Change your PS5 background through Settings in three steps

To change your PS5 background, go to Settings on your home screen, select Themes, then choose Select Theme and pick a new background from the available options. The change takes effect immediately. You can return to this same menu anytime to switch back or try a different theme.

PS5 comes with several built-in themes you can use without downloading anything. Some are solid colors, others show dynamic animations or images. If none of the default options appeal to you, you can also download additional themes from the PlayStation Store at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in themes are available in Settings under Themes, and you can switch between them instantly without restarting your console.
  • Free themes are available on the PlayStation Store, including options tied to specific games or PlayStation franchises.
  • Dynamic themes animate or change appearance, while static themes remain the same; both use the same menu to install.
  • Your theme choice affects only your visual experience and does not change how your console runs or stores data.

Where to find built-in themes on your PS5

Open the PS5 home screen and scroll down to find Settings (the gear icon). Select it, then navigate to Themes. You will see a list of themes already installed on your console. Highlight any theme to preview how it will look, then press X to select it.

The default themes include options like a dark background, a light background, and a few with subtle animations. None of these require installation or download time—they are part of the system software. If you want something different from what came with your console, the next step is to check the PlayStation Store.

How to download free themes from PlayStation Store

From your PS5 home screen, go to PlayStation Store. Use the search function or browse the Themes category. Most themes listed are free; you can identify the price before selecting one. When you find a theme you want, select it and press the download button (usually labeled as a download icon or "Get").

Once downloaded, the theme appears in your Themes menu in Settings. You do not need to restart your console or do anything else—it is ready to use immediately. If you download a theme and later change your mind, you can delete it from the same Themes menu by highlighting it and selecting the delete option.

The difference between static and dynamic themes

A static theme is a fixed image or color that does not change. A dynamic theme includes animation, music, or effects that play when you look at your home screen. Both types are installed the same way and both are found in the same Settings menu.

Dynamic themes use slightly more power than static ones, but the difference is negligible for most users. If your console feels warm or you want to reduce power use, switching to a static theme is an option, though this is rarely necessary. The choice between them comes down to personal preference.

Themes tied to specific games and franchises

PlayStation Store often features themes based on games you own or popular PlayStation franchises. These might show artwork from a game, include music from the soundtrack, or display dynamic animations related to the game's world. They are downloaded the same way as any other theme and cost nothing.

Game-specific themes sometimes become unavailable if the game is delisted from the store or if the licensing agreement expires. If you download a theme and it later disappears from the store, you can still use it on your console—it will not be removed from your system automatically.

What to do if themes are not showing up

If you go to Settings and do not see a Themes option, or if downloaded themes do not appear in your list, restart your PS5. Power it down completely (not rest mode), wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This usually refreshes the system and makes new themes visible.

If a theme you downloaded still does not appear after a restart, try downloading it again from the PlayStation Store. Occasionally a download does not complete fully. If the problem continues, check that your console has enough free storage space—a full hard drive can prevent downloads from finishing. You can check storage in Settings under Storage.

How themes affect your console's performance

Changing your background theme does not affect how fast your games run, how much storage you have, or any other performance metric. A theme is purely visual. Whether you use a static background or a dynamic one with music and animation, your frame rates, load times, and game performance remain the same.

The only practical consideration is storage space. Each theme takes up a small amount of room on your hard drive—usually less than 100 MB. If you download many themes and your console is running low on storage, you can delete unused themes to free up space without affecting anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom image as my PS5 background?

No, PS5 does not allow you to upload your own images as a background theme. You can only use themes from the built-in options or those downloaded from the PlayStation Store. This is a limitation of the PS5 system design.

Will changing my theme delete my saved games or data?

No. A theme is only a visual layer on top of your system. Your saved games, user accounts, settings, and all other data remain unchanged when you switch themes or download new ones.

Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to download free themes?

No. Free themes from the PlayStation Store can be downloaded without a PlayStation Plus subscription. You only need an active PlayStation Network account.

What happens if I delete a theme I downloaded?

The theme is removed from your console and you return to your previously selected theme. You can download it again anytime from the PlayStation Store at no cost.

Can multiple users on the same PS5 have different themes?

No. The theme you select applies to the entire console and appears the same for all user accounts on that PS5. Each account cannot have its own separate theme.