In this guide, we’ll go over how to stream a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro console to a Mac. For the remainder of this guide, when I reference PS4 I’ll refer to PS4 and PS4 Pro since the steps are exactly the same for both consoles.
Requirements
You’ll need a Sony PlayStation network account (this is free). This login will need to be used on the PS4 you’ll be streaming from and on the Remote Play app, you’ll be installing on your Mac.
You’ll also need a PS4 controller to connect to your Mac.
PS4 Setup
- On the main console screen to “Settings” – “Remote Play Connection Settings” – and then turn on [Enable Remote Play].
- Go back to the main “Settings” page – “Account Management” – “Activate as Your Primary PS4”, and then select “Activate”. Note: This can only be enabled on one PS4 console (in case you have more than one). If you only have one console, don’t worry and continue on.
- One last time, go to the main “Settings” – “Power Save Settings” – “Set Features Available in Rest Mode”. Then check the boxes for “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS4 from Network”.
Step 3 means that if you ever put your PS4 in rest mode, you can activate and turn on PS4 streaming from your PC.
Mac Setup
- If you haven’t already, connect your PS4 controller to your Mac via USB or Bluetooth. To connect using Bluetooth, while the controller is off, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time for about 3 seconds. You’ll know it’s in pairing mode when the controller light starts to flash.
- On your Mac’s main “Settings”, select “Bluetooth” and select the PS4 controller by clicking “Connect”.
- After your controller is setup, navigate to this Sony Remote Play website and scroll down to the section to stream on a Mac.
- A new window might open and you’ll have to select “Control your PS4 console from a Mac” (or something similar if they update their site).
- Download the software and install the software.
- Open the app and type in your Sony PS Network credentials that are also on your PS4.
- After successfully connecting to your PS4, it’ll open up in a program window. You can maximize the window by clicking the green expand icon at the top left of the window.
- You’re done! The video quality might be lacking a bit though, see the conclusion notes below.
Conclusion
A few things to note. This works best if your PS4 and Mac are both on the same home network on a wired Ethernet connection. WiFi can work but just make the signal is strong for whatever device is connected wirelessly.
As of this posting, streaming doesn’t work properly beyond 720p. I’m not sure why, but 1080p is supposed to be available but doesn’t work properly.
Lastly, you can stream your PS4 to a Mac over the internet (it doesn’t have to be on the same network as your PS4). Just keep in mind that the network the PS4 is on will need a decent upload speed since it’ll be sending data out.
