So, how to use a laptop as a monitor for PS4? Imagine this scenario where you want to play your PS4, but the only problem is finding a TV set that you can use as a monitor for PS4. Guess what!? There is a solution, and it is your laptop!
However, you need some necessary tools as well as software if you want to spend your gaming time well before you use laptop as monitor. So, let us share with you the requirements!
Contents
Requirements
Below are the things you will need if you’re interested in how to use a laptop as a monitor for PS4.
Hardware Essentials
HDMI Cable. It’s one of the most important aspects of your setup, and it establishes the connection between your PS4 and laptop.
But make sure you have a high-quality cable for optimal performance.
Video Capture Card. If you are looking to explore advanced setups, a video capture card opens up new possibilities for you. Video capture cards provide a more immersive gaming experience.
A good USB cable. Listen, regardless of what method you choose to connect your laptop to your PS4, be it a video capture card or directly connecting to your PS4, you will need a USB cable. Make sure your USB cable is compatible with your PS4, and viola!
Software Essentials
Remote Play App. Installing PlayStation Remote Play app acts as a bridge between your PS4 and laptop, enabling wireless gameplay. So, download it.
Remote Play Connection Settings. This is a quick note that you should configure the connection settings on your remote play app when you download it, as it will make the experience even better on your monitor for PS4.
Section 2: Connection Methods
Below are the main methods.
1. Remote Play
For a wireless alternative, Sony’s Remote Play app comes to the rescue:
Download and install. Head to the official Sony website, download the Remote Play app compatible with your laptop’s operating system and install it.
Configure Remote Play. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to link your PS4 and laptop. Ensure your devices are on the same wireless network.
Optimize Settings. Navigate to Remote Play Connection Settings to work on parameters like resolution and frame rate. This gives you a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Do you know what you will need to use your laptop as a monitor for PS4 with remote play? strong internet connection. A stable wireless internet connection means high-resolution gameplay and a better experience.
2. Video Capture Card Setup
For gamers seeking an advanced setup, incorporating a video capture card introduces a new level of customization.
Install the Video Capture Card. Connect the video capture card to your laptop through a USB port. Install any required drivers or software.
Connect the PS4 to Your Video Capture Card. Use an HDMI cable to link your PS4 to the video capture card.
This establishes a direct connection, allowing your laptop to capture and display the gaming content.
As your PC has an HDMI out port, a video capture card will turn your HDMI out port to HDMI in, which enables you to use your laptop as a monitor.
One more thing we should tell you is video capture card software. It will help you to adjust to the settings you need when you use a capture card.
3. HDMI Connection
While HDMI ports on laptops are typically output-only and not HDMI-in, it is close to impossible to directly connect your PS4 to your laptop’s screen using a standard HDMI cable and HDMI port.
Laptop HDMI ports. Laptops generally feature an HDMI port designed to send video signals to external displays, not to receive input from other devices. This limitation stems from the hardware design of most laptops.
Input-Output Mismatch. Unlike desktop monitors or TVs, which often have both HDMI input and output ports, laptops are commonly equipped with HDMI output ports only. This means your laptop is configured to send signals, not receive them.
So, trying to use laptop as monitor for PS4 gaming console exceeds the standard capabilities of laptops.
Section 3: Setting Up the Laptop
Now that we’ve established a connection between your PS4 and laptop, it’s time to optimize your laptop’s settings for your gaming experience. So, follow these steps to configure everything for smooth gameplay.
Software Configurations
Graphics Settings. Check and optimize your laptop’s graphics settings. Adjust them according to what your laptop is capable of to have better gaming visuals.
Power Settings. Customize the power-saving settings to strike a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
This will help your laptop remain responsive when you have longer gaming sessions.
Update Drivers. Update your drivers: Did you know that new and up-to-date drivers for laptops can make it much easier to improve the performance of your laptop?
Guess what!? They can! So, don’t forget to work on these settings before playing, as it will greatly help your laptop.
Section 4: Effective Tips for Common Issues
But one thing though: even when you build a nice setup and are ready to play, there may be some challenges that will make the life of a gamer harder. So, here are some tips for common issues that you might have while playing your PS4 on your laptop screen:
Connection and Display Issues
Remote Play Connectivity (remote play, network settings). If you are experiencing lag or disconnection during Remote Play, check your network settings. Ensure a stable internet connection and consider adjusting your router settings for optimal performance.
HDMI Connection (laptop screen, monitor for PS4). If your laptop screen or external monitor isn’t displaying the PS4 output, verify the HDMI connections. Ensure cables are securely connected, and troubleshoot any issues with your external display.
Capture Card Setup (capture card, video input). If you want to use a capture card, we recommend configuring your video input settings correctly and checking the cable connections to avoid any problems.
Software and Compatibility
Remote Play Software (file sharing, PlayStation Network account). If encountering issues with Remote Play software, ensure your PlayStation Network account is linked correctly. Verify file-sharing settings and permissions for a seamless connection.
Graphics and Video Card Compatibility (video card, use laptop as monitor for PS4). Confirm that your laptop’s graphics and video card meet the requirements for gaming. Outdated or incompatible hardware may result in performance issues.
Rest Mode and Power Save Settings
When your PS4 doesn’t wake from its rest mode, you should check the HDMI settings on both your PS4 and laptop monitor. Adjust settings to prevent compatibility issues during power-saving modes.
FAQs
Can I use my laptop as a screen for my PS4?
Of course, you can. Even though the gaming experience would be much better if you connected your PS4 to a TV monitor, your laptop is capable of handling this task as long as you use remote play or capture cards.
Can you connect a PS4 to a laptop through HDMI?
Unfortunately, no. Most of the laptops produced around the world do not have HDMI input ports, meaning it is impossible to connect a PS4 to a laptop screen through HDMI. You can use video capture cards to help you get this job done.
How can I use my laptop as a monitor?
You can use your laptop as a monitor for PS4 by connecting it to your PS4 and using methods such as remote play a video capture card or HDMI.
Conclusion
Congratulations, great job for making it here. Now that you know how to use laptop as monitor for the PS4, you are equipped with the right tools and techniques to master this challenge.
However, keep in mind that each method provided in this article has its pros and cons along with its unique features. So make sure to choose the one that suits you.