Getting local television or network-specific catch-up services onto a modern games console can often cause confusion. If you're trying to figure out how to watch Channel 9 or its accompanying streaming services on your PlayStation 5, you'll run into a few platform limitations depending on your region. While Sony's console hosts a massive media hub, regional app availability dictates what you can directly download from the official storefront.
This breakdown covers how media apps work on the PlayStation 5, what to do if a specific network app isn't listed in your local store, and alternative methods for streaming your favorite programs on the big screen.
How Media Apps Work on the PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 features a dedicated Media space separated entirely from your game library. To find and install standard streaming applications like Netflix, YouTube, or regional catch-up platforms where available, you use the console's built-in media store.
- Turn on your console and log into your PlayStation Network account.
- From the main home screen, navigate horizontally to the Media tab at the top left.
- Select All Apps to open the complete directory of available streaming software.
- Browse the categories or use the on-screen search tool to look for your desired network or streaming provider.
- Highlight the application and press the X button, then select Download to install it directly onto your internal ultra-high-speed SSD storage.
If the application you want appears in this list, installation takes less than a minute. However, regional licensing agreements mean that certain local broadcast apps—such as Australia's 9Now platform for Channel 9—are restricted to specific PlayStation Network regions.
Dealing with Regional App Restrictions
If you search the PlayStation Store and find that the Channel 9 or 9Now app isn't showing up, it's usually because your PSN account region doesn't match the broadcast area. Sony locks media app availability based on the country registered to your profile.
- Account Region Locks: A PlayStation account registered in the United States or Europe won't see regional Australian broadcast apps in the local media store.
- Creating a Secondary Profile: Some users set up an international secondary user profile tied to a specific foreign region to access localized content. Keep in mind that managing multiple profiles can complicate subscriptions and regional payment methods.
- Built-in Live TV Additions: Sony rolled out native Live TV on PS5 features in the United States, bringing over 100 free ad-supported channels directly to the Media tab. These channels focus heavily on curated entertainment, news, and sports, but they don't replace hyper-local foreign networks unless explicitly licensed.
For official updates on platform software additions, check the PlayStation Support portal.
Alternative Ways to Watch Channel 9 on Your TV
If downloading a dedicated app straight to your console isn't supported in your area, you don't have to switch hardware inputs. Several reliable workarounds let you stream Channel 9 content using existing devices.
- Smart TV Native Apps: Most modern smart televisions come with built-in app stores where local catch-up apps like 9Now are natively supported. Using your TV's native operating system often yields better 4K or 1080p playback without routing video through a game console.
- Cast or Screen Mirroring: You can open the streaming service on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and cast the video directly to your television screen if your TV supports Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, or Miracast.
- Dedicated Streaming Sticks: Devices like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google TV, or Apple TV offer much broader international app store flexibility than gaming consoles. Plugging one of these into an alternative HDMI port solves stubborn regional app gaps instantly.
You can also check official streaming requirements directly through the 9Now Support Hub to see which hardware platforms maintain active development support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When attempting to set up regional media apps on modern consoles, users often run into a few predictable roadblocks. Avoiding these mistakes saves you time and frustration.
Don't waste time searching the game library. Media apps never mix with your PlayStation 4 or PS5 game titles; they live exclusively inside the separate Media home screen tab.
Don't assume global availability. Just because an application works on mobile devices or smart TVs doesn't mean Sony has approved or licensed it for the PlayStation Network in every country.
Avoid sketchy web workarounds. The PS5 web browser isn't designed as a full media streaming replacement. Trying to stream video through unofficial web portals often results in playback errors, missing codec support, or security risks. Stick to official application stores or dedicated hardware media players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a USB drive to install an unsupported app on my PS5?
No. The PlayStation 5 does not allow side-loading applications or installing media software from external USB drives. All software must come through the official PlayStation Store ecosystem.
Is a PlayStation Plus subscription required to use media apps?
No. You don't need a PlayStation Plus subscription to download or stream content from standard media apps on your console. You only need a free PlayStation Network account to access the store.
Why do media apps vary by country on PlayStation?
Streaming platforms must comply with strict regional broadcasting rights, copyright laws, and localized software distribution agreements. Because of this, Sony restricts specific apps to the geographic markets where they hold legal clearance.
Can I change my existing PSN account region to download foreign apps?
Sony doesn't allow you to change the country or region of an existing PlayStation Network profile once it's created. To access another region's store, you have to create an entirely separate user profile and register it with an address in that target country.
