PS4 Second Screen

Turn your phone into a powerful companion for your PS4

PS4 Second Screen is a focused companion tool that adds a layer of convenience to your PlayStation 4 experience, especially if you spend a lot of time navigating menus or messaging friends. Rather than trying to be an all-in-one hub, it concentrates on a few useful tricks and largely delivers on them.

The main appeal is remote navigation. Once your console and phone are linked through your PlayStation Network account and on the same network, you can use the app as a touch-based controller for the PS4 interface. Swiping through menus or opening apps feels intuitive and can be more comfortable than reaching for the DualShock just to change a setting or launch a game.

Text entry is where PS4 Second Screen really shines. Typing messages, search queries, or login details on a phone keyboard is dramatically faster and less frustrating than using the on-screen keyboard with a gamepad. If you chat a lot, frequently redeem codes, or search the store, this feature alone can make the app worth keeping.

The “second screen” aspect is more limited. Only certain games support extra information or companion-style features, and even then, the enhancements tend to be modest—think maps, status screens, or secondary info. When it works, it’s a nice touch, but it’s not a game-changer and may feel underused for many players.

Performance is generally stable, though the app does rely heavily on your network quality and on PlayStation’s other companion apps not being killed in the background. Some users may experience occasional connection hiccups if their system aggressively closes background apps.

PS4 Second Screen is not essential, but it is a handy quality-of-life upgrade. If you often type on your PS4 or like having subtle companion features at your fingertips, it’s a simple, lightweight way to make your console slightly smarter.