PlayStation devices aren’t directly compatible with Alexa.
But wait…
That doesn’t mean there’s absolutely no way to connect this AI to your PS4/PS5.
After all, I did my research and found the best workaround to do so.
Keep reading to discover:
- 5 quick steps to connect Alexa to your PS4 or PS5.
- 3 genius tips to try if your AI won’t connect to your gaming console.
- How to use a harmony hub as a bridge between your PS device and Alexa.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to connect Alexa to PS5? 5 steps
#1: Turn ON your TV’s HDMI-CEC
You’ve most likely heard of HDMI cables before.
The acronym stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.
And it usually refers to a port or a cable that can:
Transfer high-definition audio and video from 1 source to another.
Now, how is HDMI-CEC different?
Well, you can think of it as an upgraded feature of the regular HDMI.
It can still transfer audio and visual data using the standard cable.
However, on top of those…
HDMI-CEC allows your smart TV to control the external devices connected to it.
Including your PS5.
Note: CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control.
Now, this feature is what will help your PS4 connect to Alexa through your TV.
Hence, you must turn it ON.
Note: Almost every modern TV has HDMI-CEC. However, depending on your device’s brand, this feature goes by a different name.
To give you some examples, here’s…
How popular TV brands refer to HDMI-CEC:
TV brand | Alternative name for HDMI-CEC |
LG | SimpLink or SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) |
Samsung | Anynet+ |
Sony | BRAVIA Sync |
Toshiba | CE-Link or Regza Link |
Vizio | CEC |
Panasonic | HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, or VIERA Link |
Philips | EasyLink |
That said, go to your TV’s user manual.
Then, look up how to activate your device’s alternative name for HDMI-CEC.
After turning ON this feature…
#2: Connect your TV to Alexa
As mentioned earlier, your PS5 can’t directly connect to Alexa.
So, you’ll need to link your TV to the voice assistant instead.
Luckily, this process is very short and easy.
Just follow these…
Steps to connect Alexa to a generic Smart TV:
Step 1: Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device
Don’t have it yet?
Head to the application’s download page (iOS/Android).
And log in before you proceed to…
Step 2: Click Devices
It’s the 2nd option from the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: Tap the + button
You’ll find this on the upper-right portion of your screen.
From the small window that appears…
Step 4: Select Add Device
Once you see the list of device types…
Step 5: Choose TV
Note: You might need to scroll down to see this option.
Step 6: Tap your TV’s brand
From here on, the steps depend on your device’s brand/model.
So just…
Step 7: Follow the instructions on your screen
After successfully connecting your TV and Alexa…
Try using voice commands to make your AI control your TV.
Say something like:
“Alexa, turn ON my (TV name on your Alexa app).
And only proceed to the next step if your TV successfully follows your command.
Related reading: Does PS5 Require a 4K TV? 5 Surprising Facts
#3: Connect your TV and PS5
If you haven’t done so already, just follow these steps:
- Prepare your HDMI cable.
- Plug 1 end into your PS5’s HDMI OUT port.
- Insert the other connector into 1 of your TV’s HDMI IN ports.
- Remember the name of the port you used in the previous step.
- Tap your TV remote’s Input button.
- Choose the name of the HDMI port you remembered earlier.
Note: The latter steps may vary slightly depending on the brand/model of your TV.
#4: Activate your PS5’s HDMI-CEC
At this point, Alexa can control your TV.
However, the latter still can’t command your gaming console.
Because although you’ve already activated your TV’s HDMI-CEC…
You still haven’t enabled this feature on your PS5.
Note: PlayStation refers to HDMI-CEC as HDMI Device Link.
Fortunately, it only takes seconds to…
Activate your PS5’s HDMI Device Link:
- Turn ON your gaming console.
- Go to its home screen.
- Click the Settings (gear) icon at the top-right portion of your TV.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Choose HDMI.
- Toggle ON the option that says Enable HDMI Device Link.
- Activate the Power Off Link on the same window.
#5: Use Alexa to control your PS5
Unfortunately, with this setup…
There aren’t many voices commands you can use for your gaming console.
And really, the only advantage of connecting this AI to your PS device is that…
Now, you can turn ON your gaming console just by using your voice.
Try saying something like:
“Alexa, turn ON my TV and connected devices.”
And your gaming console will turn ON.
Similarly, if you ask your AI to shut down your TV…
Your PS5 will also enter its rest mode.
Now, you may be wondering:
“But how can I use more voice commands to control my gaming console?”
Well, it’s not that hard to do.
Just follow along with the next section. Because it also applies to your PS5.
How to connect Alexa to PS4? 5 steps
Note: The process to connect your PS5 to Alexa also applies to a PS4. But below, I’ve written another method to do this process.
#1: Purchase a harmony hub
A harmony hub is an example of a smart home system.
It acts as an all-in-one controller of smart devices from different brands.
And you can consider it the bridge between your PS4 and Alexa.
Now, there are different models of harmony home hub…
But I highly recommend getting this Logitech Harmony Elite Remote.
Because out of all the harmony hubs I’ve tried…
It’s the most beginner-friendly one.
Plus, it’s the model I’ll be using as an example for this process.
#2: Set up your harmony hub
Now, the exact steps for this step depend on the smart home hub you have.
However, if you got one from Logitech, you’re in luck.
Because you can simply follow this video to set up your harmony hub:
After successfully completing this step…
#3: Connect your PS4 and harmony hub
If you got the harmony hub I recommended…
Follow these steps on your harmony hub remote:
- Tap the Menu button on your controller.
- Select Harmony Setup.
- Choose the Add/Edit Devices & Activities option.
- Click DEVICES.
- Once again, tap Devices.
- Select ADD DEVICE.
- Choose ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE.
- Type in “Sony.”
- Select PlayStation 4.
- Click yes when asked to create an Activity.
- Follow further instructions.
Note: You may also follow the steps above on the Harmony app (iOS/Android).
After doing this…
Follow these instructions on your PS4:
- Head to your gaming console’s Settings.
- Click Devices.
- Tap Bluetooth Devices.
- Choose Harmony Keyboard.
- Confirm by selecting Yes.
- Follow the remaining instructions on your screen.
Now, you can control your PS4 through the harmony hub.
But the smart home system still can’t access your voice assistant.
So, it’s time to…
#4: Add the harmony hub as an Alexa skill
Step 1: Open the Amazon Alexa app
Make sure to log in before you proceed to…
Step 2: Tap Menu
You’ll find this at the bottom-right corner of the app.
Step 3: Select Skills and Games
It’s the option with a little star on its icon.
Step 4: Tap the magnifying glass
You’ll see this at the top of the screen.
And it’ll launch the search bar, which you’ll need to…
Step 5: Search “Harmony”
Several results with Harmony in the title will pop up.
From them…
Step 6: Choose the skill with the blue icon
It’s the one that says:
“Harmony – Optimized for Smart Home.”
Step 7: Enable the skill
Just click the Enable button on your screen.
Step 8: Log in to your harmony account
Ensure you input the same credentials you used for your hub.
Step 9: Select your harmony hub
After doing so, tap the Next icon at the top of your screen.
Step 10: Select the activities you want to use Alexa for
Ensure to checkmark the activities for your PS4.
Then, tap the Next arrow at the top of your screen.
Step 11: Choose your favorite harmony activities
This is optional.
Step 12: Tap the LINK ACCOUNT button.
You’ll find this at the bottom of the app.
Step 13: Redo the steps above for the other harmony skill
Important: Follow the entire step-by-step process as it is. However, for step 6, choose the harmony skill with the red icon. Not the blue one.
Note: Enabling both skills lets you use more voice commands with your harmony smart hub.
Read next: 29 Best Alexa Skills (#7 Is My All Time Favorite)
#5: Control your PS4 through Alexa
Now, your harmony hub has access to your voice assistant and gaming console.
So, try controlling your PS4 through this AI by saying a command like this:
“Alexa, ask Harmony to (do an action) on my PS4.”
Note: With this setup, you won’t be able to turn ON your gaming console through voice commands. To do so, you must connect your PS4 to your TV’s HDMI-CEC. I listed the specific steps for that process in the “How to connect Alexa to PS5?” section above.
“Help, my Alexa won’t connect to my PS5 or PS4” – 3 tips
#1: Follow the specific steps above
By default, PlayStation devices aren’t compatible with Alexa.
Hence, there’s no official way to connect them.
All you can do is find a workaround.
And, lucky you, I’ve got the best ones above.
However, did you perhaps use others’ instructions instead of mine?
Then, before you try the other tips below…
Make sure to follow the specific steps I wrote above to connect Alexa to your PS device.
Because others’ instructions may have skipped a necessary step or 2.
Hence, your AI and gaming console still can’t connect.
#2: Make sure your WiFi is fast enough
When you use your gaming console…
Sony recommends connecting to a WiFi that provides at least 5 Mbps.
But based on experience…
Sometimes, this speed is too slow to use your PlayStation device without interruptions.
After all, a slow Internet can cause your gaming console to:
- Lag.
- Freeze.
- Stop responding.
It’s best to have WiFi capable of giving you 50-100 Mbps.
20-50 is still bearable. However, if you’re getting lower than 20 Mbps…
You should either upgrade your router or change your Internet Service Provider.
Not sure how fast your WiFi is?
Don’t worry. I’ll teach you the quick steps to…
Check your WiFi’s speed:
- Turn ON your phone/PC.
- Launch any browser.
- Head to speedtest.net.
- Tap the GO button in the middle of your screen.
- Wait for the results to show up.
#3: Restart your gaming console
Maybe your gaming console is glitching.
Hence, it can’t create a new connection with your PS4.
So, to refresh your device’s system…
Follow these steps to restart your PlayStation:
PS4
- Turn ON your gaming console.
- Press and hold the PS button on your controller.
- Select Power.
- Tap Restart PS4.
PS5
- Turn ON your PS5.
- Tap the PS button on your controller.
- Select the Power icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Choose Restart PS5.
After restarting your gaming console…
Retry the specific instructions to connect Alexa to your Sony device.