Change your PS5 theme from the Settings menu

To change your PS5 theme, go to Settings on your home screen, select Themes, then pick a new theme from the list and confirm. The change takes effect immediately. You can switch between themes as often as you want — there's no limit to how many times you change it.

Your PS5 comes with several built-in themes already installed. Some are solid colors (like gray, blue, or black), while others have animated backgrounds or images. If you've downloaded additional themes from the PlayStation Store, those will also appear in your Themes list and work the same way.

The entire process takes less than a minute. Once you select a new theme and confirm your choice, your home screen updates immediately to show the new look. You don't need to restart your console or wait for anything to install — the change is instant.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in themes are free and come with your PS5; you access them through Settings > Themes and can switch between them instantly.
  • Additional themes are available on the PlayStation Store, some free and some paid, and download directly to your console in seconds.
  • Changing your theme doesn't affect your games, saves, or account — it only changes the visual appearance of your home screen and menus.
  • You can revert to any previous theme at any time by going back to Settings > Themes and selecting it again.
  • Downloaded themes can be deleted from your console, and paid themes can be re-downloaded later without paying again.

Where to find additional themes on the PlayStation Store

If you want more options beyond the built-in themes, the PlayStation Store has a dedicated Themes section. From your PS5 home screen, open the PlayStation Store, search for "Themes," and browse the available options. Some themes are free, while others cost a few dollars.

When you find a theme you want, select it and choose Download (or Purchase if it has a cost). The theme downloads to your console automatically and appears in your Themes list within seconds. You don't need to restart your PS5 or do anything else — just go back to Settings > Themes and select it.

The PlayStation Store regularly adds new themes, including ones tied to popular games, movies, and franchises. You can sort by free or paid, and read descriptions and preview images before downloading. Many free themes are high-quality and look just as good as paid ones.

What happens when you change your theme

Changing your theme only affects the look of your PS5 home screen and menus. Your games, game saves, user account, and all your settings remain exactly the same. You can change your theme as many times as you want without any risk to your data or performance.

Some themes are animated, meaning the background moves or changes while you're on the home screen. Others are static. Animated themes use slightly more power, but the difference is negligible for most users. If you notice your PS5 running warmer or your fan running louder, switching to a static theme may help, though this is rare.

Your theme choice is personal to your user account. If multiple people use the same PS5, each account can have its own theme. When you switch user accounts, the home screen displays that account's selected theme.

How to delete a downloaded theme

If you download a theme and later want to remove it, go to Settings > Themes, highlight the theme you want to delete, and press the Options button on your controller. Select Delete from the menu. The theme is removed from your console, and you free up a small amount of storage space.

You cannot delete the built-in themes that came with your PS5 — only themes you've downloaded from the PlayStation Store. If you delete a theme and later want it back, you can download it again from the Store at no additional cost (if it was free) or repurchase it (if it was paid).

Deleting themes is useful if you're running low on storage space, though themes take up very little room compared to games. Most themes are under 100 MB, so removing several won't free up much space, but it can help if you're managing a full hard drive.

Troubleshooting theme problems

If a theme won't download, first check that you have enough free storage space on your PS5. Themes are small files (usually under 100 MB), but your console needs some free space to complete the download. If storage isn't the issue, restart your PS5 and try downloading again.

If a theme appears corrupted or doesn't display correctly after downloading, delete it and download it again. If the problem persists, restart your PS5 and check your internet connection. Rarely, a theme may be temporarily unavailable on the PlayStation Store due to maintenance or removal — in that case, you'll see an error message when you try to download it.

If you're having trouble finding a specific theme you previously downloaded, check your purchase history in the PlayStation Store. Some themes are removed from the Store over time, but your account retains the right to re-download them if they're still available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use themes from other PlayStation consoles on my PS5?

No. PS5 themes are designed specifically for the PS5 and won't transfer from a PS4 or other PlayStation console. However, the PlayStation Store has a large selection of themes made for the PS5, including many that are free.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to download themes?

No. Free themes download without a PlayStation Plus subscription. Paid themes require a valid payment method on your account, but not a PlayStation Plus membership.

Will changing my theme affect my internet speed or gaming performance?

No. Your theme is purely visual and doesn't change how your PS5 connects to the internet or runs games. The only measurable difference is that animated themes use slightly more processing power than static ones, but this is too small to notice during gameplay.

What if I accidentally delete a theme I paid for?

You can download it again from the PlayStation Store without paying a second time. Your purchase history is tied to your account, so paid themes remain yours even after deletion.

Can I create my own custom theme for my PS5?

No. The PS5 doesn't have a built-in tool to create custom themes. You can only use themes that come with the console or download them from the PlayStation Store.