PlayStation Remote Play on Ubuntu (Chiaki‑NG)

A comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide to set up PS Remote Play on Ubuntu using Chiaki‑NG, including obtaining your PSN Account ID, pairing to PS5/PS4, performance tuning, controllers, and troubleshooting Sony login errors (e.g., “Can’t connect to the server. 0.1c…”) and common runtime warnings.

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Goals

• Install Chiaki‑NG on Ubuntu (using Flatpak/Flathub).
• Retrieve your PSN Account ID safely.
• Pair your console (PS5/PS4) with a PIN.
• Optimize stream quality (bitrate, audio buffer).
• Use DualShock 4/DualSense (USB/Bluetooth).
• Troubleshoot Sony OAuth login errors and common runtime logs.

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Prerequisites

• Ubuntu with internet access.
• PS5 or PS4 on the same local network.
• Your PSN credentials.
• Optional but recommended: Wired Ethernet for both console and PC.

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1) Install Flatpak and Enable Flathub

Run these once (if not already done):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

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2) Install Chiaki‑NG

Chiaki‑NG is the actively maintained fork of Chiaki, recommended for PS5/PS4.

sudo flatpak install -y flathub io.github.streetpea.Chiaki4deck

Launch:

flatpak run io.github.streetpea.Chiaki4deck

Tip: You can create a desktop launcher via your app menu after first run.

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3) Get Your PSN Account ID

Chiaki/Chiaki‑NG requires your PSN Account ID (not your online ID/username).

1. Ensure Python and pip are available (most Ubuntu systems already have them):

   sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip
   

2. Prefer distro package for requests (avoids PEP 668 issues):

   sudo apt install -y python3-requests
   

3. Download the official script and run it:

   curl -L -o psn-account-id.py "https://git.sr.ht/~thestr4ng3r/chiaki/blob/master/scripts/psn-account-id.py?raw=1"
   python3 psn-account-id.py
   

4. Follow the script’s instructions:

• It prints a Sony OAuth URL. Open it in your browser and login.
• When the page displays a “redirect” page, copy the full URL from the address bar and paste it back into the script.
• The script will output a JSON blob. The “AccountID” it prints is the value you will use in Chiaki‑NG.

Security note:

• The redirect URL contains a temporary authorization code. Use it only for this script. Do not share publicly.

Alternative (if the PC browser gives errors):

• Open the OAuth link on another device (e.g., your phone), log in, copy the final redirect URL, and paste it in your PC terminal.

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4) Prepare Your PS5/PS4 for Pairing

• PS5: Settings → Network → View Connection Status → IP Address, to be used in Chiaki‑NG.
• PS5: Settings → System → Remote Play → Turn on “Enable Remote Play”.
• Optional but recommended (for wake over LAN):
  • Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode:
    • Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet”
    • Enable “Enable Turning On PS5 from Network”
• Get the pairing PIN:
  • PS5: Settings → System → Remote Play → Link Device → it shows a PIN.
  • PS4: Settings → Remote Play → Add Device.

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5) Pair in Chiaki‑NG

• Start Chiaki‑NG. It may discover your console automatically.
• If not, add it manually with the console’s IP:
  • PS5: Settings → Network → View Connection Status → IP Address, obtained in step 4.
• Click “Pair” for that console entry and enter:
  • Account ID: the value retrieved by the script.
  • PIN: the code shown on your PS5/PS4 “Link Device” screen.
• Save, then double‑click the console entry to connect.

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6) Optimize Streaming Quality

Open Chiaki‑NG’s session/profile settings and tune:

• Bitrate: Start at 20000–30000 kbps. Many networks handle 30000 well on LAN.
• Audio Buffer: 19200 often helps avoid audio crackles/dropouts.
• Resolution/FPS: If your network struggles, lower resolution or fps.

Network tips:

• Prefer wired Ethernet on both PC and console.
• Ensure your firewall allows local network traffic for Chiaki‑NG.
• If auto‑discovery is unstable, use manual IP.

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7) Controllers (DualShock 4 / DualSense)

• USB: Plug and play.
• Bluetooth (optional):

sudo apt install -y bluez blueman

• DualSense haptics/audio may work best on PipeWire. Ubuntu 22.10+ typically uses PipeWire by default.

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8) Troubleshooting Sony Login Error

Error example:

• “Can’t connect to the server. (0.1c…be49b222)”

Common causes:

• Browser extensions blocking components (ad blockers, privacy blockers).
• Third‑party cookies and popups blocked.
• VPN/Proxy/strict DNS (DoH/DoT) interfering.
• Stale cookies/sessions from playstation.com/sony domains.
• System clock out of sync (NTP disabled).
• Corporate/school networks with restrictive policies.

Fix checklist (try in this order):

• Use a Private/Incognito window for the OAuth link.
• Temporarily disable ad‑blockers/privacy extensions (uBlock/AdGuard/Brave Shields).
• Allow third‑party cookies and popups for the session.
• Try another browser (Chrome/Chromium ↔ Firefox).
• Disable VPN/Proxy. Set DNS to Automatic/ISP. If needed, try Google DNS (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
• Test from a different network (phone hotspot) to isolate network policy issues.

• Sync system time:

  timedatectl
  sudo timedatectl set-ntp true
  

• Clear cookies specifically for:
  • playstation.com
  • sonyentertainmentnetwork.com
• First log in directly at:
  • https://www.playstation.com or
  • https://my.account.sony.com Then open the OAuth link again in the same browser.

Alternative workaround:

• Use another device (phone/another PC) to complete the OAuth login and copy the final redirect URL, then paste into the script on your Ubuntu machine.

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9) Troubleshooting Chiaki‑NG Logs and Warnings

You may see log messages like:

• “Simulate User Activity Error: org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.NotSupported … idle inhibition specification”

  • Harmless. It means your desktop environment/session doesn’t support the specific “simulate user activity” D‑Bus method. Chiaki‑NG will still run.

• “Discovery failed to bind port … trying one higher” / “Discovery Response invalid”

  • Usually related to mDNS/UDP discovery quirks, or something already using the port.
  • Workarounds:
    • Ensure no restrictive firewall rules on the local machine.
    • If discovery is inconsistent, add the console manually by IP.
    • Verify console and PC are in the same subnet/VLAN.

• “Remote disconnected … Server shutting down”

  • Try reconnecting. Confirm the console isn’t entering rest state unexpectedly.
  • Temporarily reduce bitrate/quality if the network is congested.
  • Ensure PS5 Rest Mode settings allow network wake and keep connection.

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10) Optional: Original Chiaki or AppImage

• Original Chiaki is in maintenance mode. Chiaki‑NG is recommended.

• If you prefer AppImage:

  • Download from the Chiaki‑NG releases page.

  • Make executable and run:

    chmod +x *.AppImage
    ./Chiaki-NG-*.AppImage
    

  • Some features (e.g., DualSense audio/haptics) may require PipeWire.

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11) Quick Checklist

• Flatpak/Flathub installed.
• Chiaki‑NG installed and launched.
• PSN Account ID retrieved via script.
• PS5/PS4 “Link Device” PIN obtained.
• Paired in Chiaki‑NG with Account ID + PIN.
• Stream tested; bitrate/audio buffer tuned.
• Controller connected (USB/Bluetooth).

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Reference Commands

• Install Flatpak/Flathub:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

• Install and run Chiaki‑NG:

sudo flatpak install -y flathub io.github.streetpea.Chiaki4deck
flatpak run io.github.streetpea.Chiaki4deck

• PSN Account ID script:

sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-requests
curl -L -o psn-account-id.py "https://git.sr.ht/~thestr4ng3r/chiaki/blob/master/scripts/psn-account-id.py?raw=1"
python3 psn-account-id.py

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Final Notes

• Keep your Account ID private.
• For best performance, use wired Ethernet and avoid Wi‑Fi congestion.
• If discovery is flaky, always try “Manual Add” with the console’s IP.

Ref: Chiaki Hoemepag