[Fixed] PS Remote Play Doesn't Have Access to the Local Network on iPhone

Why does "PS Remote Play doesn't have access to the local network" appear on iPhone?

PS Remote Play is a fantastic feature developed by Sony that allows gamers to stream and play their PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 games directly on other devices—like a PC, tablet, or smartphone—without being physically connected to the console. For iPhone users, it’s like carrying your entire gaming console in your pocket, giving you an amazing gaming tool on the go. The crisp display, responsive touch interface, and fast Wi-Fi connectivity make the iPhone an ideal Remote Play client—until technical hiccups like this one ruin the flow.

When your iPhone shows the error "PS Remote Play doesn’t have access to the local network," it means the Remote Play app can’t communicate with your PS5 or PS4 on the same Wi-Fi. Even if both devices are technically “connected” to Wi-Fi, Apple’s privacy protections kick in and block apps from accessing local network devices unless you grant explicit permission.

Unlike Android or Windows, iOS has more tightly controlled privacy policies. The system asks you to manually allow apps access to the local network. That’s a great feature for security but can be a huge pain for gamers. Additionally, background app limitations, aggressive power-saving modes, and restrictions under Screen Time or firewall settings can all contribute to this issue.

It’s not a hardware fault, and you didn’t break anything. It’s just a checkbox (or three) that needs to be ticked.

Workarounds for Local Network Access on PS Remote Play

For iOS users, the challenges are unique. The "PS Remote Play doesn't have access to the local network iOS" issue is a recurring concern. Apple's ecosystem introduces additional complexities, requiring users to navigate specific settings to ensure optimal performance. In this section, we'll address these challenges and provide step-by-step solutions to overcome them.

Check iOS Local Network Access Permissions

This is the #1 reason this error happens on iPhones. Here’s how to fix it:

Step 1. Open the iPhone’s Settings app. 

Step 2. Scroll down and tap on “PS Remote Play.”

Step 3. Make sure the “Local Network” toggle is turned ON.

Step 4. While you’re here, also enable “Background App Refresh” and “Mobile Data” if needed.

If the Local Network toggle was off, flip it on and restart the app. That alone solves the issue for most people. If you don’t see the toggle at all, delete the app, reinstall it from the App Store, and launch it again. This will force the system to ask for permissions.

Restart Devices and Reconnect Wi-Fi

The classic IT trick still works wonders:

Step 1. Restart your iPhone.

Step 2. Reboot your PlayStation.

Step 3. Power cycle your Wi-Fi router (turn it off for 30 seconds, then back on).

Step 4. Reconnect your iPhone and PS5/PS4 to the same Wi-Fi network.

Also, make sure you're not using Wi-Fi Assist (iOS might switch to cellular without you knowing) or VPN, which can sometimes block local network access.

Ensure PlayStation and iPhone Are on the Same Network

This might sound obvious, but it's easy to overlook. Your PS5 might be wired directly to the router, and your iPhone might be on a guest Wi-Fi network or connected to a different access point altogether.

Things to check:

• Same SSID (Wi-Fi name)

• No guest network or device isolation settings

• Avoid public or university Wi-Fi which often has network restrictions

Try pinging the PlayStation’s IP from another device to confirm it’s reachable. If you can’t even detect it, that’s a strong sign your devices are not truly “local” to each other.

Reinstall or Update Remote Play App on iPhone

Outdated or corrupted app versions often cause unexpected problems. If you’ve done everything right and it still doesn’t work, this step is crucial:

Step 1. Delete the PS Remote Play app from your iPhone.

Step 2. Go to the App Store and download the latest version.

Step 3. Launch the app, and accept all permission prompts (especially for Local Network).

Step 4. Test the connection again.

Sometimes, reinstalling the app triggers the necessary iOS permission prompt that might have been skipped or blocked earlier.

Bonus Tip: Play PS Games Remotely on iPhone Using AnyViewer

If you're still struggling with the "PS Remote Play doesn't have access to the local network" error on iPhone—or you're simply looking for a more versatile solution—AnyViewer is a powerful remote gaming alternative worth considering. While it's not a direct replacement for Remote Play, AnyViewer enables full remote access to your gaming PC, allowing you to play PS games through emulators or game streaming services like Steam Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or even browser-based platforms.

But that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s why AnyViewer stands out as a top choice for remote gaming and more:

Why Use AnyViewer to Play PS Games on iPhone?

Feature	AnyViewer
Cross-Platform Access	Control your Windows PC or MacBook from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device effortlessly.
High-Speed Remote Performance	Low latency, smooth frame rates, and optimized for gaming responsiveness.
HD Display Support	Enjoy your games in crisp, high-definition quality—even over long distances.
Unattended Remote Access	Connect to your computer anytime, even if no one is on the other end.
Easy Setup – No Port Forwarding	No need to configure your router or fiddle with IP settings. Install, log in, and go.
Robust Security	Protected by end-to-end encryption and optional two-factor authentication.
Free Plan Available	Generous free tier with advanced features that competitors often charge for.

How to Use AnyViewer for Remote Gaming on iPhone

Here’s how you can set up AnyViewer to play or control PS games remotely:

Step 1. Install AnyViewer on your PC (where your PS game is installed, or where you stream via a capture card or emulator).

Step 2. Install the AnyViewer app on your iPhone from the App Store.

Step 3. Create an account and log in on both devices.

Step 4. On your iPhone, select the PC you want to control remotely.

Step 5. Tap "One-click control" to connect, and your entire desktop will appear on your iPhone screen.

You can now launch Remote Play, emulators, or cloud gaming services on your PC and control them through your phone, giving you ultimate freedom to play anywhere.

The AnyViewer Advantage

Unlike PS Remote Play, which only works with PlayStation consoles and requires strict network conditions, AnyViewer gives you full desktop access, opening the door to a wider gaming ecosystem. Whether you're streaming from a high-end gaming rig, managing your PS5 via a capture card, or multitasking between games and other apps, AnyViewer gives you more flexibility, more compatibility, and fewer roadblocks.

And the best part? It’s simple enough for beginners and powerful enough for advanced users. Download AnyViewer today and take your gaming (and productivity) to the next level—anytime, anywhere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the "PS Remote Play doesn't have access to the local network" limitation may initially pose challenges, users can adapt and optimize their gaming experience. Understanding the reasons behind this restriction, exploring workarounds, and embracing advanced settings empower gamers to navigate this aspect of PS Remote Play successfully.

FAQs

Q. Can I completely bypass the local network restriction on PS Remote Play?

A. Unfortunately, due to security considerations, completely bypassing the local network restriction is not recommended. However, optimizing settings can significantly improve your experience.

Q. Why does iOS pose unique challenges for PS Remote Play's local network access?

A. iOS introduces additional security measures and restrictions, requiring users to navigate specific settings to ensure seamless PS Remote Play.

Q. Are there any risks associated with tweaking router configurations to improve local network access?

A. While tweaking router configurations carries some risks, following recommended guidelines minimize potential issues. Always prioritize security when making adjustments.