30 Voice Commands for PlayStation 4 - Control Your PS4 with Voice

Voice Control on the PlayStation 4

Similar to the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4 incorporates voice command functionality.

However, Sony has not promoted this feature as prominently as Microsoft has.

Using Voice Commands on PS4

PS4 voice commands are compatible with a standard headset, eliminating the need for additional peripherals.

This contrasts with the Xbox One, which necessitates the Kinect sensor for voice control capabilities.

Command Availability

Initially, the PlayStation 4 offered a more limited range of voice commands compared to its competitor.

Nevertheless, enhancements were implemented through the PlayStation firmware update 2.00, which was launched in October 2014.

This update resulted in a degree of improvement to the voice command system.

While not as extensive as the Xbox One’s offerings, the PS4’s voice control features provide a hands-free interaction option for users.

Utilizing Voice Control on Your PlayStation 4

Voice commands on your PS4 can be activated through a couple of different methods, offering convenient hands-free operation.

PlayStation Camera Integration: If you possess the optional PlayStation Camera, voice commands can be given simply by speaking directly to the camera’s integrated microphone.
Headset Connection: Alternatively, a headset can be connected to the controller’s audio jack to deliver voice commands.

The standard mono headset supplied with the PS4 is perfectly suitable for this purpose. However, compatibility extends to other headsets equipped with microphones, including wireless Bluetooth models.

Successful voice command functionality requires prior activation within the PS4’s system settings. Navigate to Settings > System > Voice Operation Settings to verify that the "Operate PS4 with Voice" setting is turned on.

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Activating Voice Control on Your PS4

Initiating voice command functionality is achieved by clearly stating "PlayStation." Approximately one second after vocalization, a microphone icon will become visible on the display. This serves as confirmation that the system is prepared to receive your spoken instructions.

The PS4 console will remain receptive to commands for a duration of ten seconds. Should no input be detected within this timeframe, the listening mode will automatically disengage.

Alternatively, the "L2" button on your controller can be pressed to activate voice recognition. However, this method is exclusively functional while navigating the home screen interface.

A brief pause is essential following the activation phrase "PlayStation." Attempting to immediately follow with a command—such as "PlayStation [command]"—without a pause may result in the command being unrecognized.

Environmental noise can impede the PS4’s ability to accurately process your voice. In noisy surroundings, speaking at a slower pace and with increased clarity may be necessary for successful command recognition.

Voice commands are disabled during online voice chat sessions within a party. The system prioritizes party chat audio and will not respond to voice commands concurrently.

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PlayStation 4 Voice Command Directory

After your PlayStation 4 is enabled for voice control, a variety of commands can be issued from any location.

Capture Screenshot: Instantly saves a screenshot of the current gameplay.
Begin Video Recording: Initiates recording of gameplay for up to 15 minutes. Shorter clip lengths, if configured, will be recorded accordingly.
Save Gameplay Video: Saves the most recent 15 minutes of gameplay as a video clip. Adjusted clip lengths will be saved if configured.
Initiate Broadcast: Starts live broadcasting of your gaming session.
Terminate Broadcast: Stops the current gameplay broadcast.
Navigate to Home: Returns the system to the PS4’s main home screen.
List All Commands: Displays a comprehensive list of available voice commands on the screen.
Hide Command List: Conceals the displayed list of voice commands.

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Sign In: Accesses the user switching screen.
User Number: Selects a specific user from the user switching screen. For instance, saying "User 1" will choose the first listed user.
Confirm: Accepts a prompt displayed on the screen.
Reject: Declines a prompt currently shown on the screen.
Return: Navigates back to the previous screen.
Resume Game: Returns to the game that was previously in use.

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Further Reading: Examining the Benefits of "Rest Mode" vs. Complete Shutdown on Your PlayStation 4.

Launch PlayStation Store: Opens the PlayStation Store application.
View Notifications: Displays the Notifications screen.
Access Friends List: Opens the Friends screen.
Open Messages: Launches the Messages application.
Start a Party: Initiates a Party chat session.
View Profile: Opens the user profile screen.
Check Trophies: Accesses the Trophies screen.
Open Settings Menu: Launches the Settings application.
Access Power Options: Opens the Power screen.
Activate Rest Mode: Puts the PS4 into Rest Mode; this function is available only from the power menu.
Power Down PS4: Turns off the PS4; this option is accessible solely from the power menu.

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Certain voice commands are exclusively functional when the PS4 is on the home screen.

Launch Application: Selects a game or application by its name. For example, saying "Amazon" will open the Amazon Instant Video app, provided it is installed. This also applies to system apps; saying "Internet Browser" will launch the browser.
Initiate Selection: Starts the currently highlighted game or application.
Explore What's New: Navigates to the What's New section.
Access Library: Opens the Library section.
Browse TV & Video: Navigates to the TV and Video section.

Consider this scenario: you are currently using Amazon Instant Video and wish to switch to Netflix. You would say, "PlayStation, Home Screen, Netflix, Start, Yes." This sequence directs the PS4 to listen, return to the home screen, select Netflix, launch the application, and confirm the closure of the current app.

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Unfortunately, unlike the "Xbox, On" command for Xbox One, a PlayStation cannot be powered on from Rest Mode using voice commands. Manual activation via the controller’s PlayStation button or the console’s power button is required. However, the available voice commands still offer considerable convenience.