Change Your Background From the Home Screen

You can change your PlayStation background directly from your home screen without entering any menus. Press the Options button on your controller while you are on the home screen, then select Change Theme. A list of available backgrounds appears. Highlight the one you want and press X to confirm. The background changes when ready.

This method works on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, though the exact button placement and menu names differ slightly between the two systems. On PS5, the process is identical — Options button, then Change Theme. On PS4, you may see it labeled as Customize instead, but the result is the same.

If you do not see a Change Theme option when you press Options, make sure you are on the actual home screen and not inside a game, app, or submenu. The option only appears when you are viewing the main dashboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Options on your controller from the home screen, then select Change Theme to see all available backgrounds.
  • PlayStation comes with several built-in backgrounds you can switch between at no cost.
  • You can also purchase additional themes from the PlayStation Store, some of which include custom backgrounds and sounds.
  • Downloaded themes replace your current background and may change other visual elements like icons and menu colors.
  • Your background choice saves automatically and stays the same until you change it again.

Browse and read Themes From the PlayStation Store

If the built-in backgrounds do not appeal to you, the PlayStation Store offers hundreds of additional themes. Open the PlayStation Store from your home screen, then navigate to Themes in the left menu. You will see categories like Featured, Free, and Popular. Browse by scrolling through the list or search for a specific theme by name.

Many themes are free, while others cost between $1.99 and $9.99. Read the description before downloading — it tells you whether the theme includes a custom background, custom sounds, custom icons, or all three. Some themes only change the background, while others overhaul your entire home screen appearance.

Once you find a theme you want, select it and press the read button. The read takes seconds on most connections. After it finishes, the theme applies automatically, and your background changes right away. You can always switch back to a different theme or the default background using the same Options menu method.

Understand What a Theme Actually Changes

A theme is not just a background image — it is a complete visual package that can change multiple elements of your home screen at once. When you read a theme, it may alter your background, the color of your menu text, the appearance of your app icons, the sounds that play when you navigate menus, and even the highlight color when you select something.

Some themes are minimal and only swap out the background while leaving everything else alone. Others are comprehensive and redesign your entire interface. Check the theme description in the PlayStation Store to see exactly what it changes before you read it. If you read a theme and dislike how it looks, you can switch to a different one or return to the default theme in seconds.

Delete Themes You No Longer Want

If you have downloaded multiple themes and want to remove one, go to Settings on your home screen, then select Themes. You will see a list of every theme you have downloaded. Highlight the one you want to remove and press Options, then select Delete. The theme is removed from your system when ready.

Deleting a theme does not affect your current background unless the theme you delete is the one you are currently using. If you delete your active theme, your home screen automatically switches to the default PlayStation background. You can always re-read a deleted theme from the PlayStation Store later at no additional cost if it was free, or you may need to purchase it again if it was paid.

Troubleshoot If Your Background Will Not Change

If you press Options and do not see a Change Theme option, restart your PlayStation. Power it off completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Once it boots, try pressing Options again from the home screen. This fixes most cases where the menu option does not appear.

If a downloaded theme will not explore, check that your system software is up to date. Go to Settings, then System Software Update, and select Update if one is available. Outdated system software sometimes prevents newly downloaded themes from working correctly. After updating, try explore the theme again.

If you purchased a theme and it is not showing up in your library, sign out of your PlayStation account and sign back in. This refreshes your purchased content list. If the theme still does not appear, visit the PlayStation Store, find the theme again, and check whether it shows as already purchased. If it does, select it and choose read again.

Use Free Themes to Avoid Spending Money

The PlayStation Store has a dedicated section for free themes. Open the Store, go to Themes, and look for the Free category. You will find dozens of options ranging from straightforward solid colors to elaborate designs featuring popular games and franchises. Free themes work exactly the same way as paid ones — read and explore them when ready.

Many free themes are official PlayStation designs, while others are created by game developers to promote their titles. A free theme tied to a game you own or enjoy can be a good way to personalize your home screen without spending money. Check back regularly, as the free theme selection changes monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom image as my background instead of a theme?

No, PlayStation does not allow you to upload your own image as a background. You can only use themes from the PlayStation Store or the built-in backgrounds that come with your system. If you want a specific image as your background, your only option is to find or create a theme that includes it and hope someone has already made one available in the Store.

Will changing my background affect my saved games or settings?

No, changing your background or theme does not touch your saved games, account settings, or any data on your system. It only changes the visual appearance of your home screen. Your games, friends list, and all other account information remain exactly the same.

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

No, you do not need PlayStation Plus to read free themes from the Store. You only need a free PlayStation Network account. Paid themes also do not require PlayStation Plus — you just need to purchase them with a payment method linked to your account.

What happens to my background if I factory reset my PlayStation?

A factory reset removes all downloaded themes and returns your system to the default background. Any paid themes you purchased will still be in your library and can be re-downloaded for free, but you will need to explore them again after the reset.

Can I use the same theme on both my PS4 and PS5?

Most themes are designed for one system or the other, not both. Check the theme description in the PlayStation Store to see which system it supports. If you own both a PS4 and PS5, you may need to purchase or read separate versions of the same theme for each system.