connect while your PS5 is in Rest Mode, go to:
Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode
Then turn on both of these settings:
- Stay Connected to the Internet
- Enable Turning On PS5 from Network
This makes sure the Portal can wake your console remotely while it’s in rest mode.
8. Pair the Portal to Your Console
Once Remote Play is enabled and the Portal’s online, your PS5 should show up on the screen. Tap it to start the connection process. This might take up to a minute.
If everything’s working, you’ll see your PS5 home screen appear on the Portal.
If it doesn’t connect right away, don’t worry. The next section covers a few quick things to check.
If It Doesn’t Connect Right Away
If your Portal doesn’t find your PS5 on the first try, don’t stress. A missed setting or slow connection is usually the cause. Double-check that:
- Remote Play is enabled on your PS5
- Your console is in Rest Mode (not fully powered off)
- Both devices are connected to the internet
A quick restart can help too. And if you’re setting things up away from home, this post covers what actually works and what doesn’t.
Final Setup Checklist
| Step | Complete? |
|---|---|
| Portal has a working charge | ☐ |
| Wi-Fi connected and stable | ☐ |
| Signed in with correct PSN account | ☐ |
| PS5 Remote Play enabled | ☐ |
| Rest Mode settings configured | ☐ |
| Console detected and paired successfully | ☐ |
You’re Ready to Start Using the Portal
There you have it. Once setup’s done, the Portal will automatically reconnect to your PS5 as long as both devices are online, the Remote Play setting is turned on, and your console is powered on or in Rest Mode.
You’ll get the best performance when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, but remote connections can still work, depending on your internet quality and how everything’s set up.
From here, you can browse your library, navigate the home screen, and start playing. Just keep in mind that some games or features, like PS VR or certain accessories, aren’t supported.
If you’re planning to use the Portal while traveling or gifting it to someone who’s not near their console, this post answers what actually works: Can You Set Up the PlayStation Portal Without Being Home?