To download games on PS4, you typically need to either re-download a title you already own from your library or purchase a new game from the PlayStation Store. This guide covers both scenarios, along with remote downloads, add-ons, and troubleshooting.
How to download games on PS4 you already own
The most common scenario is re-downloading a game you have already purchased or claimed for free. From your PS4's Home screen, navigate to the "Library" app and press the X button to open it. In the left sidebar, scroll down to "Purchased" and press X. Find the game you want, then select "Download" and press X to begin the download.
If an app or game is in your library but not installed, attempting to launch it will require you to download it first. This method works for any title you have previously bought, including free games you added to your account.
How to buy and download new games from the PlayStation Store
Browse or search for a game, then select the game you want to download and press X. If you've already purchased the game, or the game is free, "Download" will appear instead of "Add to cart", in this case, select "Download" and press X. If the game requires payment, follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase; after that, select "Download" and press X on the next screen. If your download fails due to system software issues, you may need to download the update file for reinstallation from PlayStation.com to get your console working again.
Select the free game you want to download and press X. Finally, on the next screen, select "Download" and press X to start the installation.
How to download PS4 games remotely with the PlayStation App
You can start downloads away from your console using the PlayStation App on your mobile device. Open the app, tap "Game Library," then "Purchased." Select the game you want to download, then click or tap "Download." For this to work, your paired PS4 console must have "Stay Connected to the Internet" switched on and be in rest mode. To pair your PS4 console with the PlayStation App, ensure it's activated as your primary PS4 console. Once your game is ready, you might want to join servers on Minecraft PS4 to jump straight into multiplayer. Note that the app allows starting game downloads to your console, but moving and copying games is not supported.
How to download add-ons and DLC for your games
From the Home Screen, go to "Library" > "Games." Select the game for which you want to download an add-on. Scroll down to "PlayStation Store" > "View All." Select the add-on you want to download. If prompted to "Choose a Version," select the "Free Download" option or try both if there is no price. You must claim every version of an add-on between the version you purchased and the game you want to play, though you are not required to own the base game to claim an add-on.
If you cannot find an add-on you own, go back to the Home Screen and open the PlayStation Store, select "Search," and type in the add-on name. In the search results, select the add-on marked as compatible with your game, then select "Download" or "Choose Version" > "Free Download." Add-on downloads must be done from your console with the game closed; the mobile app is not recommended for add-ons. Before starting the game, ensure any active downloads are complete.
How to check download progress and troubleshoot issues
To check the progress of a download, go to "Notifications" > "Downloads" from the PS4 Home screen. You can monitor the status and see when the download is complete. If a download fails or content does not appear, try restoring your licenses. Go to "Settings" > "Account Management" > "Restore Licenses." This can resolve issues with game licenses, content not appearing, or inability to download or install. If problems persist, ensure your console has a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space. For persistent license issues, you may need to reset your PlayStation 4 to clear system-level errors; this process is separate from restoring licenses and should be done through the system's initialization options.
