Turning an Old PS4 into a Home Server! (2026)

Tech By Matt's latest upload documents the process of repurposing an old PlayStation 4 as a home server. The video opens with a brief introduction before selecting the console at the 1:11 mark. An unboxing and initial testing segment follows at 2:30, establishing the hardware baseline.

The creator then prepares the console for a jailbreak, covering steps from 4:33 to 6:57. After jailbreaking, a Linux environment is introduced at 9:40, with preparation of the PS4 and a dedicated Linux drive detailed through 10:18 and 11:13. The first Linux boot occurs at 20:11, followed by the installation of CasaOS at 22:19, confirming functional operation at 24:32.

Subsequent sections configure a network file share (25:52) and media server Jellyfin (28:22). Additional services include a Minecraft server via Crafty (32:38) and a tunnel using Playit.gg (37:42), as well as Pi-hole for ad blocking (41:31) and Home Assistant for automation (41:59). The video concludes with final notes at 42:31, summarizing the overall setup.

The demonstration shows that a PS4 can reliably host typical home server applications such as media streaming, gaming servers, and network-wide ad blocking. This aligns with the broader definition of a home server as a device providing services to other devices within a private residence.

Viewers interested in low-cost repurposing may find the step-by-step guide useful for similar projects. All configurations are performed using the software demonstrated in the video.

Watch the step-by-step conversion of a PS4 into a home server:

Comment highlights:

"Unfortunately CasaOS has been discontinued" - @andrew-oidstech

"Always love your videos, Matt!" - @db9t_real

"YouTube has hid this from me for 2 minutes way too long." - @majesticmikegames