Until PlayStation 4, Sony used to have a dedicated browser app for its flagship gaming console. When PS5 hit the stores, buyers soon realised that it was missing the web browser. While this isn’t a massive inconvenience by any means, you never know when you may need to hop on the web for a quick Google search. If you don’t have your smartphone or PC around, it is nice to know that your PS5 can handle the task. While Sony may have stripped the web browser from the PS5’s interface, there is a way you can access its secret version on the console.
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In This Article
How good is PS5’s web browser?
You don’t need the PS5’s web browser to have state-of-the-art features, but it should be good enough to help you link your accounts to the gaming console. That is precisely what it is there for on the PS5. Since it cannot be accessed from the console’s interface, the web browser pops up whenever you want to link your social media accounts or streaming services. The main drawback of this web browser is that its input mechanism is very time-consuming. This is because it is reliant on an onscreen keyboard and the gaming controller.
The web browser is good enough to browse articles, social media feeds, and message boards. However, it may start lagging or throw latency issues while playing media. The good news is that the PlayStation 5 has support for major media streaming platforms, so you wouldn’t need to rely on the browser to watch the latest movies or TV shows.
Access PS5’s secret web browser using YouTube profile link
Step 1: Go to the Settings page from the main menu.
Step 2: Select Users and Accounts.
Step 3: Go to the Linked Services section and select YouTube.
Step 4: Click on Link.
Step 5: Select Use Browser. This will take you to the Google services page to link your YouTube account to your PS5.
Step 6: Hit the Terms option at the bottom of the page.
Step 7: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Google.
Step 8: Once the Google homepage opens up on the screen, you can use it to go to any website you want.
Access PS5’s secret web browser using the System Menu
Step 1: Go to the Settings page from the main menu.
Step 2: Select System.
Step 3: Go to the Web Browser tab and turn on the toggle switches next to Allow Cookies and Enable JavaScript.
Step 4: Go back to Settings and select Network.
Step 5: Click on View PlayStation Network Status.
Step 6: Click on Back to playstation.com.
Step 7: Scroll down to the Follow us on social media section and click the YouTube icon.
Step 8: Go to your Google account.
Step 9: Hit the apps icon and select Google Search.
Access PS5’s secret web browser by clicking on a link
If you find the process of accessing the web browser through settings to be tedious, there is a much simpler way to go about it. Since your PS5 triggers the browser every time you hit a link, you can simply send a link to a friend and then click on it to go to the browser. Go to Game Base, open a chat, type a link, and hit Send. The message will appear as a clickable link in the chat. Click the link to go to the browser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you browse the web on PS5?
While PS5 does not have a dedicated web browser, you can access its secret browser by clicking on links. Once the secret browser opens up on the screen, you can use it to browse the internet.
Why did PS5 get rid of the web browser?
Sony got rid of the web browser on PS5 because it didn’t feel like its limited functionality demanded its inclusion on the new gaming platform.
Does PS5 have Netflix?
PS3, PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS5 have the Netflix app. It can be accessed from the Media tab.
How to go full screen on PS5’s web browser?
You cannot go full screen on PS5’s web browser. However, you can enable the Zoom feature in Accessibility Settings. Once that’s done, press the PlayStation and Square buttons zoom in and make the browser bigger.
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Final Thoughts
This is how you can access the secret web browser on PS5. Since the gaming controller is the sole input method on PS5, using the web browser on the gaming console can be quite tedious, especially when you need to type something. While you’re here, check out our review of the PlayStation 5. Do you think that Sony should bring back the dedicated web browser on PS6? Let us know in the comments!
