If you’re wondering where the web browser is on PS5, the console doesn’t have a dedicated app, so the only way to get a browser on PS5 is through hidden workarounds. To access the web browser on PS5, you must use one of several indirect methods, as there is no browser icon on the home screen.
Where is the web browser on PS5?
The PlayStation 5 does not include a standalone web browser app like the PS4 did. Instead, it has a hidden, limited browser that can only be opened through specific system functions. This browser is not fully functional and lacks many standard features, but it can still load websites when accessed via the workarounds described below.
Method 1: Link a YouTube account
This method uses the PlayStation 5's YouTube account linking process to trigger the hidden browser.
- Open the Settings menu (gear icon) from the PS5 Home screen.
- Select Users and Accounts.
- Scroll down and select Linked Services.
- Select YouTube from the list of services. If your YouTube account is already linked, you may need to unlink it first.
- Select Link Account or Link.
- On the subsequent screen, select Use Browser in the bottom right corner.
The hidden browser will now open, allowing you to navigate to the YouTube login page. From there, you can use Google Search to find other websites.
Method 2: Send a link in a message
This method lets you open a specific URL directly by sending yourself a link through the PS5's messaging system.
- Navigate to Game Base (the chat icon located between the bell and music notes at the bottom of the screen).
- Open the Messages section.
- Select any chat with a friend.
- Send a message containing a full URL, such as "Google.com" or "www.google.com".
- The system will convert the text into a clickable link.
- Click the link you just sent to open the hidden web browser directly to the specified URL.
If you encounter a PS5 web browser not opening link from message issue, ensure the URL includes "www." or the full domain format, as incomplete addresses may not become clickable.
Method 3: Use the network status page
This method opens the browser through the PlayStation Network status screen.
- Select Network.
- Select View PlayStation Network Status.
- On the PlayStation Network Status page, scroll down and click the YouTube icon.
- Click Sign In (you do not need to complete the sign-in process).
- Click Privacy (located in the top right corner).
- Select Google Search (the multicolored "G" icon with "Search" below it).
You can now use Google to search for and navigate to websites.
What the hidden browser can and can't do
The PS5's hidden browser has significant limitations. There is no address bar to directly type URLs, so websites must be accessed by searching on Google or clicking existing links. The browser has limited features compared to the PS4's web browser, with no functionality to add bookmarks, no support for browser extensions such as ad-blockers, and no multi-tab browsing. It may not display all website formats correctly and may struggle with video and audio content, although some streaming sites like YouTube and Twitch can work. Navigating the browser using the DualSense controller can be cumbersome, and it is generally more effective for reading text-based websites, such as news or reviews.
To improve your experience, enable cookies and JavaScript in the browser settings. Go to Settings > System > Web Browser, scroll down to "Web Browser" and ensure "Allow Cookies" and "Enable JavaScript" are turned on, then return to the main Settings menu. Even with these settings enabled, the browser remains a basic tool rather than a full-featured alternative to a computer or phone browser.
