Can Alexa Turn On My PS5? The Definitive Guide

The short answer? Yes, Alexa can turn on your PS5, but with a crucial caveat: it’s not natively supported. You need a bridge, specifically a device that can interpret Alexa’s voice commands and translate them into actions your PS5 understands. This usually involves using a smart home hub or a third-party skill.

Understanding the Integration Landscape

Direct integration between Amazon Alexa and Sony’s PlayStation 5 remains absent. This means you can’t simply say, “Alexa, turn on PlayStation,” and expect the console to spring to life. Instead, you need to understand how the PS5 interacts with external devices and leverage that knowledge to create a workaround. Think of it like this: Alexa speaks English, the PS5 speaks “PlayStation,” and you need a translator.

The Role of a Smart Home Hub

The most common method involves using a smart home hub that can control devices via infrared (IR) or network commands. These hubs act as the aforementioned translator. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Alexa Hears You: You issue a voice command like, “Alexa, turn on PlayStation.”
2. Alexa Sends the Signal: Alexa sends this command to your connected smart home hub.
3. The Hub Translates: The hub, pre-configured with the appropriate codes, sends either an IR signal or a network command that mimics pressing the PS button on your DualSense controller.
4. PS5 Responds: The PS5, receiving the simulated “power on” signal, boots up.

Popular Hub Choices

Several smart home hubs are well-suited for this task, including:

• Logitech Harmony Hub: This is arguably the most popular and reliable solution. It’s designed specifically for controlling home entertainment devices and has a vast database of IR codes, including those for the PS5.
• Broadlink RM Mini 3: A more budget-friendly option that also uses IR to control devices. It requires a bit more technical setup but offers excellent value.
• SmartThings (with compatible IR blaster): Samsung’s SmartThings hub, when paired with a compatible IR blaster, can also control the PS5.

Setting Up the Connection

The setup process varies slightly depending on the hub you choose, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Connect the Hub: Set up your smart home hub according to the manufacturer’s instructions and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.
2. Add the PS5: Use the hub’s app to add your PS5 as a device. This usually involves selecting the PlayStation brand and model. The hub will then download the necessary IR codes or network protocols.
3. Link Alexa: Enable the relevant skill for your smart home hub in the Alexa app. This allows Alexa to communicate with the hub.
4. Create a Routine: In the Alexa app, create a routine that triggers the PS5 power on sequence. This routine will typically involve:
   • Choosing a trigger phrase: “Alexa, turn on PlayStation.”
   • Selecting the hub’s “power on” command for the PS5: This is the action the hub will perform when the routine is triggered.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Alexa doesn’t recognize the command: Double-check that you’ve enabled the correct skill and that the routine is configured correctly in the Alexa app. Make sure the trigger phrase is exactly as you intended.
• The hub isn’t sending the signal: Ensure the hub has a clear line of sight to the PS5 if it’s using IR. If it’s using network commands, make sure both the hub and the PS5 are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the PS5’s remote play settings are enabled (although this isn’t always necessary for power-on functionality).
• The PS5 isn’t responding: Verify that the PS5 is in standby mode (orange light). If it’s completely off, the hub likely won’t be able to turn it on. Also, check the PS5’s power settings to ensure it’s not set to completely shut down when turned off.

Looking to the Future

While direct Alexa integration with the PS5 is currently lacking, the possibility remains open for future updates from Sony. As smart home technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it’s likely that we’ll see more seamless control options for gaming consoles in the years to come. Until then, the smart home hub workaround provides a functional, albeit slightly less elegant, solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there a PlayStation Alexa skill available?

No, there isn’t an official PlayStation Alexa skill offered by Sony. You need to rely on third-party skills associated with smart home hubs.

Q2: Can I use IFTTT to control my PS5 with Alexa?

Yes, you can potentially use IFTTT (If This Then That) in conjunction with a compatible smart home hub. IFTTT can act as a bridge between Alexa and the hub, allowing for more complex automation scenarios.

Q3: Does the PS5 have to be in rest mode for Alexa to turn it on?

Yes, the PS5 must be in rest mode (standby mode with the orange light) for a smart home hub to turn it on. The hub essentially emulates pressing the PS button, which only works when the console is in standby.

Q4: Will this method work with the PS4 as well?

Yes, the same principles apply to the PS4. You can use a smart home hub with IR or network control to turn on your PS4 via Alexa.

Q5: Is it safe to control my PS5 with third-party devices?

Generally, yes. Reputable smart home hubs have security measures in place to protect your network. However, it’s always wise to research the security practices of any third-party device you connect to your network.

Q6: Can Alexa turn off my PS5 as well?

Yes, you can create a similar routine in the Alexa app to turn off your PS5. However, be aware that abruptly powering off your PS5 can potentially lead to data corruption. It’s generally recommended to use the PS5’s built-in power-off options through the user interface for a safer shutdown.

Q7: Does this work with Google Assistant or Siri?

Yes, the same principle applies to Google Assistant and Siri. You can use a smart home hub to control your PS5 with either of these voice assistants.

Q8: Can I control game playback with Alexa?

Controlling game playback (pause, play, fast forward) is more complex and typically not supported by standard smart home hub configurations. This would require deeper integration with the PS5’s operating system, which isn’t currently available.

Q9: What are the potential downsides of using a smart home hub to control my PS5?

Potential downsides include:

• Added complexity: Setting up a smart home hub requires some technical knowledge.
• Dependence on the hub: If the hub fails, you’ll lose the ability to control your PS5 with Alexa.
• Potential security risks: As with any connected device, there’s a small risk of security vulnerabilities.
• IR limitations: If using IR, the hub needs a clear line of sight to the PS5.

Q10: Can I use the PS5 Media Remote with Alexa?

The PS5 Media Remote itself doesn’t directly integrate with Alexa. However, if you’re using a smart home hub that can learn IR commands, you might be able to program the hub to emulate the remote’s buttons, effectively allowing you to control some PS5 functions with Alexa.

Q11: Will using Alexa to turn on my PS5 void my warranty?

No, using Alexa to turn on your PS5 through a smart home hub will not void your warranty. You’re not modifying the console itself; you’re simply using an external device to send a command.

Q12: Are there any alternatives to using a smart home hub?

Beyond using smart hubs, certain universal remotes with Alexa integration can also be programmed to control the PS5 via IR signals. These offer an alternative, especially if you prefer a physical remote alongside voice control. However, they function on the same principle of emulating IR commands.