The chip shortage saga meant gamers had difficulty finding available stocks of PS5. People employed bots and monitored the retail websites constantly to know whether a unit had arrived in Best Buy.
All these factors increased the monetary value of PS5. As a result, people started to report the theft of the units. One guy had his PS5 stolen after it was delivered to the doorstep.
So what can you do to avoid such circumstances? Read on as I explain the measure to take when your PS5 gets stolen and the precautions in such cases.
Let’s start, then.
Does the PS5 have GPS?
The PS5 does not have a GPS device built into the system. Sony did not integrate a native tracking device that would find its location anywhere on the planet. The only way to track a PS5 is by using third-party devices. PSP and PS Vita had integrated GPS on them.
So why exactly is GPS missing from the PS5?
The portable consoles came with GPS because the feature was used in some games. Hot Shots Golf used GPS to map the golf course in different locations. Once you open the game, the location is tracked to recommend the clubs that are available in the region.
For a PS5, this is not the case. The games that have come out till now do not require location access for in-game-specific features. Multiplayer games use location, but that is to match the players to the available servers.
In short, a missing GPS means you cannot track a PS5 using Sony software. Is this really the end of the world?
Not exactly. There are ways of tracking a PS5; it’s just Sony does not officially support them.
Check out some of the best ways to fix PS5 not downloading games.
How to Track Your Stolen PS5
Since the PS5 does not come with GPS, you need to use a different product to track it. You can use any GPS tracker to find the PS5. But it must be compact and fit snuggly inside a PS5.
For this purpose, I think Bluetooth trackers are perfect for the job. They are small and have extended battery life.
But remember, such use cases arise due to necessity. Since these trackers are very easy to use, why not secure your prized possession?
Here is how you can track your stolen PS5:
1. Bind an Airtag to Your PS5
Apple introduced Airtags to find small lost items e.g. Keychains. These are small and can last for a year before needing a battery change. You can monitor the location using your phone. The process is seamless and convenient.
You can place the Airtag inside the PS5 case or attach it outside using a keychain.
The range is usually 300 feet for the tracker. However, when an iPhone is nearby, it can communicate and send the location to the Apple servers. You will see the last location of the device on your phone.
For 20 dollars, this really is a lifesaver.
Note: Airtags currently works with iOS devices only.
2. Use a Tile Bluetooth tracker
Tile was the original tracker brand that introduced Bluetooth tracking back in 2013. These devices use Bluetooth to share the location of devices attached to them.
The benefits of Tile lie in the fact that Android devices are supported too. They are easier to attach to a PS5 due to the adhesive present. You will not require additional accessories for attachment.
However, Tile does not have GPS support. It works by transmitting signals via Bluetooth to the Tile app. Even when out of range, it can transmit the location to a nearby user who has the app installed.
Tile starts at 20 dollars, with a range of products covering different budget segments.
Follow our guide step-by-step to fix PS5 friends list not showing up.
Can a Stolen PS5 be Tracked?
If your PS5 is stolen, the best way to recover it is by filing a report to the law enforcers.
Contact Sony Support and provide the details of your console. Also, change the password of your PSN account to make it safe.
Now let’s take a look at these options.
Here is how you can get back your stolen PS5:
Contact Sony Support
It is the first thing that you need to do. You need to email Sony Support regarding the stolen PS5. Include the IP and MAC Address of the console. If you provide all the details correctly, chances are the console can be recovered.
Report to Police
Make an appointment with the Police and file an immediate report of the stolen PS5. Provide the details of the console. They can monitor when the console is connected to the PlayStation servers. Using the IP Address, the stolen PS5 can be located.
Change the PlayStation Network Password
Once the console is stolen, the thief can access your PSN account. If the password is changed, you will lose its access forever. All the games and purchases will be lost.
A password change will make sure none of this happens. Your account will remain secure from unknown access.
Here is how you can change the password of your Play Station Network:
- Go to the PlayStation
- Log in using your Email and Password.
- Complete the captcha challenge if needed.
- Click the Username and go to Account Settings.
- Press the Security tab on the left and click Continue.
- Click the edit button on the Password section.
- Enter the Previous and New Password in the dialog box.
- Click the Save button and press Ok.
Your PlayStation Network account will be secure.
For additional information, see the article can you use PS5 controller on Xbox.
Final Words
Since a dedicated GPS sensor is missing, there is no direct way to find a stolen PS5. However, Sony can help you to locate it.
In this article, I have stated what to do to track a lost PS5. You can make your own PS5 tracking solution by following the article.
I hope the article provides you with all the info needed to get your console back.
Signing off with Good Luck.
