How to Get Discord on Your PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

Discord has become an indispensable communication tool for gamers worldwide. Its seamless voice and text chat features enhance the gaming experience, allowing players to strategize, socialize, and coordinate effortlessly. While Discord is natively available on PC, mobile devices, and Xbox, getting it to work on a PlayStation 4 (PS4) requires a bit of ingenuity. Although there isn’t a direct Discord app for PS4, this comprehensive guide provides multiple methods to connect Discord to your PS4 and elevate your gaming communication.

Why Discord Isn’t Directly Available on PS4

Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand why Discord isn’t directly available as a downloadable app on the PlayStation Store for PS4. Sony, the manufacturer of PlayStation, and Discord operate as independent entities. While there’s increasing collaboration between PlayStation and Discord (as seen with the PlayStation Network integration on Discord), a dedicated PS4 app doesn’t currently exist due to strategic and developmental choices by both companies. The existing integration primarily focuses on displaying your PlayStation Network status within Discord.

Method 1: Using PS Remote Play and Your PC/Mac

This method leverages the PS Remote Play application, which allows you to stream your PS4 screen to your computer (PC or Mac). By running Discord on your computer while using Remote Play, you can effectively hear and communicate with your Discord friends while playing on your PS4. This is arguably the most reliable and feature-rich method.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and Install PS Remote Play:
   • On your PC or Mac, visit the official PlayStation website and navigate to the PS Remote Play download page.
   • Download the appropriate version of PS Remote Play for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application. Make sure to install all necessary drivers when prompted.
2. Configure PS4 Settings:
   • On your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings.
   • Ensure that Enable Remote Play is checked.
   • Navigate to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 and activate your console as your primary PS4. This step is crucial for Remote Play to function correctly.
   • Go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Functions Available in Rest Mode.
   • Check the boxes for Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network. This will allow you to wake up your PS4 remotely.
3. Connect PS Remote Play to Your PS4:
   • Open the PS Remote Play application on your computer.
   • Sign in with your PlayStation Network account credentials (the same account you use on your PS4).
   • The application will search for your PS4 on the network. Make sure both your computer and PS4 are connected to the same network.
   • If the application doesn’t find your PS4 automatically, you can manually register your console. On your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device. A registration code will appear. Enter this code into the PS Remote Play application on your computer.
   • Once connected, your PS4 screen will be mirrored on your computer.
4. Set Up Discord on Your Computer:
   • Download and install the Discord application on your computer if you haven’t already.
   • Open Discord and log in to your account.
   • Join the desired voice channel on your Discord server.
   • Configure your audio settings in Discord. Ensure that your microphone is properly selected and that your output device is set to your headphones or speakers that you’ll be using.
5. Adjust Audio Routing (Crucial Step):
   • This is where the magic happens. To hear both the game audio from your PS4 and the Discord audio, you need to configure your audio routing.
   • The simplest method is to use headphones connected to your computer. The computer will output both the PS4 game audio (streamed via Remote Play) and the Discord audio to your headphones.
   • Alternative Audio Routing Options (Advanced):
   • Option 1: Using a Virtual Audio Cable (VAC): This allows you to route audio from different applications into a single output. You’ll need to download and install a VAC software (e.g., VB-Cable Virtual Audio Device). Then, set the output of PS Remote Play to the VAC input, and the output of Discord to the VAC input as well. Finally, set your headphones as the output for the VAC. This method provides more control but requires a bit more technical knowledge.
   • Option 2: Using a Mixer: If you have an audio mixer, you can route the audio output from your computer (Discord) and the audio output from your TV/monitor (PS4 – using an HDMI audio extractor if needed) into the mixer. Then, connect your headphones to the mixer to hear both audio streams.
6. Start Playing:
   • Start your game on the PS4 as usual.
   • The game audio and video will be streamed to your computer.
   • You’ll hear the game audio and your Discord friends through your headphones (or speakers, depending on your audio configuration).
   • Communicate with your Discord friends as you play.

Pros of Using PS Remote Play:

• High Audio Quality: Generally provides better audio quality compared to other methods.
• Stable Connection: Remote Play offers a relatively stable connection if your network is strong.
• Full Control: You have full control over Discord settings on your computer.

Cons of Using PS Remote Play:

• Requires a Computer: This method requires a PC or Mac, which might not be ideal for everyone.
• Potential Latency: Depending on your network, you might experience some latency (delay) in the video stream, although this is usually minimal with a good internet connection.
• Setup Complexity: The initial setup can be a bit more involved compared to other methods.

Method 2: Using a Mobile Device and Headphones Splitter

This method involves using the Discord mobile app on your smartphone or tablet and a headphone splitter to combine the audio from your PS4 and your mobile device into a single pair of headphones. This method is more straightforward than using PS Remote Play but may offer slightly lower audio quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Install Discord on Your Mobile Device:
   • Download and install the Discord app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
   • Open the app and log in to your account.
   • Join the desired voice channel on your Discord server.
2. Connect Headphones to Your Mobile Device:
   • Plug your headphones into the headphone jack of your mobile device. If your device doesn’t have a headphone jack, you’ll need to use a USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
3. Connect Headphones to Your PS4 Controller (for voice chat):
   • If you want to use your headphones’ microphone for in-game chat on the PS4, connect the headphones directly to the PS4 controller.
   • Alternatively, use a separate microphone connected to the PS4 controller for in-game chat, if you prefer to use your phone’s microphone for Discord only.
4. Using a Headphone Splitter (the Key):
   • This is the crucial step for combining the audio. You need a 3.5mm headphone splitter (also known as an audio splitter or Y-splitter). This device has one male connector (which plugs into your headphones) and two female connectors (one for the PS4 audio source and one for the mobile device audio source).
   • Determine Your PS4 Audio Source: You have a couple of options for getting the PS4 audio:
     • Option A: From Your TV/Monitor: This is the most common method. Use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect the headphone output of your TV or monitor to one of the female connectors on the headphone splitter.
     • Option B: From Your PS4 Controller (Lower Audio Quality): You can plug a 3.5mm audio cable into the headphone jack on your PS4 controller and connect the other end to the splitter. However, the audio quality from the controller’s headphone jack is generally lower than the audio output from your TV/monitor.
     • Option C: HDMI Audio Extractor (Best Audio Quality, Requires Additional Hardware): For the best audio quality, consider using an HDMI audio extractor. This device sits between your PS4 and your TV/monitor and separates the audio signal from the HDMI cable. It then outputs the audio via a 3.5mm jack (or RCA connectors), which you can connect to the splitter.
   • Plug the 3.5mm cable from your chosen PS4 audio source into one of the female connectors on the headphone splitter.
   • Plug the male connector of the headphone splitter into your headphones.
5. Adjust Audio Levels:
   • Adjust the volume levels on both your mobile device (Discord) and your TV/monitor (PS4) to achieve a balanced sound. You might need to experiment to find the optimal levels.
6. Start Playing:
   • Start your game on the PS4 as usual.
   • You’ll hear the game audio from your TV/monitor (or PS4 controller) and your Discord friends through your headphones.
   • Communicate with your Discord friends as you play.

Pros of Using a Mobile Device and Headphone Splitter:

• Simple Setup: This method is relatively easy to set up compared to PS Remote Play.
• No Computer Required: You only need a mobile device, a headphone splitter, and some cables.
• Portable: You can easily use this setup in different locations.

Cons of Using a Mobile Device and Headphone Splitter:

• Potentially Lower Audio Quality: The audio quality might not be as good as with PS Remote Play, especially if you’re using the PS4 controller’s headphone jack as the audio source.
• Cable Management: You’ll have several cables to manage, which can be a bit messy.
• Mobile Device Dependency: Relies on the battery life of your mobile device.
• Potential Interference: Mobile devices can sometimes introduce audio interference.

Method 3: Using the PlayStation Network Integration (Limited Functionality)

While not a direct Discord connection, PlayStation Network (PSN) integration with Discord allows you to display your PlayStation activity on your Discord profile. This feature is helpful for letting your friends know what you’re playing and inviting them to join your games, but it doesn’t provide voice chat functionality.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Link Your PlayStation Network Account to Discord:
   • Open the Discord app on your computer or mobile device.
   • Go to User Settings (the gear icon at the bottom left).
   • Click on Connections.
   • Look for the PlayStation icon and click on it.
   • A web browser window will open, prompting you to sign in to your PlayStation Network account.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to link your accounts.
   • Authorize Discord to access your PlayStation Network activity.
2. Configure Display Settings:
   • Once your accounts are linked, you can configure how your PlayStation activity is displayed on Discord.
   • In the Discord Connections settings, you can choose to display your PlayStation Network ID on your profile and show your current game as your status.

Pros of PlayStation Network Integration:

• Easy Setup: The setup process is straightforward.
• Keeps Friends Informed: Lets your friends know what you’re playing.
• Official Integration: This is an official integration provided by Discord and PlayStation.

Cons of PlayStation Network Integration:

• No Voice Chat: This method doesn’t provide voice chat functionality.
• Limited Functionality: Only displays your PlayStation activity.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party App (Consider with Caution)

While not officially supported or widely recommended, some third-party apps claim to bridge the gap between Discord and PS4. However, using these apps comes with significant risks, including:

• Security Concerns: Third-party apps might require you to share your account credentials, potentially compromising your security.
• Instability: These apps might be unreliable and prone to crashes.
• Violation of Terms of Service: Using unauthorized apps might violate the terms of service of both Discord and PlayStation, potentially leading to account suspension or termination.

Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid using third-party apps to connect Discord to your PS4. The risks outweigh the potential benefits.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Remote Play Not Connecting:
  • Make sure both your PS4 and your computer are connected to the same network.
  • Ensure that Remote Play is enabled on your PS4.
  • Check your network connection speed. A stable and fast internet connection is required for Remote Play to function properly.
  • Restart your PS4 and your computer.
  • Update the PS Remote Play application to the latest version.
  • Temporarily disable any firewalls or antivirus software that might be blocking the connection.
• Audio Issues:
  • Double-check your audio settings in Discord, PS Remote Play, and your operating system.
  • Ensure that the correct audio input and output devices are selected.
  • Adjust the volume levels on all devices.
  • If using a headphone splitter, make sure all cables are securely connected.
  • Test your microphone and speakers to ensure they are working correctly.
• Latency Issues:
  • Close any unnecessary applications that might be consuming network bandwidth.
  • Try connecting your computer and PS4 to your router using Ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Reduce the video quality settings in PS Remote Play.
• Discord Not Detecting Microphone:
  • Go to Discord settings -> Voice & Video.
  • Make sure the correct microphone is selected in the Input Device dropdown.
  • Check the input volume slider and ensure it is not muted or set too low.
  • Try resetting Voice Settings.
  • Ensure Discord has permission to access your microphone in your operating system’s privacy settings.
  • Restart Discord and your computer.

Conclusion

While a native Discord app on PS4 remains elusive, these methods offer viable solutions for integrating Discord into your PS4 gaming experience. Whether you choose the robust functionality of PS Remote Play, the simplicity of a mobile device and headphone splitter, or the limited features of PSN integration, you can enhance your communication and coordination with friends while enjoying your favorite PS4 games. Remember to prioritize security and avoid using unauthorized third-party apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully connect Discord to your PS4 and elevate your gaming sessions to the next level.