How to Put Movies on PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

The PlayStation 4 isn’t just for gaming; it’s a versatile multimedia hub capable of playing your favorite movies. You can put movies on your PS4 primarily via external USB storage devices, media servers, or streaming services. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to understanding and executing each method effectively.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Options: Methods for Movie Playback

The PS4 offers a few different approaches to enjoying movies you own or have access to. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks in terms of convenience, cost, and file format support.

Using a USB Storage Device

This is arguably the most straightforward method. It involves transferring your movie files to a USB drive and plugging it directly into your PS4.

Pros: Simple, doesn’t rely on an internet connection, works with a variety of file formats.
Cons: Requires physical media transfer, potential file format compatibility issues, storage capacity limited by the USB drive.

Streaming from a Media Server (Plex, Emby)

Media servers like Plex or Emby allow you to stream movies from a computer or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device to your PS4.

Pros: Centralized media library, accessible from multiple devices, often offers transcoding to ensure compatibility.
Cons: Requires a running server, relies on a stable network connection, might require a Plex Pass subscription for certain features.

Utilizing Streaming Services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video)

If you subscribe to popular streaming services, you likely already have access to a vast library of movies directly on your PS4.

Pros: Huge selection of movies, easy to access, no local storage required.
Cons: Requires a paid subscription, dependent on internet connection, movie availability varies by region and service.

Detailed Steps: Putting Movies on Your PS4

Let’s break down each method with step-by-step instructions.

Transferring Movies via USB

Format Your USB Drive: The PS4 supports FAT32 and exFAT file systems. Most USB drives come formatted as FAT32, which has a 4GB file size limit. For larger movies, reformat your drive to exFAT. Be aware that formatting will erase all data on the drive! To format, plug the drive into your computer, right-click on it, and select “Format.” Choose exFAT from the “File system” dropdown menu.
Create Folder Structure: On the USB drive, create a folder named “VIDEO” (all caps). This is important for the PS4 to recognize your movie files.
Transfer Your Movie Files: Copy your movie files into the “VIDEO” folder. Supported file formats include MP4, AVI, MKV, MPEG-2, and AVCHD.
Connect to PS4: Plug the USB drive into one of the USB ports on your PS4.
Access Media Player: From the PS4 home screen, go to the “Media Player” app (you may need to download it from the PlayStation Store if it’s not already installed).
Select Your USB Drive: In the Media Player, you should see your USB drive listed. Select it.
Choose Your Movie: Navigate to the “VIDEO” folder and select the movie you want to play.

Streaming Movies with Plex

Install Plex Media Server: Download and install the Plex Media Server software on your computer or NAS device from the Plex website.
Configure Your Library: Open the Plex Media Server software and add your movie folders to your Plex library. Plex will automatically scan and organize your movies, downloading metadata like cover art and descriptions.
Download Plex App on PS4: On your PS4, go to the PlayStation Store and download the Plex app.
Sign In to Plex: Open the Plex app on your PS4 and sign in with your Plex account. Make sure your PS4 and the device running Plex Media Server are on the same network.
Select Your Server: The Plex app should automatically detect your Plex Media Server. Select it to access your movie library.
Choose Your Movie: Browse your movie library and select the movie you want to play.

Using Streaming Services

Download the App: Find the app for the streaming service you want to use (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) in the PlayStation Store and download it.
Sign In: Open the app and sign in with your account credentials.
Browse and Play: Browse the available movies and select the one you want to watch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering problems while trying to watch movies on your PS4 is common. Here’s how to address some frequent issues:

File Format Not Supported: The PS4 has limited codec support. Transcode your movie to a supported format like MP4 using software like HandBrake.
USB Drive Not Recognized: Ensure your USB drive is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Also, try a different USB port on your PS4.
Plex Server Not Found: Make sure your Plex Media Server is running and that your PS4 and the server are on the same network. Check your firewall settings to ensure Plex is allowed through.
Streaming Buffering Issues: Poor internet connection can cause buffering. Try restarting your router or switching to a wired connection.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding putting movies on a PS4, further clarifying the process and addressing potential issues.

1. What video file formats are natively supported by the PS4 Media Player?

The PS4 natively supports MP4, AVI, MKV, MPEG-2, and AVCHD. However, support can vary depending on the codecs used within these container formats. For example, an MKV file using a codec the PS4 doesn’t support will not play.

2. Can I play Blu-ray or DVD movies on my PS4?

Yes, the standard PS4 and PS4 Pro models include a Blu-ray disc drive that can play both Blu-ray and DVD movies. Just insert the disc into the drive and the PS4 will automatically recognize and play it.

3. How do I transcode a video file to a compatible format for PS4?

You can use free software like HandBrake to transcode video files. Load your movie into HandBrake, select a preset like “Fast 1080p30” or “Fast 720p30”, and ensure the output format is MP4. You can further customize settings like bitrate and audio codecs for optimal quality and file size.

4. What’s the difference between FAT32 and exFAT, and why does it matter for USB drives?

FAT32 has a file size limit of 4GB, meaning you can’t transfer files larger than 4GB onto a FAT32 formatted drive. ExFAT overcomes this limitation, allowing you to transfer files of any size. ExFAT is recommended for storing movies on a USB drive for PS4.

5. Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the Media Player app?

No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the Media Player app. PlayStation Plus is only required for online multiplayer gaming and some exclusive discounts.

6. Can I use an external hard drive instead of a USB flash drive to store movies?

Yes, you can use an external hard drive as long as it’s formatted as FAT32 or exFAT and connected to the PS4 via USB. External hard drives offer significantly more storage capacity than flash drives.

7. How can I fix the “Unsupported Data” error message when trying to play a movie?

The “Unsupported Data” error usually means the PS4 doesn’t support the codec used in the movie file. Transcoding the file to a supported format like MP4 using HandBrake is the recommended solution.

8. Is it possible to stream movies from my smartphone to the PS4?

While there’s no direct native way to stream from your smartphone, you can use third-party apps that support casting or mirroring to the PS4. Some apps, like Plex, allow you to stream from your phone if it’s acting as a media server.

9. Why is my movie skipping or lagging during playback?

This can be caused by several factors: a slow USB drive, a weak network connection (for streaming), or the PS4 struggling to decode a high-resolution file. Try using a faster USB drive (USB 3.0), improving your network connection, or transcoding the movie to a lower resolution.

10. Can I play movies in 4K resolution on my PS4?

The standard PS4 can output video in 1080p resolution. The PS4 Pro can output video in 4K resolution, but only if the movie file itself is in 4K and the connected display supports 4K resolution.

11. Is there a way to play ISO files (disc images) on the PS4?

The PS4 Media Player does not natively support ISO files. You will need to convert the ISO file to a supported video format like MP4 before playing it on the PS4.

12. Can I use DLNA to stream movies to my PS4?

Yes, the PS4 supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). You can use a DLNA server application on your computer or NAS to stream movies to the PS4 Media Player. Many media server applications, like Plex and Windows Media Player, also function as DLNA servers.