Your PS5’s USB port can unlock hidden tricks you probably never use

Charge your DualSense controller while the PS5 is off

Your PS5’s USB port lets you charge the DualSense controller even when the console is in rest mode. Just enable this in Settings under “System” > “Power Saving” > “Features Available in Rest Mode,” and select “Supply Power to USB Ports.”

You can choose how long the ports stay active, consistently, three hours, or off entirely. This is a handy way to keep your controller charged without keeping your system running, saving energy.

On PS5 Slim or Pro models, you can choose ‘Adaptive’ mode as well. This fully charges your controller then turns off USB power to reduce energy consumption.

Connect a wired keyboard for easier text entry

Typing with a controller can be frustrating, especially when logging into accounts or entering codes. You can plug a USB keyboard into your PS5, and it’ll work instantly. There’s no setup needed.

The keyboard makes chatting, searching, or typing in the browser far quicker and more convenient. It’s also helpful for games that support keyboard inputs, especially strategy or simulation titles. This small USB trick saves time and makes your overall experience smoother.

Expand your storage with a USB external drive

The PS5 lets you expand your storage using a USB 3.0 external hard drive or SSD. While you can’t play PS5 games directly off the drive, you can store them there and move them back to internal storage when needed.

PS4 games, however, can run directly from the external drive. This helps manage limited SSD space and keeps your library organized. Just plug in the drive and format it when prompted to get started.

Record game audio with a USB microphone

Content creators can plug a USB microphone into the PS5 to capture higher-quality voice audio during streams or game clips. The system supports plug-and-play USB mics without needing additional software.

It’s useful for Twitch streaming via the built-in broadcasting tools or for party chats where clear communication matters. Whether you’re streaming or just chatting, using a dedicated mic makes a noticeable difference in voice clarity.

Charge other devices like your phone or tablet

The PS5’s USB ports aren’t just for PlayStation gear. They can charge other electronics too, including smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and even external battery packs. This is especially convenient if your console is already set to supply power in rest mode.

Remember that charging speeds may vary, and power-hungry devices might charge more slowly than when plugged into a wall charger. Still, it’s a valuable feature that makes the most of your setup.

Transfer screenshots and video clips via USB

Using a USB flash drive, your PS5 makes it easy to move screenshots and game clips to a computer. Just plug in a formatted drive, go to Media Gallery, select the files you want, and choose “Copy to USB Drive.”

It’s an efficient way to back up your favorite gaming moments or edit content elsewhere. This is especially helpful for creators or anyone who wants to share gameplay footage on platforms outside of the PS5 ecosystem.

Plug in a racing wheel or flight stick

Connect a USB racing wheel or flight stick to the PS5 if you’re into racing sims or flight games. Many accessories designed for the PS4 will still work thanks to backward compatibility. Just plug them in and follow any prompts to configure the controls.

Games like Gran Turismo 7 or Ace Combat 7 benefit significantly from these peripherals, giving you a more immersive and responsive experience that standard controllers can’t match.

Use a USB hub to connect multiple accessories

Since the PS5 only has a few USB ports, adding a powered USB hub can expand your connectivity options. Plug the hub into one of the USB-A ports, and you can simultaneously use multiple devices like a headset, mic, flash drive, and keyboard.

Make sure the hub supports USB 3.0 for best performance. While you can’t use two external storage devices simultaneously, this helps streamline your setup without constant unplugging.

Connect a media remote with a USB dongle

Some third-party PS5-compatible media remotes have USB dongles for faster and more stable performance. These plug into the console’s USB port and instantly sync with the remote.

This is especially useful for watching streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ on your console. While the official PS5 media remote uses Bluetooth, USB-based ones can offer longer battery life and less input delay during playback.

Use a USB to LAN adapter for wired internet

If you’re using a digital-only PS5 and your router is far from the console, a USB to Ethernet adapter can give you a stable wired connection. Just plug it into any USB port, and the console will automatically switch to wired internet once it detects the adapter.

This helps reduce lag in online games and offers more consistent download speeds, which is crucial for significant game updates or streaming at higher resolutions.

Power an RGB light strip or cooling fan

You can enhance your PS5 setup’s aesthetic or performance using the USB port to power accessories like an RGB light strip or cooling fan. Many of these devices are USB-powered and don’t require much energy, so they work well when plugged into your console.

If your PS5 is in a tight space, a cooling fan can help with airflow. And for mood lighting, an LED strip adds flair to your gaming station with zero fuss.

Play media files stored on a USB stick

The PS5 supports playback of media files directly from a USB stick. Plug it in, open the Media Gallery, and select “USB Drive” to access compatible music, video, or photo files.

Supported formats include MP4 for videos, MP3 for music, and JPEG or PNG for images. This is a quick way to enjoy personal media on your console without streaming it from another device or uploading it online first.

Access PS4 save data using a USB drive

You can move PS4 save files to your PS5 using a USB drive. First, export the saves from your PS4 to a USB stick. Then, insert the drive into your PS5 and navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (USB Drive) to copy the files.

This trick is handy if you don’t have PlayStation Plus, which handles cloud save transfers automatically between consoles.

Plug in a USB controller for local multiplayer

Some third-party wired controllers or retro-style USB gamepads work with the PS5, particularly when playing PS4 titles. This lets you add more local players without buying additional DualSense controllers.

While not every USB gamepad is supported, many officially licensed PS4 controllers will plug in and work without issue. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to host couch co-op sessions without investing in multiple wireless controllers.

With local multiplayer just a USB plug away, now’s the perfect time to jump in, especially as PS5 prices drop while Xbox and Switch rise.

Connect a PlayStation camera adapter for PS VR

If you still use a PS VR headset from the PS4 era, the PS5 supports it with a special camera adapter that plugs into the USB port. Sony offered these adapters for free to PS VR owners, allowing the older PlayStation Camera to connect with your PS5.

This lets you continue enjoying PS VR games on the newer system. Remember that this setup won’t work with PS VR2, which uses a different connection method.

While you’re setting up your PS VR, check out this mini PC that outshines the PS5 with an RTX 5060; it might just change your setup plans.

Would you swap your console for a PC like this? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.