PS5

PS5 settings and tips every owner should know: performance mode, storage and more

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The PS5 works well out of the box, but a few settings make a noticeable difference to how games look, how much space you have and how much the console gets in your way. These are the ones worth ten minutes of your time.

Performance or resolution mode

Many games ask you to choose between a performance mode (higher, steadier frame rate, usually 60fps, at a lower resolution) and a resolution or fidelity mode (sharper image, often 30fps). You can set a default under Settings, Saved Data and Game/App Settings, Game Presets, so new games start in the mode you prefer. Individual games can still override it. As a rule, fast games such as shooters, racers and action games feel much better in performance mode. Slow, cinematic games are where resolution mode makes more sense. If your TV supports 120Hz and VRR (variable refresh rate), turn those on in Screen and Video settings; some games use them to run above 60fps or more smoothly.

Storage management

Games are big, and the internal SSD fills fast.
  • Check what is using space under Settings, Storage. Sort by size and delete what you have finished; your save data stays on the console and, with PlayStation Plus, in the cloud.
  • Some games let you delete parts you do not use, such as single-player campaigns or other language packs. Look for the option on the game's tile under Manage Game Content.
  • Add an M.2 SSD: the console has an expansion slot for an M.2 NVMe drive that meets Sony's speed requirements, and PS5 games run from it just as they do from the internal drive. Use one with a heatsink, or one that fits the slot's cover.
  • USB drives can store PS5 games and play PS4 games directly, which makes them a cheap home for your back catalogue.

Rest mode

Rest mode lets the console download updates and charge controllers while it sleeps, and resume suspended games quickly. Under Settings, System, Power Saving you can choose what stays on: keep the internet connection on if you want automatic updates, and set how long USB ports supply power for charging. If you prefer the console fully off, hold the PS button and pick Turn Off from the power menu. Since a 2025 system update there is also a Power Saver option under Settings, System, Power Saving that lets supported games run with lower power use. You can switch it on or off for each supported game.

Controller tips

  • Haptics and trigger effects can be turned down under Accessories, Controllers if you find them tiring or want longer battery life. Lowering the light bar brightness and vibration helps battery too.
  • Mute the mic: the button under the PS button mutes the controller's built-in microphone; a long press mutes all game audio.
  • Multi-device pairing: since a September 2025 update, a DualSense or DualSense Edge can be registered with several devices, such as the PS5 and a PC, and switched between them from the controller, so you no longer re-pair each time.
  • Custom button assignments are under Accessibility, Controllers, useful if a game's layout does not suit you.

Built-in game help and the Control Center

Press the PS button once to open the Control Center. From there you can see activity cards for the game you are playing, jump straight into specific levels or challenges in supported games, and, in some games with a PlayStation Plus membership, watch hint videos for the part you are stuck on. It is also the quickest way to adjust audio, check downloads and capture screenshots.

Capture and sharing

The Create button saves screenshots and clips. Under Settings, Captures and Broadcasts you can set its shortcuts, choose clip length and change resolution. Captured media can be moved to a USB drive or synced to the PlayStation App on your phone.

Parental controls

Family accounts are managed under Settings, Family and Parental Controls, or from Sony's family management website and the PlayStation App. For a child's account you can set age ratings for games and apps, play time limits, monthly spending limits, and restrictions on communication and user-generated content. Set these up before handing a console over, and check them again as children get older.

A few small things that help

  • Turn on automatic updates for system software and games so you are not waiting for patches.
  • Use Audio Focus under Sound settings if dialogue or quiet sounds are hard to hear through your TV.
  • If the console misbehaves, Safe Mode (hold the power button until the second beep) lets you rebuild the database, which often fixes sluggish menus.
Settings move between system updates, so the exact menu names may differ slightly on your console. Share your favourite setting or ask about one that puzzles you in the comments.

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