The best PS5 features are disabled by default

The Sony PlayStation 5 is a very successful console with a very complete OS brimming with features. However, some of them are well hidden and deactivated by default.

The PS5 has many useful features that are disabled by default. From being able to choose a default difficulty level for games to automatically hiding spoilers, there’s a lot to explore. Here are some settings to look out for if you don’t already know them.

Mute microphone

When you turn on your PS5, the DualSense controller’s microphone also turns on, so your voice can be recorded. You can make sure the microphone is disabled by default on your PS5. Once loaded, press the up arrow on the D-pad. Then press the right arrow until you reach the gear icon to enter the settings menu. Go to Sound > Microphone > Microphone Status When Connected and change the value to Mute.

Enable Remote Play

The PS5 Remote Play feature allows you to play PS5 games from your smartphone. You can enable it in Settings > System > Remote Play. Then use the official Sony app or third-party alternatives to enjoy the games on your smartphone.

Enjoy surround sound

3D sound adds a new dimension to the gameplay. Compatible with PS5! You can enjoy it with a compatible headset or 5.1, 7.1 or other sound system.

Choose a default difficulty level

If you’re the kind of person who always plays on the same difficulty level, PS5 has the option to automatically select it every game. On the same page, you can set the camera, the default first or third person view, as well as subtitles and audio language, and if you wish, run games in performance mode.

PS5 also allows you to be warned about spoilers before viewing certain content. To turn them on, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Spoiler Warnings.

Privacy Protection

Your PS5 will ask you to select your privacy settings when you first set up your machine. These settings can be found under Settings > Users & Accounts > Privacy. You will definitely want to limit the options under Manage how data is collected and used. You can also go to View and configure privacy settings to customize your shared data.

Set up power saving features

If you want to cut down on your energy bills, you can turn your PS5 off when you’re not using it. If you forget to do this, you can set the behavior to automatic: Settings > System > Power Saving. Then select Features available in sleep mode to make sure your console isn’t using more power than it needs.

Connect automatically

If you’re the only one using PS5, you can set the console to auto-authorize, which will save you some time at startup. To do this, go to Settings > Users & Accounts > Login Settings.