To connect PS5 to hotspot, you need to turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi network and then join that network from your console's settings. This two-part process lets you play online games or stream content when standard Wi-Fi isn't available.
Step 1: Set up the mobile hotspot on your phone
- On an iPhone: Go to Settings, then tap Cellular, and then tap Set Up Personal Hotspot, following any onscreen instructions. Alternatively, you might find "Personal Hotspot" directly under Settings. Ensure "Allow Others to Join" is turned on.
- On an Android phone: Open the Settings app, navigate to "Network & internet" (or "Connections and sharing," or "Tethering & portable hotspot" depending on the device). Select "Hotspot & tethering" (or "Personal hotspot") and then toggle on "Wi-Fi hotspot" (or "Mobile hotspot," or "Portable WiFi hotspot").
- For both iPhone and Android: Customize the hotspot's network name (SSID) and set a strong Wi-Fi password for security. Ensure your phone's mobile data is turned on and, for some Android devices like Pixel, that Battery saver mode is off, as a hotspot uses your cellular data connection.
This step transforms your phone into a portable router, which is essential for connecting mobile hotspot to PS5. Be aware that using a hotspot for gaming can consume significant data, so monitor your data plan.
Step 2: Connect your PS5 to the hotspot
- On your PS5, navigate to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select "Wi-Fi" as the connection method and choose "Easy" mode.
- From the list of "Networks found," select your phone's hotspot network.
- If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password you set for your mobile hotspot.
A crucial note: The PS5 console supports IPv6 network connections but does not support IPv6-only network connections. If your hotspot is set to IPv6-only, it may need to be changed to IPv4. This compatibility detail ensures your connection works properly, especially if you want to get a browser on PS5 for web browsing or other online features.
Step 3: Test the connection and troubleshoot
Once connected, verify the connection works for gaming and downloads by launching an online game or checking the network status in Settings > Network > Connection Status. You can also run a network test from Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
If the connection drops or is slow, a key troubleshooting tip is to disable Android's Battery Saver mode. On many Android phones, battery saver can restrict hotspot functionality, causing intermittent disconnects. For iPhone users, ensure Personal Hotspot remains active and your phone is not in Low Power Mode, which can similarly affect performance.
For those connecting PS5 to Xfinity hotspot, the process is similar but requires accepting terms via a browser on the PS5 before the connection works fully. This method provides an alternative when your phone's data plan is limited.
