The Control Center on PS5 is a convenient quick menu that allows you to access essential system functions, manage your games, and interact with friends without interrupting your gameplay. It's your central hub for common tasks and settings.
Accessing the Control Center
To bring up the Control Center at any time, whether you're in a game, application, or on the home screen, simply press the PS button located in the middle of your DualSense wireless controller. This will display a row of icons at the bottom of your screen, which is the Control Center.
Navigating and Utilizing Control Center Features
Once the Control Center is open, you can navigate through the icons using the left and right directional buttons or the left analog stick on your controller. Each icon provides quick access to a specific feature.
Here are some of the key functions you'll find in the Control Center:
| Icon | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
 Game Base |
Friends & Parties | Quickly see who's online, send messages, create parties, and manage voice chat. |
 Notifications |
View Alerts | Check game updates, friend requests, system messages, and more. |
 Music |
Media Playback | Control music playback from supported streaming services. |
 Downloads/Uploads |
Progress Monitor | See the status of ongoing game downloads, updates, or saved data uploads. |
 Mic |
Microphone Settings | Mute or unmute your microphone and adjust its sensitivity. |
 Sound |
Audio Output | Adjust master volume, chat audio balance, and switch audio output devices. |
 Accessories |
Device Management | Check battery levels of your controller and other connected accessories, or adjust their settings. |
 Power |
System Options | Put your PS5 into Rest Mode, restart it, or turn it off completely. |
Note: The exact icons and their order may vary based on your console's settings, connected accessories, and ongoing activities.
Customizing Your Control Center
You can personalize the Control Center to ensure your most-used functions are easily accessible. This includes moving or hiding icons to suit your preferences.
Here's how to customize the layout:
- Display the Control Center by pressing the PS button on your controller.
- Highlight any icon in the control area that you wish to customize.
- Press the Options button (the button with three horizontal lines on your DualSense controller).
- A menu will appear with options such as "Move" or "Hide."
- Select the icon that you want to move by pressing the X button.
- You can now move the icon around by using the left analog stick or directional buttons to reposition it. Once it's in the desired spot, press X again to confirm.
- To hide an icon, simply select "Hide" from the Options menu. You can bring hidden icons back by selecting the "+" icon at the end of the Control Center bar and choosing which functions to display.
Tips for Efficient Use
- Quick Swapping: The Control Center makes it easy to switch between recently opened games and apps without going back to the home screen. Look for the "Switcher" card (two overlapping rectangles) to quickly jump between active tasks.
- Activity Cards: For many games, the Control Center will display "Activity Cards" relevant to your current game. These can offer quick access to specific challenges, quests, or game modes, saving you time.
- Battery Check: Before a long gaming session, a quick glance at the "Accessories" icon will show your DualSense controller's battery level, helping you avoid unexpected power-offs.
By mastering the Control Center, you can streamline your PlayStation 5 experience, keeping you immersed in your games and connected with friends. For more details on system features, you can always refer to the official PlayStation Support page.
