4 Easy Ways to Turn On PS4 Without Controller

In the world of gaming, there are times when we misplace or temporarily lose our controllers, leaving us unable to operate our beloved PlayStation 4 (PS4) consoles. However, did you know that there’s a way to turn on your PS4 without a controller? This clever workaround will come in handy during those controller-less moments, allowing you to enjoy your gaming experience without missing a beat.

Turning on your PS4 without a controller is a remarkably simple process. Just press and hold the power button located on the front panel of the console. The power button is typically indicated by a small, circular button with a PlayStation logo. Hold down the button for a few seconds, and you’ll hear two beeps. The first beep indicates that the PS4 is turning on, while the second beep signifies that it has successfully booted up. Once you hear the second beep, you can release the power button, and your PS4 will be ready to use.

This method of turning on your PS4 without a controller offers a convenient solution when your controller is out of reach or out of battery. Furthermore, it’s particularly useful if you have multiple PS4 controllers, as it eliminates the need to search for the specific controller paired with your console. Whether you’re experiencing controller-related mishaps or simply want to learn a new trick, turning on your PS4 without a controller is a valuable skill that will enhance your gaming experience. So the next time you find yourself without a controller, don’t despair; simply reach for the power button on your PS4, and you’ll be back in the game in no time.

Using the Power Button on the Console

The power button on the PlayStation 4 console is located on the front panel, next to the disc drive. It’s a small, round button with a PlayStation logo on it. To turn on the console without a controller, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. The console will beep and the power indicator light will turn blue. The console will then start up and display the home screen.

Here are the steps in detail:

Steps	Actions
1	Locate the power button on the front panel of the PS4 console. It’s a small, round button with the PlayStation logo on it.
2	Press and hold the power button for a few seconds.
3	The console will beep and the power indicator light will turn blue.
4	The console will start up and display the home screen.

Turning On the PS4 with Remote Play

Remote Play is an official feature that allows you to control your PS4 remotely from a PC, Mac, Android smartphone, or iPhone. With Remote Play, you can use your device’s screen as a display, and use its controls as input. This makes it an excellent alternative to using a physical controller, especially if you don’t have one available.

Device	Requirements
Windows PC or Mac	PlayStation Remote Play app
Android smartphone	PlayStation Remote Play app
iPhone	PlayStation Remote Play app

To use Remote Play to turn on your PS4, you will need to enable Remote Play on your PS4 and connect your device to your PS4’s Wi-Fi network. Once you have done this, you can follow these steps:

On your device, open the PlayStation Remote Play app.
Sign in to your PSN account.
Select your PS4 from the list of available devices.
The PS4 will turn on and you will be able to control it remotely.

Connecting a PlayStation Camera

1. Adjust your PlayStation Camera by sending the camera’s large stand containing the camera atop your TV’s flat surface, then twisting the stand’s base until it secures itself. If your TV lacks a flat surface, attach the included stick-on mount to a suitable spot near your TV and secure the camera stand to it instead.

2. Connect the provided PlayStation Camera cable to the port located on the upper-rear end of your PlayStation 4. Avoid unnecessary bending or pulling on the camera’s cable, as this may cause damage.

3. Enable the PlayStation Camera by affirming through the on-screen prompts after powering on your PlayStation 4. These prompts will also guide you through the following steps, which are crucial for optimizing your camera’s performance:

Position the camera at the ideal height and angle to capture you and your gameplay without obstruction.
Adjust the camera’s field of view to ensure that it captures the desired area, avoiding both excessively wide and narrow settings.
Fine-tune the camera’s image settings to enhance clarity and reduce glare, ensuring optimal visuals for gameplay, video recording, and streaming.

**Additional Tips for Camera Positioning:**

Camera Position	Purpose
Centered above the TV	Provides a balanced view of the player and their surroundings
Slightly elevated on a shelf or stand	Offers a more flattering angle, reducing nose and chin distortion
Mounted on the TV’s lower bezel	Ideal for gameplay where the player’s hands and controllers are the main focus

Using the PlayStation App

The PlayStation App is a mobile application that allows you to control your PS4 remotely. You can use it to turn on your PS4, launch games, and even chat with friends. To use the PlayStation App to turn on your PS4, follow these steps:

Make sure your PS4 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
Download the PlayStation App on your mobile device.
Sign in to the PlayStation App with your PlayStation Network account.
Tap on the “PS4” icon in the bottom-left corner of the app.
Tap on the “Power” button in the top-left corner of the app.
Your PS4 will turn on.

You can also use the PlayStation App to turn on your PS4 using a QR code. To do this, follow these steps:

Make sure your PS4 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
Download the PlayStation App on your mobile device.
Sign in to the PlayStation App with your PlayStation Network account.
Tap on the “PS4” icon in the bottom-left corner of the app.
Tap on the “QR Code” icon in the top-right corner of the app.
Scan the QR code on your PS4’s screen.
Your PS4 will turn on.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble turning on your PS4 with the PlayStation App, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Problem	Solution
My PS4 won’t turn on when I use the PlayStation App.	Make sure that your PS4 is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
I’m having trouble scanning the QR code on my PS4’s screen.	Try moving your mobile device closer to the PS4.
I’m getting an error message when I try to use the PlayStation App.	Try restarting the PlayStation App.

Remotely Turning On the PS4 from a Smartphone

If you’ve misplaced your controller or simply want to turn on your PS4 from the comfort of your phone, you can do so with the PlayStation App. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the PlayStation App

If you haven’t already, download the PlayStation App from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your PSN account.

Step 2: Add Your PS4

In the PlayStation App, tap the “Settings” icon and select “System Connections.” Tap “Add System” and follow the on-screen instructions to add your PS4 to the app.

Step 3: Allow Remote Play

On your PS4, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Remote Play Connection Settings.” Enable the “Enable Remote Play” option.

Step 4: Connect Using Remote Play

In the PlayStation App, tap the “Remote Play” icon. Select your PS4 from the list and tap “Connect.” You’ll need to verify your account on the PS4 by entering a code displayed on the screen.

Step 5: Remote Control Your PS4

Once connected, you’ll see a virtual representation of your PS4 controller on your phone screen. You can use this to navigate the PS4 menu, launch games, and even use the PS4 touchpad. If you want to turn off your PS4 using the app, tap the “Power” button in the virtual controller.

Platform	App Link
iOS	https://apps.apple.com/us/app/playstation-app/id1127290966
Android	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playstation.remoteplay&hl=en_US&gl=US

Connecting a Keyboard and Mouse

If you don’t have a controller, you can still turn on your PS4 using a keyboard and mouse. Here’s how:

Connect a USB keyboard and mouse to the PS4’s USB ports.
Turn on the PS4 using the power button on the console.
Once the PS4 is turned on, you will see the login screen.
Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate to the user account you want to log in to.
Press the Enter key on the keyboard to log in.
Once you are logged in, you can use the keyboard and mouse to navigate the PS4’s menu and play games.

Here are some additional tips for using a keyboard and mouse on PS4:

You can use the keyboard and mouse to control all aspects of the PS4 interface and gameplay.
The keyboard and mouse will work with most PS4 games, but there may be some games that are not compatible.
You can change the keyboard and mouse settings in the PS4’s Settings menu.

Supported Keyboard and Mouse Models:

The following is a table of supported keyboard and mouse models for PS4:

Keyboard	Mouse
Logitech G105	Logitech G502
Razer BlackWidow X	Razer Deathadder Elite
Corsair K70 RGB	SteelSeries Rival 310

Utilizing PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now is a cloud gaming service that empowers you to stream PS4 games on your PC, Mac, or mobile device. If your PS4 is powered off, you can still initiate streaming through PlayStation Now. Here’s how:

Launch the PlayStation Now app on your chosen device.
Navigate to the game you want to play.
Select the “Stream Now” option.
Sign in to your PlayStation Network account.
Select the virtual controller and customize your settings as needed.
Start playing the game.
Your PS4 will automatically power on and display a black screen. The game will continue to stream from the PlayStation Now servers.

Note that PlayStation Now requires a stable internet connection and an active subscription. Games played through PlayStation Now may exhibit some latency, which can vary depending on your network quality.

Using a Custom USB Cable

If you don’t have a PlayStation 4 controller, you can still turn on your PS4 using a custom USB cable. This cable is not sold by Sony, but it can be purchased from third-party retailers. To use a custom USB cable, follow these steps:

1. Purchase a custom USB cable.

There are many different custom USB cables available on the market. Choose one that is specifically designed for the PlayStation 4.

2. Connect the USB cable to your PS4.

Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on the front of your PS4. Plug the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.

3. Turn on your PS4 by pressing the power button on the console.

The power button is located on the front of the console, next to the USB port.

4. Once your PS4 is turned on, you can disconnect the USB cable from your computer.

You can now use your PS4 without a controller.

5. To turn off your PS4, press and hold the power button on the console for 7 seconds.

The power button will blink orange and then turn off.

6. Once your PS4 is turned off, you can disconnect the USB cable from the console.

You can now store the USB cable in a safe place.

7. If you ever need to turn on your PS4 without a controller again, simply follow these steps again.

You will need to purchase a new custom USB cable if you lose or damage your current cable.

8. Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to turn on a PS4 without a controller using a custom USB cable:

Step	Action
1	Purchase a custom USB cable.
2	Connect the USB cable to your PS4.
3	Turn on your PS4 by pressing the power button on the console.
4	Disconnect the USB cable from your computer.
5	To turn off your PS4, press and hold the power button on the console for 7 seconds.
6	Disconnect the USB cable from the console.
7	If you ever need to turn on your PS4 without a controller again, simply follow these steps again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Controller Not Responding

Check if the controller is properly connected to the PS4 using a USB cable. If it is, try resetting it by pressing the reset button on the back. You can also try connecting a different controller to see if that works.

TV Not Receiving Signal

Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS4 and TV. Check if the TV is set to the correct input channel. If you are using an HDMI splitter or switch, try bypassing it to connect the PS4 directly to the TV.

Power Light Flashing and PS4 Not Turning On

This issue may indicate a hardware malfunction. Try the following steps:

Unplug the PS4 from the power outlet and wait a few minutes.
Plug the PS4 back in and try turning it on again.
If the issue persists, contact PlayStation support for further assistance.

PS4 Overheating and Shutting Off

Ensure that the PS4 is placed in a well-ventilated area and that the vents are not blocked. Clean the vents regularly to prevent dust buildup. You may also need to replace the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU if the PS4 has been used heavily for an extended period.

Game Disc Not Reading

Clean the game disc with a soft, dry cloth. Check for any damage or scratches on the disc. If the disc is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

PSN Not Connecting

Check if your internet connection is stable and restart your router/modem. Ensure that the PS4 is connected to the internet via a wired or wireless connection. If the issue persists, contact PlayStation support for further assistance.

Controller Battery Not Charging

Make sure that the USB cable is securely connected to both the controller and PS4. Try using a different USB cable or charging the controller with a wall charger. If the controller still does not charge, it may need to be replaced.

Blue Screen of Death

This error typically indicates a software or hardware issue. Try the following steps:

Restart the PS4 in Safe Mode and rebuild the database.
If the issue persists, initialize the PS4, which will erase all data.
If the issue still does not resolve, contact PlayStation support for further assistance.

Alternative Methods

Use the PS4 Power Button

Locate the power button on the front of the PS4 console, next to the disc drive. Press and hold the button for approximately 7 seconds until you hear two beeps. The PlayStation logo should appear on the screen, indicating that the console is turning on.

Use Remote Play

Install the PlayStation Remote Play app on your smartphone or computer. Ensure that your PS4 and the device you’re using for remote play are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Remote Play app and sign in with your PlayStation Network account. Select your PS4 from the list of available consoles and start playing. While in Remote Play mode, you can use the on-screen controls to navigate the PlayStation menu and turn on the console.

Use a USB Keyboard

Connect a USB keyboard to one of the USB ports on the PS4 console. Press any key on the keyboard to wake up the console. Navigate to the “Power” option on the PlayStation menu and press the “Enter” key to turn on the console.

Use a Mouse

Connect a USB mouse to one of the USB ports on the PS4 console. Move the mouse to wake up the console. Click on the “Power” icon on the PlayStation menu and select “Turn On PS4” to turn on the console.

Use the PlayStation App (For PS5 Only)

Install the PlayStation App on your smartphone. Ensure that your PS5 and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the PlayStation App and sign in with your PlayStation Network account. Select your PS5 from the list of available consoles and tap the “Remote Play” icon. While in Remote Play mode, you can use the on-screen controls to navigate the PlayStation menu and turn on the console.

Use a Power Outlet Timer

Connect the PS4 console to a power outlet timer. Set the timer to turn on the console at a specific time each day. Your PS4 will automatically turn on at the scheduled time without the need for any manual input.

How to Turn On PS4 Without Controller

There are a few different ways to turn on your PS4 console without using a controller. Here’s how to do it:

HDMI Device Link:

If your TV and PS4 are both HDMI CEC-compatible, you can use the HDMI Device Link feature to turn on your PS4 by turning on your TV. To enable this feature, go to Settings > System > Enable HDMI Device Link.

Remote Play App:

Download the PS Remote Play app on your smartphone or tablet and use it to connect to your PS4. Once connected, you can use the app to turn on your PS4 remotely.

Power Button:

If you have physical access to your PS4, you can manually turn it on by pressing the power button on the front of the console. Please note that this method may not work on all PS4 models.