Driving through the sun-soaked streets of Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto 5 on your PS5 is a thrilling experience, but pairing your adventures with your own music can take it to the next level. While GTA 5’s radio stations offer a fantastic mix of genres, from hip-hop to classic rock, you might crave a personalized soundtrack featuring your favorite artists. Unfortunately, the PS5 version of GTA 5 does not support direct custom radio stations like the PC version. However, there are effective workarounds to play your own music, such as using Spotify integration or external audio devices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best methods to enjoy your own tunes in GTA 5 on PS5, provide PC-specific custom radio instructions for dual-platform players, and introduce PlaySwap, the premier marketplace for buying, selling, and trading GTA 5 accounts, in-game items, and more.

Why Play Your Own Music in GTA 5?

The in-game radio stations in GTA 5 are iconic, featuring tracks that perfectly complement the game’s vibe. However, after hours of gameplay, even the best stations can feel repetitive. Playing your own music lets you curate a soundtrack that matches your mood—whether it’s high-energy EDM for races, chill lo-fi for cruising, or heavy metal for intense heists. A custom playlist enhances immersion, making every mission and joyride feel uniquely yours.

For PS5 players, the lack of native custom radio support is a challenge, but solutions like Spotify or USB audio playback offer seamless alternatives. If you also play GTA 5 on PC, we’ll cover how to set up the Self Radio station. Plus, we’ll explore how PlaySwap can elevate your GTA 5 experience with premium accounts, rare vehicles, and other in-game assets.

Method 1: Play Your Own Music on PS5 Using Spotify

The most convenient way to play your own music in GTA 5 on PS5 is through the Spotify app, which is natively supported on the PlayStation 5. This method allows you to stream your playlists or albums in the background while playing, with the option to mute the in-game radio for a fully customized audio experience.

Steps to Use Spotify on PS5:

Install the Spotify App:

• From the PS5 home screen, go to the Media tab.
• Search for Spotify in the app library and download it.
• Log in to your Spotify account (a free account works, but Premium avoids ads).

Create or Select a Playlist:

• Open the Spotify app on your PS5 or use the mobile/desktop app to create a playlist with your favorite tracks.
• Ensure the playlist is saved to your Spotify library for easy access.

Start GTA 5 and Spotify:

• Launch GTA 5 on your PS5.
• Press the PS button on your controller to open the Control Center.
• Select Music and choose Spotify.
• Pick your playlist and press play.

Mute In-Game Radio (Optional):

• In GTA 5, pause the game and go to Settings > Audio.
• Set Radio Volume to 0 to mute the in-game radio stations.
• Adjust Music Volume and Sound Effects Volume to balance your Spotify audio with gameplay sounds.

Control Music During Gameplay:

• Use the PS5’s Control Center (press the PS button) to pause, skip, or change tracks without leaving the game.
• Alternatively, use the Spotify mobile app to control playback remotely.

Pro Tip: For a seamless experience, use Spotify Premium to avoid interruptions from ads. Explore the fastest cars in GTA V Story Mode to pair your music with high-speed chases.

Method 2: Use a USB Device for Music Playback

If you prefer not to use Spotify or want to play local music files, you can connect a USB device to your PS5 and use the console’s media player to play your tunes while gaming.

Steps to Use a USB Device:

Prepare Your Music Files:

• Gather non-DRM MP3, FLAC, or AAC files (DRM-protected files, like those from Apple Music, won’t work).
• Copy the files to a USB drive formatted in FAT32 or exFAT.

Connect the USB to Your PS5:

• Plug the USB drive into one of the PS5’s USB ports.
• From the PS5 home screen, go to Media > USB Drive.
• Select your music files or playlist to start playback.

Launch GTA 5:

• Start GTA 5 and let the USB music play in the background.
• Mute the in-game radio via Settings > Audio > Radio Volume to focus on your music.

Control Playback:

• Use the PS5 Control Center to manage playback (pause, skip, or adjust volume).
• Keep the media player running in the background while playing GTA 5.

Pro Tip: Organize your music into folders on the USB for easy navigation. Check out GTA 5 system requirements to ensure your PS5 setup is optimized.

Method 3: Use an External Audio Device (Aux or Bluetooth)

For players who want to mix music from a phone or MP3 player, you can connect an external audio device to your PS5 setup via an auxiliary cable or Bluetooth audio receiver.

Steps to Use an External Device:

Connect Your Device:

• Aux Cable: Plug an auxiliary cable into your phone or MP3 player and connect it to a compatible audio input (e.g., a monitor or speaker with an aux port).
• Bluetooth: Pair a Bluetooth audio receiver with your phone and connect it to your speaker system or headset.

Play Music:

• Start your music app (e.g., Apple Music, YouTube Music) on your device and play your playlist.
• Adjust the volume to balance with GTA 5’s sound effects.

Mute In-Game Radio:

• In GTA 5, go to Settings > Audio and set Radio Volume to 0.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality Bluetooth receiver to minimize lag. Learn more about GTA 5 characters to enhance your Story Mode experience.

Method 4: Play Custom Music in GTA 5 on PC (For Dual-Platform Players)

If you also play GTA 5 on PC, you can create a custom Self Radio station by adding your own music files to the game. This feature is exclusive to PC due to file access requirements and doesn’t apply to PS5, but it’s worth covering for players with access to both platforms.

Steps to Set Up Self Radio on PC:

Locate the User Music Folder:

• Open your My Documents folder (accessible via File Explorer).
• Navigate to Rockstar Games > GTA V > User Music.
• If the User Music folder doesn’t exist, create it.

Add Music Files:

• Copy non-DRM MP3, WMA, or M4A files to the User Music folder.
• Add at least four tracks to activate the Self Radio station (fewer won’t work).

Configure In-Game Settings:

• Launch GTA 5 on PC and open the Pause Menu.
• Go to Settings > Audio.
• Set Self Radio Mode to Radio (options include Sequential, Shuffle, or Radio).
• Enable Auto-Scan for Music and select Perform Quick Scan to detect your files.

Enjoy Your Custom Radio:

• In-game, tune to the Self Radio station while driving to hear your music.
• Note: In GTA Online, only you will hear your custom music; other players hear the default radio.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality audio files for the best experience. For PC setup tips, see how to download GTA V PC laptop.

Enhance Your GTA 5 Experience with PlaySwap

Want to take your GTA 5 gameplay to the next level? PlaySwap is the ultimate marketplace for GTA 5 enthusiasts, offering a secure platform to buy, sell, and trade GTA 5 accounts, in-game items, game coins, top-ups, and gaming services. Whether you’re looking for a high-level account with rare vehicles, exclusive weapons, or millions in cash, PlaySwap has you covered. You can also sell your own GTA 5 assets to earn real-world value, making it a win-win for players.

Pro Tip: Browse PlaySwap for accounts with unlocked content to skip the grind and focus on enjoying your custom soundtrack. Check out 3 ways to have money in GTA for tips on building wealth in-game.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Spotify Not Playing: Ensure your PS5 is online and your Spotify account is logged in. Restart the app if playback fails.
• USB Music Not Detected: Verify your USB is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT and contains supported file types (MP3, FLAC, AAC).
• Low Audio Quality: Use high-bitrate files or a wired connection for external devices to avoid compression or lag.
• Self Radio Not Working (PC): Ensure at least four tracks are in the User Music folder and perform a full scan in the Audio settings.

Pro Tip: For more gameplay tips, explore best places to rob in GTA 5 to fund your Los Santos adventures.

Additional Tips for a Perfect Soundtrack

• Curate Themed Playlists: Create playlists that match GTA 5’s vibe—think gritty rap for heists or upbeat pop for beach cruises.
• Balance Audio Levels: Adjust PS5’s game and music volume sliders to hear both your soundtrack and key sound effects like police sirens.
• Explore Mobile Options: Check play GTA V mobile guide for tips on enjoying GTA 5 on other devices.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on GTA 6 first trailer and more for news on future music features.

Conclusion

Playing your own music in GTA 5 on PS5 is entirely possible with workarounds like Spotify, USB playback, or external audio devices, allowing you to craft the ultimate Los Santos soundtrack. For PC players, the Self Radio feature offers a seamless way to integrate custom tracks. By combining these methods with PlaySwap’s marketplace, you can enhance your GTA 5 experience with premium accounts, rare items, and more. Whether you’re racing through the city or pulling off a heist, your personalized music will make every moment unforgettable. So, fire up your PS5, queue up your favorite tracks, and hit the streets in style!