Discover the Simple Steps to Master Your PS4 Web Browser! 🎮 Whether you own the classic PS4, the sleek PS4 Slim, or the powerful PS4 Pro, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Learn how to tweak the browser settings to perfectly suit your preferences and enhance your gaming experience. Let’s dive in!
How to Open PS4 Browser
Ready to surf the web on your PS4? Here’s how to get started:
- Power Up: Turn on your PS4 and wait for the PlayStation home screen to appear.
- Navigate: Move to the content area with a row of large icons that launch your games, apps, and more.
- Find the Browser: Scroll right until you see the Internet Browser option, marked by a www icon and a Start button. Simply press the X button on your PS4 controller to open it.
🔍 Can’t find the WWW icon on your main screen? No worries! Check in your Library under Apps, and you’ll find it there.
Common PS4 Browser Functions
Navigating the web on your PS4 is easy with these handy functions:
- Open a New Window: Press R2 to start fresh.
- Switch Windows: Use L2 to jump back to your previous activity.
- Full-Screen Mode: Toggle on and off with the square icon for an immersive view. The PS4 browser automatically shows the desktop version of sites.
- Zoom In: Deep dive into details by pressing down on the R3 (right-hand stick).
- Enter a URL: Want to visit a specific website? Press R2 to open a new window, navigate to the top where it says Enter URL, and hit X. Type away on the on-screen keyboard and press R2 again to go.
🔍 Performing a Google Search: Press the triangle to get the cursor in the search box, then the keyboard will appear for you to type your search terms. Hit R2 to see the results.
Bookmarks
Saving Your Favorites:
- Capture a Page: While on your desired web page, press the OPTIONS button on your controller.
- Add Bookmark: From the menu, choose Add Bookmark. You’ll see a screen with two fields: Name (the title of the page) and Address (the URL). Adjust these if necessary, then select OK to save.
Accessing Your Bookmarks:
- Open Menu: Press the OPTIONS button to return to the main browser menu.
- Select Bookmarks: Here, you’ll find a list of all your saved pages. Navigate with the left directional stick and press X to open any site.
Removing Unwanted Bookmarks:
- Choose Bookmark: Navigate to the bookmark you want to delete and press OPTIONS.
- Delete: A side menu will appear. Select Delete, then on the new screen, check the boxes next to the bookmarks you wish to remove using X. Finalize by selecting Delete at the bottom of the screen.
View or Delete Browsing History
Viewing Your Browsing History:
- Open Browser Menu: Press the OPTIONS button on your controller to see the menu on the right-hand side of your screen.
- Access History: Select Browsing History to see a list of sites you’ve visited, complete with titles for each.
- Revisit a Site: Scroll to the site you want to revisit, highlight it, and press X to load it.
Clearing Your Browsing History:
- Open Settings: While in the browser, press OPTIONS and then choose Settings from the menu on the right.
- Erase Data: Select Clear Website Data and then hit X. Confirm by navigating to OK and pressing X again to clear your history.
Quick Privacy Tip: From the Browsing History screen, you can directly access the Clear Website Data option by pressing OPTIONS and selecting Clear Browsing History.
Manage Cookies
Cookies enhance your online experience by remembering your preferences and login details. However, you might want to manage these cookies for privacy reasons or to fix issues on websites. Here’s how you can control cookies on your PS4:
Blocking Cookies:
- Access Settings: Press the OPTIONS button on your controller and select Settings from the right-hand menu.
- Manage Cookie Storage: Find the Allow Cookies option. If there’s a check mark, your browser is set to save cookies. Press X to toggle this off and block cookies. To enable them again, just toggle the check mark back on.
- Note: Blocking cookies may affect how some websites function.
Deleting Cookies:
- Go to Settings: Using the same path, return to the browser’s Settings.
- Erase Cookies: Scroll to Delete Cookies and press X.
- Confirm Deletion: You’ll see a message saying The cookies will be deleted. Confirm by selecting OK and then X to clear all cookies.
Enable Do Not Track
Concerned about advertisers tracking your online activities? The PS4 browser offers a setting called Do Not Track, which requests websites not to track your browsing behavior. Here’s how to activate it:
- Open Browser Settings: Press the OPTIONS button on your controller. A menu will appear on the right-hand side of your screen.
- Navigate to Settings: Select Settings by tapping X.
- Enable Do Not Track: Scroll down until you find the Request that Websites Do Not Track You option. It’s near the bottom of the list and includes a checkbox. Press X to toggle this setting on (add a checkmark) or off (remove the checkmark).
Note: Not all websites honor this setting, but many do respect your privacy preferences.
Turn Off JavaScript
Turning off JavaScript can be useful for various reasons, including security and website testing. Here’s how you can easily disable JavaScript on your PS4:
- Access Settings: Press the OPTIONS button on your controller. This will open a menu on the right-hand side of your screen.
- Go to Browser Settings: Tap X on Settings to open the browser settings menu.
- Disable JavaScript: Look for the Enable JavaScript option near the top of the list. It has a checkbox next to it. Press X to remove the checkmark and turn off JavaScript. To turn it back on, simply select this option again and add the checkmark.
By disabling JavaScript, you might notice changes in how websites load and function, as many sites rely on JavaScript for interactive features.
PS4 Web Browser Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Big Screen Browsing: Enjoy the web on your large TV screen, perfect for casual surfing.
- Seamless Multitasking: Easily switch between your game and the web without needing to pause or close anything.
- No Extra Devices Needed: Access the internet directly on your PS4, no computer or smartphone required.
- Fast JavaScript Performance: The PS4 browser outpaces many competitors on other gaming systems in JavaScript speed tests.
- Automatic Updates: The browser is automatically updated with each system firmware upgrade, ensuring you always have the latest version.
Cons:
- Limited Browser Tools: Lacks features like tab browsing and extensions that are standard in most modern browsers.
- No Flash Support: Some websites may not function fully due to the lack of Flash support.
- Occasional Slowdowns: Performance can lag, especially with multiple windows open.
- Clunky Typing Experience: Using the on-screen keyboard with a PS4 controller can be cumbersome and slow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the PS4 web browser can significantly enhance your gaming setup by enabling web access directly on your console. This guide has walked you through every aspect—from opening the browser and managing bookmarks to adjusting settings for privacy and cookies.
With these tools at your disposal, you can enjoy a more integrated and versatile gaming experience. Whether it’s browsing in full screen, managing cookies, or ensuring your online privacy with the Do Not Track option, your PS4 now doubles as a capable internet-access device. Remember, while the PS4 browser has its limitations, such as no flash support and a basic set of browser tools, it still offers a unique big-screen browsing experience that can complement your gaming and online activities.
So power up your PS4, set up your browser, and dive into the vast world of the internet from the comfort of your gaming chair!
FAQ
How do I start the PS4 web browser?
To open the web browser on your PS4, turn on the console and navigate to the content area with a row of large icons. Scroll right until you see the “Internet Browser” option, marked by a www icon and a Start button. Press the X button on your controller to launch the browser.
What should I do if I can’t find the browser icon on my PS4?
If the WWW icon is not visible on your main screen, check in your Library under Apps. The Internet Browser should be listed there, and you can open it from this location.
How can I save and access bookmarks in the PS4 browser?
To save a bookmark, navigate to the page you want to save, press the OPTIONS button, and select “Add Bookmark.” To access your saved bookmarks, open the browser menu by pressing the OPTIONS button, and select “Bookmarks” from the list.
Can I delete my browsing history on the PS4 browser?
Yes, to delete your browsing history, press the OPTIONS button while in the browser, select “Settings,” then choose “Clear Website Data.” Confirm the action by navigating to “OK” and pressing X again.
How do I block or delete cookies in the PS4 browser?
To block cookies, go to the browser settings by pressing OPTIONS, select “Settings,” and toggle the “Allow Cookies” option. To delete cookies, navigate to “Delete Cookies” in the same settings menu and confirm the deletion.
Is it possible to turn off JavaScript on the PS4 browser, and why would I want to?
Yes, you can disable JavaScript by going to the browser settings menu, selecting “Enable JavaScript,” and removing the checkmark. Turning off JavaScript might be useful for security reasons, or to test how websites load without JavaScript content. However, be aware that disabling JavaScript might affect the functionality of most websites.
