To access the web browser on PS5, you must use a hidden feature since Sony removed the dedicated browser app. Unlike the PS4, the PS5 lacks a visible browser icon, but a functional browser is still built into the system software for specific tasks like signing into public Wi-Fi networks.
Does the PS5 have a web browser?
The PlayStation 5 does not have a dedicated web browser application on its home screen or in the settings menu. Sony chose not to include a visible browser app for the PS5, unlike the PS4 which featured one. However, a functional though basic and hidden web browser is built into the PS5's system software. This hidden browser can be accessed through specific system menus or by following certain workarounds, making it possible to get a browser on PS5 for limited browsing tasks.
How to access the web browser on PS5 via settings
The most reliable method to launch the hidden browser is through the network settings menu. Follow these steps:
- Select Network from the Settings menu.
- Choose View PlayStation Network Status.
Selecting this option will open a system page that displays network status information. This page is actually powered by the hidden web browser. Once it loads, you can navigate to other websites by using search engines or following links, though you will not see a traditional address bar.
How to open the browser with a message link
An alternative method involves using the PS5's messaging system to force the browser to open a specific page. This approach is useful if you need to connect PS5 to hotel wifi or access a particular URL directly.
- Open Game Base from the PS5 home screen.
- Send a message containing a full URL (such as www.google.com) to a friend or to a secondary PlayStation account.
- Open the message thread and select the link you sent.
The PS5 will open the link using its hidden web browser. If you encounter the PS5 web browser not opening link from message, ensure the URL is complete and correctly formatted, as partial addresses may not trigger the browser.
Using the browser for public Wi-Fi login pages
The PS5 will automatically open a web authentication screen when you connect to a Wi-Fi network that requires login credentials. This is the primary intended use of the hidden browser. When you select a network in a hotel, airport, or other public space that requires signing in through a web portal, the console automatically launches the browser to display the login page. This allows you to enter any required credentials or accept terms of service without needing to manually access the browser through other methods.
Limitations of the hidden PS5 web browser
The PS5 web browser has several significant limitations that affect how you can use it. There is no direct address bar for typing URLs, meaning you must navigate primarily through search engines or existing links. The browser lacks standard features such as tabs, bookmarks, extensions, and full-screen mode. You cannot open multiple pages simultaneously, save favorite sites, or install any add-ons. To navigate to a new website, you typically need to perform a search using Google or another search engine and then click the result. The browser is designed for basic tasks like signing into Wi-Fi networks or quickly checking a page, not for general web surfing. These restrictions make it clear that Sony intended the browser for limited, specific functions rather than as a full-featured browsing tool.
