You’re staring at that clunky on-screen keyboard, trying to type "xX_ShadowReaper_Xx" into a search bar with a thumbstick. It’s painful. We’ve all been there. It’s one of those tiny gaming frustrations that shouldn't exist in 2026, yet here we are, still fumbling with DualShock 4 controllers for basic text entry.
Enter the PS4 Second Screen app.
Most people think this app is a fossil. They assume it was killed off when the PS5 took over the world or merged into the main PlayStation App. That’s actually a huge misconception. While Sony hasn't given it a major facelift in ages, it’s still sitting there on the App Store and Google Play, quietly doing things the "fancy" new apps can't.
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The Identity Crisis: Second Screen vs. Remote Play
There is a massive amount of confusion about what this app actually does. I've seen countless forum threads where people download it expecting to stream Bloodborne to their phone.
Nope.
That is what Remote Play is for. If you want to see the game's actual video feed and play it on your iPad, you’re in the wrong place. The PS4 Second Screen app is exactly what it says on the tin: a supplemental display. It doesn't stream video. It’s basically a high-tech remote control and a data HUD.
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Think of it like the bottom screen of a Nintendo DS. You play on the big TV, but your phone shows you the map, or your inventory, or—and this is the big one—it becomes your keyboard.
Why You Actually Want This App Today
Honestly, the "Second Screen" feature for games is kinda dead. Sony tried to make it happen, but developers just didn't bite. However, the app is still incredibly useful for three specific things that the main PlayStation App just doesn't handle well.
1. The Keyboard Hack
This is the only reason 90% of us still have this app installed. When you open a text field on your PS4, you can pull up the app and type on your phone's keyboard. It is infinitely faster. If you’re playing Final Fantasy XIV or any MMO where you need to chat, this is a lifesaver. No more "Wait, let me type... (5 minutes later) ...Hello."
2. Navigating the UI
You can use your phone as a trackpad. Swipe to move the cursor, tap to select. If you’re using your PS4 as a media center for Netflix or YouTube, this is much more comfortable than holding a controller while eating popcorn.
3. Comment Monitoring for Streamers
If you broadcast directly from your console, you can use the app to view your stream's comments in real-time. It beats having that ugly black bar on the side of your TV screen that shrinks your game's resolution just to show you what "PogChamp" means.
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The "Dead" Feature: Which Games Actually Support It?
Let’s be real: the list of games that actually use the "Second Screen" for in-game content is depressingly short. Sony’s own The Playroom used it for some cute AR stuff. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain had a really cool iDROID integration where you could see the map on your phone, but—get this—Konami eventually broke that by shutting down the specific servers it needed.
A few titles that still (mostly) work or had notable integration include:
- Wolfenstein: The New Order (for some collectibles and maps)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (the companion map was legendary)
- Monopoly Plus (to hide your hand from other players on the couch)
- Tearaway Unfolded (using the phone to draw and "send" items into the game)
It’s a bit of a tragedy. The potential was huge. Imagine playing a horror game where a "phone call" actually comes through your physical phone. Instead, we got a few maps and a lot of abandoned projects.
Setting It Up (The 8-Digit Headache)
Pairing this thing can be a bit finicky. You’ve gotta be on the same Wi-Fi network. That’s the golden rule. If your PS4 is on 2.4GHz and your phone is on 5GHz, they might play hide-and-seek and never find each other.
- Fire up your PS4 and go to Settings.
- Find Mobile App Connection Settings.
- Select Add Device.
- A code pops up. You have about 300 seconds to punch that into the app.
I’ve seen people complain that the app only asks for 6 digits while the PS4 gives 8. If that happens, you’re likely using the wrong app or an outdated version. Make sure you are using the standalone PS4 Second Screen app, not the legacy "PlayStation App" from 2015.
Is It Still Worth It?
If you're a hardcore PS4 user in 2026, yes. Absolutely. Even if you only use it as a remote for the web browser or for typing messages to friends, it’s a 3.5MB download. It takes up zero space.
The app hasn't seen a "feature update" since basically 2021, but it’s stable. It’s one of those weird pieces of Sony history that still functions despite being ignored by its parents.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download it now before Sony eventually decides to pull it from the stores.
- Test it with a media app like YouTube to see if you prefer the touch-swipe navigation over the controller.
- Sync it once and keep it in a folder for the next time you need to enter a 25-digit DLC code. Your thumbs will thank you.
- Check your Wi-Fi frequency if the app won't find your console; forcing both to the same band usually fixes 99% of connection errors.