The PS4 comes with a built-in web browser that allows users to access the internet directly on their gaming consoles. While it may not have all the features of a desktop browser, the PS4 browser is still useful for quick web searches, watching videos, and basic internet use right on your TV. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to use the PS4 internet browser effectively and troubleshoot any common issues that you may encounter along the way.
Finding and Opening the PS4 Web Browser
To open the PS4 web browser, follow these steps:
- From the PS4 home screen, navigate to the content area where you can see a row of large icons used to launch games, applications, and other services.
- Look for the “WWW” icon in the content area. This is the browser app. If you don’t see it, go to your Library and then Applications. The browser should be listed there.
- Highlight the browser icon and press the X button on your PS4 controller to launch the browser.
Once you have opened the PS4 web browser, you can navigate web pages using your PS4 controller:
- Move the pointer using the left stick on your controller.
- Scroll up and down the page using the right stick.
- Press the L1 button to go back to the previous page.
- Press the R1 button to go forward to the next page.
- Switch between browser windows by pressing the L2 or R2 buttons.
- To close a window, hold the Circle button.
- Activate full-screen mode by pressing the Square button.
Entering URLs and Searching
To visit a specific web page or perform a search, follow these steps:
- Press the R2 button to open a new browser window.
- Select the URL bar at the top of the page and press the X button.
- Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the web address or search terms.
- Press the R2 button again to load the page or perform the search.
How to Bookmark Pages
To save your favorite web pages for quick access, you can use the bookmark feature in the PS4 browser. Here’s how:
- With the page you want to bookmark open, press the Options button on your controller.
- From the menu that appears, select “Add Bookmark.”
- You can edit the name and URL of the bookmark if desired. Once you’re satisfied, select OK to save the bookmark.
To view your saved bookmarks, press the Options button and select Bookmarks.
If you want to revisit a previously visited page or clear your browsing history and cookies, follow these steps:
To view your browsing history:
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- From the menu, select Browsing History.
- Highlight the page you want to revisit and press the X button to load it.
To clear your browsing history and cookies:
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Choose “Clear Browsing History” and confirm the deletion.
- Select “Delete Cookies” and confirm to remove cookies.
Optimizing Browser Settings
To optimize your browsing experience on the PS4, you can adjust certain settings:
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Disable the “Allow Cookies” option to prevent tracking.
- Enable the “Do Not Track” option to protect your privacy.
- If web pages are not loading correctly, you can turn off JavaScript in the browser settings.
- If video playback is choppy, lower the video quality.
Tips for a Better Browser Experience
Here are some additional tips to enhance your browsing experience on the PS4:
- Close any extra windows or tabs to free up memory.
- Regularly clear your browsing history and cookies.
- If you find it difficult to type using the on-screen keyboard, consider using your phone’s keyboard.
- If a desktop site doesn’t work well, try switching to the mobile site version if available.
- Adjust the video quality lower if you experience lag during playback.
- If typing addresses is cumbersome, you can connect a keyboard to your PS4 for easier input.
Troubleshooting Common PS4 Browser Problems
Can’t Hear Audio
If you encounter videos with no audio, try lowering the video quality setting to 720p or higher. This often resolves the issue of missing audio.
App Closing Randomly
If the browser app keeps closing unexpectedly, try closing any unnecessary windows or tabs. Restarting your PS4 can also help resolve this issue. Additionally, clearing cookies may improve browser performance.
“Not Enough Memory” Error
If you receive a “Not Enough Memory” error, it means you have too many tabs open. Close all but one tab to free up memory. Restarting your PS4 can also help resolve any memory-related issues.
Web Page Looks Weird or Broken
If a web page appears distorted or broken, you can try turning off JavaScript in the browser settings. Alternatively, you can request the mobile version of the site for better compatibility.
Certain Sites Don’t Work Properly
The PS4 browser does not support Flash, so some websites may not function correctly. In such cases, try requesting the mobile version of the site if available.
Using the PS4 internet browser provides a convenient way to access the web on your TV. By following the steps outlined in this guide and troubleshooting any common issues, you can make the most of your browsing experience on the PS4.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PS4 internet browser offers a range of features that allow users to browse the web, perform searches, and access online content right from their gaming console. While it may not have all the functionalities of a desktop browser, it provides a convenient way to stay connected and access information on your TV. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your browsing experience on the PS4 while troubleshooting any common issues that may arise. So go ahead, explore the web on your gaming console and enjoy the convenience of browsing from your couch!
