Best PS5 Settings to Change First: Video, Controller, Storage and Privacy

A new PS5 works fine straight out of the box, but a few settings make a big difference to picture quality, controller battery life, storage and privacy. This list covers the ones worth changing first, with the exact menu path for each. If you are still choosing a model or need more storage, see our PS5 guide first.

All paths start from the gear icon at the top right of the home screen.

Set Your Game Presets

Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets

• Performance Mode or Resolution Mode: choose Performance if you prefer smoother frame rates, or Resolution if you prefer sharper graphics. Supported games start in the mode you pick.
• Difficulty: set your usual difficulty for games that support it.
• Inverted camera and subtitles: set them once instead of in every game.

Not every game reads these presets, but many first party games do.

Get the Best Picture

Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output

• 120Hz Output: set to Automatic. Games that support 120 frames per second will use it on a TV or monitor that can show it.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): set to Automatic to reduce tearing and stutter on a VRR capable TV.
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): set to Automatic so your TV switches to its game mode.
• HDR: turn on if your TV supports HDR, then run Adjust HDR to match the PS5 to your screen.
• Deep Color Output and RGB Range: leave on Automatic.

120Hz and VRR need an HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor and the HDMI cable that came with the console.

Make the Controller Battery Last Longer

Settings > Accessories > Controllers (General)

• Set Vibration Intensity and Trigger Effect Intensity to Medium or Weak.
• Set Brightness of Controller Indicators to Dim.

Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off: choose 10 or 30 minutes so an idle controller does not drain overnight.

Stop Trophy Videos From Filling Your Storage

Settings > Captures and Broadcasts > Trophies

Turn off Save Trophy Videos. The PS5 otherwise records a short clip every time you earn a trophy, and those clips add up. You can keep Save Trophy Screenshots on, since screenshots use very little space.

Use Rest Mode the Smart Way

Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode

• Supply Power to USB Ports: set to 3 Hours so controllers charge while the console rests.
• Stay Connected to the Internet: turn on so games and system updates download in rest mode.
• Enable Turning On PS5 from Network: turn on if you use Remote Play or the PlayStation App.

Turn On Automatic Log In

Settings > Users and Accounts > Login Settings

Turn on Log In to PS5 Automatically if you are the only player, so the console skips the profile screen. Leave it off on a shared family console.

Check Your Privacy Settings

Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy

• Choose who can see your real name, friends list and online status.
• Under data collection, set the data you share to Limited if you prefer to share less.
• Parents can set play time limits, spending limits and age ratings in Settings > Family and Parental Controls.

Customize the Control Center

Press the PS button, then the Options button, to choose which cards appear in the Control Center. Put the ones you use most, such as Sound and Game Base, near the front.

Keep Your Console Updated

Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings

Turn on automatic downloads and installs for system updates, so new features and fixes arrive while the console rests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use Performance Mode or Resolution Mode?

Performance Mode gives smoother gameplay and is usually better for action and online games. Resolution Mode looks sharper and suits slower story games.

Why can I not turn on 120Hz?

Your TV or monitor needs an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 120Hz, and the game itself must support 120Hz output.

Does rest mode damage the PS5?

No. Rest mode is designed for regular use. It lets the console charge controllers and download updates while using little power.

Can I play PS4 games with these settings?

Yes. Most video settings apply to PS4 games too. See our guide to playing PS4 games on PS5.

Last updated: October 18, 2026