PS5 Tips and Hidden Features Every Owner Should Know

I’ve been gaming on PS5 since launch, and I keep finding features I’d completely missed. Most PS5 owners are stuck using basic functions when the console is packed with PS5 tips and hidden features that genuinely change how you play. I’m talking about real game-changers—not just gimmicks. Let me walk you through what actually matters.

PS5 tips and hidden features: Game Presets: The Setting That Saves You Hours

Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier. Instead of tweaking settings every single time you start a new game, your PS5 lets you create Game Presets that automatically apply when you load up. Go to Settings > Save Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets, and you can preset your difficulty level, Performance vs Resolution mode, first-person or third-person camera, subtitle language, and audio preferences.

This alone cuts out that annoying minute of menu diving before every session. I set mine to Performance Mode for shooters and Resolution Mode for story games, and the console just knows what I want now.

Voice Commands: Actually Useful (Finally)

The PS5 has a voice command feature that lets you navigate your console and even open games, control movie playback, or capture gameplay by saying “Hey PlayStation” and your desired command. You can activate this in Settings > Voice Command > Enable Voice Command and adjust speech speed, volume, and how long the PS5 waits for your request. It’s still in beta, but it works better than you’d expect. Honestly, when my hands are full, just saying “Hey PlayStation, take a screenshot” feels like future tech actually working.

Mute Your DualSense Mic by Default

When you join multiplayer games, the PS5 controller mic is on by default so everyone hears you. To fix this permanently, go to Settings > Sound > Microphone, then select Microphone Status When Logged In and change it to Mute. Your roommate won’t hear your commentary on every death anymore, and people in online lobbies will actually appreciate you.

Discord Voice Chat Integration

In 2024, Sony added Discord voice chat integration for PS5 owners. You can open the Control Center, select Game Base, open the Discord tab, pick Direct Voice Chats, highlight who you want to chat with, and select Start Voice Chat. It’s a small thing, but it’s huge if your crew lives on Discord. No more bouncing between apps.

Activity Cards Speed Up Game Loading

Activity Cards let players jump directly into missions, challenges, or objectives, reducing loading time and making game sessions much more efficient. Instead of loading the full game and then navigating to what you actually want to do, you can jump straight to it from the home screen. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Black Ops 6 use this heavily, and once you know about it, you won’t go back.

Keyboard Shortcuts That Actually Work

The PS5 has hidden keyboard shortcuts: L1 or R1 jump between words, L2 or R2 jump to the start or end of a sentence, and clicking the touchpad opens an actual trackpad for easier navigation. Messaging and searching become way less painful. I use these constantly when I’m hunting for games in the store or typing usernames to block after toxic multiplayer sessions.

Enable HDMI Device Link to Use Your TV Remote

Go to Settings > System > Enable HDMI Device Link, and you’ll be able to navigate the PS5 with your TV remote. You also get the option for your PS5 to automatically enter rest mode when turning off the TV. It sounds minor until you realize your TV remote is always in reach and your DualSense controller’s battery is preserved. On Solonegoxiaqui we’ve noticed this feature is criminally underrated—it just works.

3D Audio Works With Regular Speakers

3D audio is built into the PS5. While the Pulse headset provides an ideal experience, you can set up your speakers to deliver roughly the same result by running the PS5’s built-in acoustic measurement. You don’t need expensive PlayStation-branded audio hardware. Run that acoustic calibration and your living room becomes an immersive space. Games hit completely different when you’re actually hearing spatial audio.

Customize Your DualSense Triggers and Haptics

You can customize your DualSense controller by adjusting trigger resistance and vibrations. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and modify Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback. Save custom profiles for different game genres to fine-tune control sensitivity in FPS games. Fighting game? Racing sim? They all feel different on your triggers. That’s not magic—you just need to actually set it up.

Expand Storage With External M.2 SSDs

Insert a compatible M.2 SSD into the PS5’s expansion slot, format it under Settings > Storage, and transfer large games like Black Ops 6 for faster load times. You’re not stuck with whatever storage your console came with. I grabbed a 1TB SSD for cheap and tripled my game library capacity. On Solonegoxiaqui we recommend checking compatibility lists first—not every SSD plays nice.

Spoiler Warnings Protect Story Games

To avoid spoilers from shared content, go to Settings > Save Data and Game/App Settings > Spoiler Warnings and toggle the feature on. Now you can avoid content that will spoil story beats—either those marked as spoilers by the developer or related content. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me from Game Pass screenshots or friend clips. It’s only for PS5 games, but it works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Performance Mode and Resolution Mode?

Performance Mode prioritizes smooth frame rates (usually 60fps or higher) which is ideal for competitive shooters and fast-paced action games. Resolution Mode boosts visual quality and graphical fidelity, running at higher resolution but lower frame rates (usually 30fps). Your preference depends on what matters more to you—responsiveness or visual polish.

Can I use my old PS4 DualShock 4 controller on PS5?

Only for PS4 backward compatible games. PS5 exclusive titles and games built specifically for the new console require the DualSense controller because they use its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features. PS4 games don’t need those features, so your old controller still works there.

How do I enable Game Help without leaving my game?

Press the PS button while playing a supported game (most modern titles have it), and select Game Help to access step-by-step hints and walkthroughs. You can even watch solution videos in a small window on the side while you keep playing. This requires PlayStation Plus.

What M.2 SSD models are compatible with PS5?

Sony requires PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe drives with at least 825GB capacity. The drive must fit within PS5’s heatsink constraints (the official Sony SSD hits these specs). Check Sony’s official compatibility list before buying—brands like Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850X, and Corsair MP600 are verified options.

Conclusion

Your PS5 is way more capable than you’re probably using it. These aren’t glitches or workarounds—they’re built-in features Sony expects you to find. Spend an afternoon digging into your Settings, try a couple of these tricks, and your whole gaming experience shifts. If you’ve discovered something we missed, drop a comment below. That’s how the community learns on Solonegoxiaqui.