How to Use Your Laptop as a Monitor for PS4: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to use your laptop as a monitor for your PS4, you can achieve this either using an HDMI connection (with a video capture card) or via Sony’s Remote Play app. This method allows you to play PS4 games directly on your laptop, eliminating the need for a separate monitor. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Method 1: Using a Video Capture Card

This is one of the most reliable methods for connecting your PS4 to your laptop. A video capture card allows you to use your laptop as an external monitor, but it requires specific hardware.

What You’ll Need:

• An HDMI cable
• A video capture card (such as Elgato Game Capture HD)
• USB cable

Steps:

1. Connect the Capture Card: Plug the HDMI cable into your PS4’s HDMI-out port and the other end into the capture card’s HDMI-in port. Then, use a USB cable to connect the capture card to your laptop.
2. Install the Capture Card Software: Most capture cards come with software that you need to install on your laptop to view the video feed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install and configure it.
3. Turn on Your PS4 and Launch the Software: Once everything is connected, turn on your PS4 and open the capture card software on your laptop. Your laptop will now display the PS4’s output, allowing you to play games directly from your console onto your laptop screen​.

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Method 2: Using Remote Play (No Capture Card Required)

If you don’t want to invest in a capture card, Sony’s Remote Play app offers a great alternative by streaming your PS4’s content over the internet to your laptop. However, this option depends on having a strong and stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need:

• Sony Remote Play app (available for Windows and Mac)
• USB cable (to connect your PS4 controller to the laptop)
• A stable internet connection

Steps:

1. Download and Install the Remote Play App: Go to the official PlayStation website and download the Remote Play app for your laptop. Install it following the on-screen instructions.
2. Enable Remote Play on Your PS4: On your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings, and enable Remote Play. Also, put your console in Rest Mode via Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Enable Turning On PS4 from Network.
3. Connect Your PS4 Controller: Use a USB cable to connect your DualShock 4 controller to your laptop, or connect it wirelessly if your laptop supports Bluetooth.
4. Launch the Remote Play App and Sign In: Open the app, sign in with your PlayStation Network (PSN) credentials, and select Start. The app will search for your PS4 and connect to it over the internet.
5. Start Playing: Once connected, you can see your PS4’s screen on your laptop. Now, you can play your PS4 games directly on your laptop without needing a capture card​.

Key Considerations:

• Lag: When using Remote Play, some users might experience input lag depending on their internet speed. For the best experience, ensure your PS4 and laptop are both connected via ethernet for a stable connection.
• Video Quality: The quality of your gameplay can also vary based on your internet connection, so a capture card might offer better performance if video quality is a concern.
• Using HDMI Directly: Note that most laptops do not have HDMI input ports, which is why you need a capture card to make the connection work​.

With these methods, you can easily use your laptop as a monitor for your PS4, whether you opt for the more hardware-dependent capture card route or the convenient Remote Play option. Happy gaming!