Want to make the most out of your PS5? Check out these useful features.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been out for some time now, but that does not necessarily mean that you have dug into everything it offers. This console has an extensive list of features and things you can do to keep yourself entertained and make the most out of your purchase.

That said, uncovering all of these less-known things on your own can be daunting and time-consuming. But don’t worry; we have compiled a list of things you might not know you can do with your PS5. Let’s get under the hood of the PS5 and explore some of its coolest offerings.

Old habits die hard. If you have gamed on a PS4 for an extended period and recently switched to the PS5, you might still prefer the feel and grip of the DualShock 4. If that’s the case, you will be glad to know you can use your PS4 controller on your PS5.

It is worth noting that you won’t be able to play PS5 games as they are incompatible with the DualShock 4. However, you will still enjoy an extensive list of backward-compatible PS4 games. So, if you feel a little nostalgic or are more comfortable with your old controller, connect it to your PS5 console using a USB cable to pair the two devices.

One of the features we love about the PS5’s DualSense controller is the built-in microphone that supports voice chats. So you don’t have to use a headset to chat with your friends while playing online games. You can easily send voice notes to your friends on PS5 or join in on a chat without wearing a headset, which is ideal if you don’t have one.

However, the fact that you can use your controller’s built-in mic to chat with friends does not necessarily mean that you should. There are some convincing reasons you should avoid using the mic on your PS5 controller and instead use a headset. Firstly, the sound quality will be poorer with the built-in mic, and secondly, your controller’s battery will drain faster.

Lastly, because the mic is on by default, you might sometimes forget to mute it yourself and broadcast your conversations to your fellow gamers each time you play online, which can be pretty embarrassing.

So, to avoid any potential mishaps, we recommend you mute your controller by default by going to Settings > Sound > Microphone > Microphone Status When Logged In and selecting Mute to disable it.

One change you might have noticed on your DualSense controller is the new Create button, which has replaced the Share button on the DualShock 4. However, there’s no need to panic, as it retains most of the same functionality as the old Share button and does things better. So, what is the PS5 Create button?

The Create button is located on the top-left side of your controller’s touchpad, and it primarily allows you to capture and share your best gaming moments through screenshots and video clips. But did you know that you can also customize your controller’s Create button?

By default, you can take a screenshot by long-pressing the Create button or tapping it and selecting the Take Screenshot option.

On the other hand, tapping the Create button twice will take and save a video clip of your recent gameplay. However, if you prefer, you can change these default settings by going to Settings > Captures and Broadcasts > Captures > Shortcuts for Create Button and selecting the options you want.

Since its launch, the design of the PS5 has drawn a lot of attention and mixed reviews. Some people love the oversized, futuristic look of the console, while others find it a little too flashy and prefer the more understated design of the PS4. But, one thing’s for sure: the PlayStation 5 is certainly a head-turner.

Although you can’t do much about the size, one thing you might not know is that you can rid yourself of its plain white color by changing your PS5 covers. And, no, you won’t need special tools to do this as the covers are easy to swap out.

In addition, you will be glad to know that Sony has made some covers to give your console a fresh look; you can check them out via the PlayStation website.

Dust accumulation is inevitable, especially if you keep your PS5 in an open space. Over time, the dust will start accumulating on your console’s vents, which can impact its performance. In extreme cases, dust buildup can cause overheating and damage your PS5. The great news is, unlike its predecessor, the PS5 is much easier to clean as you can easily remove its cover.

Before cleaning your console, it goes without saying that you should always unplug it from the power outlet. Once you have removed the covers, use a handheld vacuum with a narrow attachment to gently suck up the dust from the vents. Doing this regularly will help keep your PS5 in top condition and prevent any potential issues down the road.

The PS5 comes with a feature called Remote Play that lets you stream games from your console to your mobile devices or computer. So, if you have one TV in your house and someone else is watching it, you can still play your PS5 games on your mobile phone or tablet. You just need a reliable internet connection and the PS Remote Play app.

You can start by downloading the app on your mobile device from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). Once you have done that, you will have to enable the connection on your PS5 by going to Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play. You can now launch the mobile app and follow the instructions to finish the setup.

If you are wondering what you will use to play the games on your mobile device, don’t worry; you can use the on-screen controller or connect your DualSense controller to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. All you need to do is put your PS5 controller into pairing mode by pressing both the PS and Create buttons simultaneously. Once it’s in pairing mode, you can go to your Bluetooth settings on your mobile device and complete the setup.

Download: PS Remote Play for Android | iOS (Free)

Did you know you could listen to your favorite music while playing games on your PS5? Whether you are an Apple Music or Spotify subscriber, you can easily connect your account to your PS5 and listen to your favorite tunes while gaming. You know what this means, right? You are no longer forced to listen to that boring in-game music.

Start by downloading the Spotify or Apple Music app on your PS5 from the PlayStation Store. Once you have done that, open the app, log into your account, and you are good to go! While gaming, press the PS button on your controller to access the control center.

Select the Music icon, and your Spotify or Apple Music app should be listed there. Select it, and you can start streaming your favorite tunes right away. Just remember to customize your in-game audio settings to ensure the game and music sound is to your liking.

Once you start adding games to your internal storage, you will quickly realize the 667GB of available space won’t last you very long. That’s because PS5 games are massive; some can take over 100GB of space. While you might consider transferring your PS4 and PS5 games to an external hard drive to free up some space, you won’t be able to play the latter from there; you will have to copy them back to the internal storage.

A much better long-term solution is to add an SSD to your PS5. This will give you much-needed additional storage space, and it will also make your games load faster. On top of that, it will future-proof your console, as PS5 games will only get bigger.

After going through this list, you will have a better handle on how to use your PS5 like a pro. However, there is always more to learn, especially as system updates add new features to the console. So, keep exploring your PS5 and finding new ways to boost your overall experience.

Loic is a freelance Productivity writer at MakeUseOf and a lifelong learner. He has been writing about technology since 2016 after leaving his job as a Social Media Consultant. Since then, he has written about everything from productivity tips to social media strategies and essential life hacks. When he's not writing or testing out new technology, Loic enjoys playing video games and exploring new places.

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