How to Go on the Internet on PS5: Using the Built-In Browser and Web Features

The PS5 doesn't advertise it loudly, but you can access the internet on it — just not in the way you might expect from a traditional browser. Understanding how web access works on Sony's console helps you figure out what's actually possible and where the limitations kick in.

Does the PS5 Have a Web Browser?

Sony removed the dedicated web browser that existed on the PS4. The PS5 does not have a standalone, user-accessible browser in the traditional sense. You won't find a "Browser" app in the main menu.

However, there is a hidden or embedded browser built into the system that activates in specific situations — and there are legitimate workarounds for getting broader web access on your TV through the PS5.

How to Access the Internet on PS5

Method 1: Use the Built-In Hidden Browser

The PS5 has an embedded browser used primarily for network authentication and certain system functions. Here's how to trigger it:

1. Go to Settings from the home screen
2. Select Network
3. Choose Settings, then Set Up Internet Connection
4. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (or check your current connection)
5. On some networks — particularly public Wi-Fi or captive portals — a sign-in page will automatically launch, which is the embedded browser in action

This browser is functional but stripped down. It renders basic pages, but it's not designed for general browsing, and many modern sites won't display correctly.

Method 2: Access Twitter/X Through the PS5 Interface 🎮

Sony integrated a social media sharing feature into the PS5 that includes a link to Twitter/X. Navigating through the share and connect options in Settings > Users and Accounts > Link with Other Services can open web-facing panels, though this is limited to authenticated social content rather than open browsing.

Method 3: Use a Streaming App as a Browser Alternative

For reading articles, checking news, or watching web-based video content, apps available in the PS5 Media section serve as practical substitutes:

• YouTube — searchable video content
• Twitch — live streaming
• Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV+ — video streaming
• Spotify — audio

These don't replace a browser but handle most entertainment-related internet use cases directly.

Method 4: Use Remote Play or Screen Mirroring

If you need actual browser functionality displayed through your PS5 setup, two approaches work around the limitation:

• PS Remote Play — Stream your PS5 to a PC or mobile device, then use the browser on that device separately while your PS5 content runs alongside it. This isn't browsing through the PS5, but it's useful for multi-device setups.
• Screen mirroring — Some users connect a laptop or phone to the same TV via HDMI or wireless casting while using the PS5 for gaming. This isn't PS5 browsing, but it achieves the result.

What Affects Your Experience

Several variables determine how useful PS5 internet access will be for a given person:

Why Sony Removed the Open Browser

On the PS4, the browser was accessible but widely criticized for being slow, insecure, and prone to misuse. Sony's decision to omit a visible, general-purpose browser on PS5 appears deliberate — prioritizing system security, performance consistency, and a focused gaming experience over open-ended web access.

The embedded browser still exists for necessary system functions (network logins, OAuth authentication for services), but Sony has kept it hidden from casual access.

What You Can and Can't Do 🌐

You can:

• Authenticate on captive portal networks
• Access streaming and social media apps
• Use the PS5's media tab for entertainment-focused internet content
• Browse the PlayStation Store (which is web-connected but proprietary)

You can't:

• Open arbitrary URLs from the home screen
• Use the PS5 as a general-purpose web browsing device
• Install third-party browsers like Chrome or Firefox

The Variables That Make the Difference

How much the missing browser matters depends entirely on why you want internet access on your PS5. Someone looking to check scores or stream music will find the media apps more than sufficient. Someone wanting to browse Reddit, do research, or access web-based tools will hit a genuine wall that app workarounds don't fully address.

Your network environment matters too — a public or hotel Wi-Fi setup will actually surface the hidden browser in ways a home network never will. And if your PS5 is your primary living-room device connected to a large screen, the lack of a real browser feels different than it would for someone with a phone or tablet always within reach.

The right solution depends on what you're actually trying to do — and what other devices you have around you when you're trying to do it.