Crunchyroll on PS5 & PS4: Setup and Free Viewing
To watch Crunchyroll on your PS5 or PS4, you download the free app from the PlayStation Store, sign in with a Crunchyroll account, and start streaming. A paid subscription unlocks the full catalog, but a free tier with ads exists and gives you access to a rotating selection of shows. This guide covers the exact setup steps, what the free plan actually includes, and fixes for the most common playback problems.
Background: How Crunchyroll Works on PlayStation
Crunchyroll is a streaming service focused on anime, with a library that includes simulcasts of current Japanese series, classic titles, and Crunchyroll Originals. On PlayStation consoles, it functions like other streaming apps: the app itself is free, and your account determines what you can watch. Sony acquired Crunchyroll in 2021, which is why the app is tightly integrated with the PlayStation ecosystem, but you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use it.
The service uses a standard login system. You can create an account directly on the console, but the more reliable path is to create one on the Crunchyroll website and then sign in on the PS4 or PS5. This avoids issues with on-screen keyboards and password managers. Your viewing history and queue sync across devices when you are signed in.
How to Install the Crunchyroll App on PS4 and PS5
The installation process is nearly identical on both consoles. The app is listed as “Crunchyroll� in the PlayStation Store. Here are the steps:
- Turn on your console and go to the home screen.
- Open the PlayStation Store from the main menu.
- Use the search function (usually the magnifying glass icon) and type “Crunchyroll.�
- Select the app from the search results. It should be free to download.
- Press the “Download� button and wait for the installation to finish.
- Once installed, launch the app from your game library or home screen.
If you cannot find the app, make sure your console’s system software is up to date. Sony occasionally delists apps during maintenance, but Crunchyroll is a major service and is always available in supported regions. If the store search returns nothing, check your region’s PlayStation Store website to confirm availability.
How to Sign In and Activate Your Account
After launching the app, you will see a login screen. You have two options: enter your email and password directly, or use an activation code. The activation code method is often easier because you can type the code on a phone or computer.
- Open the Crunchyroll app on your PS4 or PS5.
- Select “Sign In� or “Log In.�
- Choose the option that says “Use Activation Code� or “Link Device.�
- The app will display a short alphanumeric code, like “AB12CD34.�
- On a phone or computer, go to crunchyroll.com/activate.
- Enter the code and click “Activate.�
- If you are not already logged in on the website, you will be prompted to log in or create an account.
- Return to your console. The app should automatically refresh and show your account’s home screen.
If you prefer direct login, make sure your email and password are correct. A common mistake is using the email address associated with a different streaming service (like Funimation) that has not been migrated. Crunchyroll’s migration tool on their website can help you link old accounts, but that is separate from the PlayStation app.
What You Get for Free vs. Paid Subscription
The free tier on Crunchyroll is not a full trial. It gives you access to a limited catalog with ads. Here is what you can expect:
- Free plan: Access to a rotating selection of episodes and series, with commercial breaks. You cannot download episodes for offline viewing, and you may have to wait longer for new simulcasts to become available.
- Fan plan (paid): The full catalog, no ads, simulcasts available shortly after they air in Japan, and the ability to stream on one device at a time.
- Mega Fan plan (paid): Everything in Fan, plus offline viewing on mobile apps, streaming on up to four devices simultaneously, and access to some exclusive merchandise discounts.
- Ultimate Fan plan (paid): Everything in Mega Fan, plus 4K resolution where available, and a few additional perks like an annual swag bag.
On PS4 and PS5, the free plan works exactly the same as on other devices. You will see ads before and during episodes. The biggest limitation is that many popular current-season shows are not available on the free tier—they are locked behind the paid subscription. If you are trying to watch a specific new release, you will almost certainly need a paid plan.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with a straightforward setup, you might run into issues. Here are the most frequent problems and their solutions:
- App crashes or freezes: Close the app completely (from the home screen, press the Options button and select “Close App�), then relaunch it. If that fails, restart your console. A full power cycle—turn off, unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in—clears most temporary glitches.
- Video buffers or has poor quality: Check your internet connection. Crunchyroll recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming. On PS5, you can also check your network settings to see the connection speed. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving the console closer to the router or using an Ethernet cable.
- “This content is not available in your region� error: Crunchyroll’s catalog varies by country. Some shows are licensed only in certain regions. You cannot bypass this with a VPN without violating the service’s terms of service, and doing so may cause your account to be suspended.
- Login loop: If the app keeps asking you to sign in after you have already done so, clear the app’s cache. On PS4 and PS5, you can do this by going to Settings > Storage > Apps, selecting Crunchyroll, and deleting the saved data. This does not remove the app itself.
- No audio: Check your console’s audio output settings. Crunchyroll uses standard stereo and 5.1 audio, so if you have a soundbar or receiver, make sure the console is set to output to that device. Also try restarting the app.
If none of these work, the problem may be on Crunchyroll’s side. Check their official status page or social media for outages. You can also uninstall and reinstall the app—this is a safe step and usually fixes corrupted files.
Comparing Crunchyroll on PS5 vs. PS4
Both consoles run the same app, but there are a few differences worth noting:
- Performance: The PS5 loads the app faster and navigates menus more smoothly. Video playback is identical in terms of quality, but the PS5’s faster processor reduces lag when skipping forward or backward.
- Resolution: On PS5, Crunchyroll supports 4K streaming on paid plans for content that is available in 4K. The PS4 Pro supports 4K upscaling, but the standard PS4 (2013) and PS4 Slim are limited to 1080p.
- Download feature: Neither console supports offline downloads—that feature is only on the mobile apps. This is a common misconception.
- Controller shortcuts: On PS5, the Create button can take screenshots, but there are no special Crunchyroll-specific controller shortcuts on either console.
If you have both consoles, use the PS5 for a smoother experience. If you only have a PS4, you are not missing out on any core functionality—the app works well on both.
Costs and Payment Options
Crunchyroll offers a free tier, but to watch the full catalog you need a paid subscription. Prices vary by region and change over time, so it is best to check the official website for current rates. As a general guide, the Fan plan is the cheapest, followed by Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan. You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or through the PlayStation Store if you have a PSN wallet balance.
One important note: if you subscribe through the PlayStation Store, the payment is processed by Sony, and you may be charged a slightly different price than on the Crunchyroll website due to platform fees. Also, subscriptions purchased through the PlayStation Store renew automatically unless you cancel them in your PSN account settings. You cannot use a Crunchyroll gift card on a PlayStation console—that is only for the website.
Safety and Account Security
When setting up Crunchyroll on your PlayStation, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Crunchyroll account. Do not reuse passwords from other sites.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Crunchyroll account through the website. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Never share your activation code with anyone. The code is only valid for a few minutes and is tied to your account.
- Be cautious of phishing emails that claim to be from Crunchyroll. The service will never ask for your password via email.
- Check your PSN account activity if you notice any unexpected charges. If you did not authorize a Crunchyroll subscription, remove your payment method from PSN and contact Sony support.
If you are using a shared console, log out of Crunchyroll when you are done. The app does not have a “sign out� button on the main menu—you have to go to Settings within the app and select “Log Out.� This prevents others from using your account.
Alternatives to Crunchyroll on PlayStation
If Crunchyroll does not meet your needs, there are other anime streaming apps available on PS4 and PS5:
- Netflix: Has a substantial anime catalog, including some exclusive titles, but it is not anime-focused.
- Hulu: Offers a mix of anime and live-action, with some simulcasts, but availability varies by region.
- Amazon Prime Video: Includes some anime, but the selection is smaller and often requires additional subscriptions to channels like Anime Strike (which is no longer active).
- Funimation: This service was merged into Crunchyroll in 2022, so it is no longer a separate app. If you have a Funimation account, you can migrate it to Crunchyroll.
- Tubi: A free, ad-supported service that has a small anime section. It is not as extensive as Crunchyroll’s free tier.
For most anime fans, Crunchyroll remains the most comprehensive option on PlayStation. The free tier is a good way to test the app, but the paid subscription is necessary for the full experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Crunchyroll for free on PS5 without a subscription?
Yes, you can. The free plan gives you access to a limited selection of episodes with ads. You do not need to enter a credit card to create a free account. However, most current-season shows and the full catalog require a paid subscription.
Why is Crunchyroll not working on my PS4?
Common causes include outdated system software, a corrupted app cache, or an internet connection issue. Try restarting the app, then the console, and finally your router. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to use Crunchyroll?
No. PlayStation Plus is only required for online multiplayer in games. Crunchyroll is a separate streaming service and works without any PlayStation Plus subscription.
Can I use my Crunchyroll account on both PS4 and PS5?
Yes, you can log in on both consoles with the same account. However, the number of simultaneous streams depends on your subscription tier. The Fan plan allows one stream at a time, while Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan allow four and six streams, respectively.
How do I cancel Crunchyroll on PlayStation?
If you subscribed through the PlayStation Store, go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > PlayStation Subscriptions, select Crunchyroll, and cancel. If you subscribed on the Crunchyroll website, log in and go to your account settings to cancel.
Does Crunchyroll on PS5 support 4K?
Yes, on PS5, Crunchyroll supports 4K streaming for content that is available in 4K, but only on the Ultimate Fan plan. The PS4 Pro can upscale to 4K, but it is not true 4K output.
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