“Can I play Blu Ray on PS4 without internet? I want to play some movies on my PS4, but I don’t have an Internet connection. Let me share with you how we solved this particular problem.
A lot of users with no Internet connection are having difficulties watching Blu-Ray movies.
If you’re also wondering whether the Sony PlayStation 4 requires a network connection to play Blu-Ray, you’re on the right page.
We’ll discuss everything you need to know, so let’s start.
Yes, you can play Blu-Ray on your PS4 without an Internet connection. To do so, connect on first-time use. If this doesn’t work, switch on your video decoders. Make sure your console is running the latest firmware version.
Before we proceed to the different methods of getting your PS4 to play Blu-Ray movies without the Internet, let us discuss some important details.
Can I Play Blu Ray on PS4 Without Internet
The Sony PlayStation 4 is capable of playing Blu-ray movies if it’s connected to the internet.
However, you’re going to have a hard time once the network goes down.
There’s a method that should allow you to watch Blu-ray discs on your console even if you’re online.
Here are some of the areas of concern whenever you’re dealing with cable subscriptions.
1. Connect On First-Time Use
PS4 must connect to the Internet at least once to enable DVD and Blu-ray streaming.
2. Offline Operation On Succeeding Uses
Once DVD streaming is enabled, you can play Blu Ray movies on your PS4 without an Internet connection.
3. Firmware Update Necessary
PS4 requires a firmware update from the network to enrich the insufficient DVD codec support.
4. Consider Other Alternatives
The media decoding system of your PS4 relies on Internet approachability. But, you can use backup methods to play Blu Ray on your PS4 without the Internet.
Make sure you save all configurations once you set up your PS4 to play Blu Ray offline.
Now, let’s move on to the various ways you can play Blu-rays on your game console, even without Internet access.
How to Play Blu Ray on PS4 Without Internet
It is brilliant to watch movies on your Sony PlayStation, but it can be a struggle if you’re a first-timer.
You need to follow a specific procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Before you can play discs on your new PlayStation 4, you need to connect to the Internet to turn on the Blu Ray feature.
This is one-time only. After enabling the feature, your PS4 doesn’t need to connect to the Internet anymore to play Blu Ray movies.
If your PS4 can’t play your Blu-ray, check the disc for scratches, dust, the quality of the recording, and the characteristics of the recording device.
When you see no problems with the disc, proceed with the methods below.
Method #1: Playing Blu-Ray for the First Time
The PS4 is a versatile device that’s more than a console. Yes, you can play games on it, but you can also surf the web and stream your favorite movies and shows.
One feature that’s often overlooked is that the PS4 has a DVD player that can also run Blu-ray.
Now, when it comes to your console, there’s always a first time to use non-gaming features. Playing Blu-ray is one of them.
Unfortunately, if it’s your first time inserting a Blu-ray disc into your console, there’s no way to play it without connecting to the internet.
The reason is streamlining. Since playing Blu-rays and DVDs are not the primary function of your PS4, the software required to play these discs is not pre-installed.
Your PS4 is going to download the media player app and codecs that will allow you to play Blu-ray discs.
How to connect if you don’t have internet at home:
- Use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
- Connect your PS4 to your mobile hotspot.
- Allow your console to download the required files.
Note: Once you have downloaded everything, you should be able to play Blu Ray discs on demand.
Method #2: Enable Disc Playback on Your PS4
While you’re online, you’re going to need to enable disc playback on your console.
This is a crucial step, and you’ll need to do this so that succeeding attempts to play Blu-ray is going to be successful.
Here’s how to enable disc play on your PS4:
- Go to your PS4’s Settings.
- Select System, then Storage.
- Choose the Media tab.
- Select Media Mode.
- Choose Playback from external storage.
Note: You’re only going to do this once to enable offline Blu-ray playback
Method #3: Playing Succeeding Blu Ray Discs
Now that your PS4 is newly updated with all the necessary files and codecs required to play Blu Ray, you can play to your heart’s content.
After the first time, you don’t need to be connected to the internet. Your console would be your typical DVD or Blu-ray player where you insert the disc and play it.
Yes, you’ll have to use your controller to select it, but you get the point. Playing Blu-ray discs will be straightforward.
Here’s how to play Blu-ray on your PS4:
- Insert the Blu-ray disc into your PS4.
- Wait for a new item to appear on your PS4’s content area.
- Select it using your controller.
- Start playing the Blu-ray movie or content.
Note: You can use your PS4 controller to play, pause, rewind or fast forward the movie.
Method #4: Enable License Activation on Your PS4
Another way you can ensure that your Blu-rays play without the internet would be to enable the License Activation on your PS4.
This will enable the video codecs required to play Blu-ray, so you won’t need to worry about connecting to the internet to download them.
Here’s how to enable license activation on your PS4:
- Go to your PS4’s Settings.
- Scroll down until you get to Debug Settings.
- Select License Activation.
- Turn it on for all items.
- Start playing your Blu-ray discs.
Method #4: Connect Your PS4 to Your TV
There’s one way to use your PS4 as a plain Blu-ray player, and that’s to connect it to your TV via an HDMI cable.
Now, it’s going to be connected anyway since your TV is the output device of your console.
Even if you don’t have internet, you should be able to select your disc so you can watch its contents.
Here’s how to play Blu-ray directly to your TV:
- Make sure your PS4 is powered on.
- Insert the Blu-ray disc into its drive.
- Select the Play disc option in the main menu.
- Wait for the contents of the disc to play.
Note: You should be able to play any Blu-ray disc on your console without an internet connection.
Method #5: Rip Your Blu Ray to a USB Drive
One of the ways to bypass all of these steps and successfully play a Blu-ray on your PS4 would be to use a USB drive.
You can save the Blu-ray disc’s contents to your USB drive. However, the process is not as simple as copying and pasting your Blu-ray to your USB.
You’ll need to convert the files into one that your PS4 can recognize and play.
The good news about doing this is that your console won’t need to download anything to read the files inside your USB.
Your console has native support for plug-and-play operation with your USB.
Here’s how to enable USB playback of Blu-ray files on your PS4:
- Install a Blu-ray ripping tool on your computer.
- Open the ripping tool on your computer.
- Insert the Blu-ray disc you want to copy on your computer’s optical drive.
- Click the Load Blu-ray button.
- Select a video format that your PS4 supports, like MP4, and start the process.
Note: Once it’s done, you can transfer it to a USB drive and insert it into your console.
That’s how you play Blu-ray on PS4 without the internet. Although, if you really want the easiest method, you will allow yourself to connect to the internet once.
After that, you don’t have to worry about your connection as you’ll be able to play Blu-ray. You can also contact Sony’s PS4 customer support for additional assistance.
Read Next: How to Fix PS4 Controller Yellow Light of Death?
Bottom Line
Can I play Blu-ray on PS4 without internet? Absolutely. Choose any of these steps, and you should be playing Blu-rays on your PS4 in no time.
You can also update your PS4’s firmware if you feel it will make your life easier when it comes to playing discs and files unrelated to gaming.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.