Screen mirroring allows you to cast your smartphone or tablet’s display onto your PlayStation 4, opening up a world of possibilities for entertainment and productivity. Whether you want to share photos with friends, watch videos on a bigger screen, or play mobile games with your PS4 controller, screen mirroring can enhance your PS4 experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about screen mirroring on PS4, from setup to troubleshooting.
What is Screen Mirroring and Why Use It on PS4?
Screen mirroring, also known as screen casting, is the process of wirelessly displaying the content of a smaller screen (like a smartphone or tablet) onto a larger screen (in this case, your TV via the PS4). This technology allows you to:
- View photos and videos from your mobile device on a larger screen
- Play mobile games on your TV using your PS4 controller
- Browse the web or use apps on a bigger display
- Share presentations or documents during meetings
By leveraging the power of your PS4 as a media center, screen mirroring can transform your gaming console into a versatile entertainment hub.
Requirements for Screen Mirroring to PS4
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A PlayStation 4 console (any model)
- A smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
- Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
- Appropriate screen mirroring apps installed on both devices
Screen Mirroring from iPhone to PS4
For iOS users, there are several apps that enable screen mirroring to PS4:
Using Plex
Plex is a popular media server app that also supports screen mirroring:
- Download Plex on both your iPhone and PS4
- Create a free Plex account
- On your PS4, go to the PlayStation Store and search for Plex
- Install and launch the Plex app on both devices
- Sign in to your Plex account on both devices
- On your PS4, select “Settings” > “Network” > “Media Server Connection“
- Choose your iPhone from the list of available devices
- Start casting your screen
Using iMediaShare
iMediaShare is another excellent option for iOS users:
- Download iMediaShare on your iPhone and PS4
- Launch the app on both devices
- On your iPhone, select the content you want to cast
- Tap the cast icon and select your PS4 from the list of available devices
- Your content should now appear on your TV via the PS4
Using R-Play
R-Play is specifically designed for streaming games from PS4 to iOS devices, but it can also be used for screen mirroring:
- Download R-Play on your iPhone
- Enable Remote Play on your PS4 (Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings)
- Launch R-Play and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your PS4
- Once connected, you can mirror your iPhone screen to the PS4
Screen Mirroring from Android to PS4
Android users have several options for screen mirroring to PS4:
Using PlayStation App
The official PlayStation App offers basic screen mirroring functionality:
- Download the PlayStation App on your Android device
- Sign in with your PlayStation Network account
- On your PS4, go to Settings > PlayStation App Connection Settings > Add Device
- Enter the code displayed on your PS4 into the app on your Android device
- You can now use your Android device as a second screen for your PS4
Using PS4 Second Screen
PS4 Second Screen is another official Sony app that allows for some screen mirroring features:
- Download PS4 Second Screen on your Android device
- Ensure both your PS4 and Android device are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Launch the app and select your PS4 from the list of available devices
- You can now use your Android device to control your PS4 and display certain content
Using LocalCast
LocalCast is a versatile casting app that works with PS4:
- Download LocalCast on your Android device
- Launch the app and select the content you want to cast
- Tap the cast icon and select your PS4 from the list of available devices
- Your content should now appear on your TV via the PS4
For specific Android devices, you might want to check out guides for screen mirroring on Google Pixel, screen mirroring on Huawei, or screen mirroring on Samsung S10.
Setting Up Your PS4 for Screen Mirroring
To ensure your PS4 is ready for screen mirroring:
- Go to Settings > Network and ensure your PS4 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device
- Navigate to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and enable “Enable Remote Play”
- Go to Settings > System and ensure “Enable HDCP” is turned on
For full-screen mirroring, check out our guide on how to achieve full-screen mirroring.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems while screen mirroring, try these solutions:
- Restart both your PS4 and mobile device
- Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Check for app updates on both devices
- Disable any VPN or proxy services on your mobile device
- Reduce the distance between your router and devices
Tips for Optimal Screen Mirroring Performance
To get the best screen mirroring experience:
- Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if available for faster speeds
- Close unnecessary apps on your mobile device to free up resources
- Adjust video quality settings in your mirroring app to balance performance and quality
- Keep your PS4 and mobile device updated with the latest software
Limitations of Screen Mirroring to PS4
While screen mirroring to PS4 is versatile, it does have some limitations:
- Not all apps support screen mirroring due to copyright restrictions
- There may be slight lag or delay, especially with fast-paced content
- Some apps may not allow audio casting along with video
Alternatives to Screen Mirroring
If screen mirroring isn’t working for you, consider these alternatives:
- Use an HDMI cable to directly connect your device to your TV
- Use a streaming device like Chromecast or Apple TV
- Utilize built-in smart TV features if available
- For Windows users, consider using AirPlay on Windows 10
- You can also connect your PS4 to a laptop for a different setup
- For streamers, learn how to stream PS4 on Discord
Conclusion
Screen mirroring to PS4 can significantly enhance your entertainment setup, allowing you to enjoy mobile content on the big screen. While it may take some setup and troubleshooting, the ability to seamlessly share your mobile device’s screen on your PS4 is well worth the effort. Experiment with different apps and settings to find the perfect screen mirroring solution for your needs.
Remember, the key to successful screen mirroring is ensuring all your devices are compatible, connected to the same network, and running the latest software. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be screen mirroring like a pro in no time!
