How to Surf the Internet on a PSP

Determine what type of firmware your PSP is running. In order to surf the Internet on a PSP, you must have firmware 2.0 or higher. To check your PSP's firmware, visit the "Settings" section by clicking on the home button located at the bottom of your device. From there, go to "System Information." The section labeled "System Software" contains your PSP's firmware information, which is expressed through a number. You'll need version 2.0 or higher if you want to surf the Internet on your PSP.

Update the firmware if necessary. If your PSP's firmware is lower than version 2.0, you're going to have to update it if you want to surf the Internet. Visit Sony's website to download the latest firmware (see Resources below). The website will provide additional instructions on how you can apply this firmware to your PSP.

Insert a formatted PSP memory stick. For many PSP players, using a PSP memory stick is pretty standard. But if it isn't for you, consider putting one in right before you surf the Internet on your PSP. Do this by opening the memory stick cover and sliding the stick in. If you are successful, you will be able to bookmark your favorite sites as you are browsing.

Place the PSP's WLAN switch into the "on" position. The WLAN switch is what will physically allow a person to surf the Internet on a PSP. It is located right above the memory stick cover. Slide it upwards to turn the WLAN feature on.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network. In order to surf the Internet on a PSP, you will need a Wi-Fi connection. If you have broadband Internet or DSL, you have an acceptable connection at home. If you're on the road, you can find Wi-Fi connections at designated locations, such as coffee shops or hotels.

Go back to the "Settings" menu and select "Infrastructure Mode." From there, you will have to enter in basic information about your connection, such as its name and any passwords associated with it. When you are finished entering this data, the PSP will attempt to make a connection. It will let you know if it is successful. If it isn't, you'll need to repeat these steps or try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.

Interact with the PSP's built-in browser. When you surf the Internet on a PSP, you won't have to worry about installing any additional browsers, since the firmware already includes it. To get to it, press the "Home" button to return to the main screen. From there, you need to select "Network" and then "Internet Browser."

To use the browser, highlight the address menu by pressing the "Up" directional button. After that, press the "X" button. An on-screen keyboard will pop up. Using the directional buttons, enter in a URL, making sure you press "X" after you select a key. When your URL is complete, select "Enter" to get the browser to pull up the website. To bookmark a website, press the heart-shaped button at the bottom of the browser, where you'll also find other buttons related to basic browsing options, such as home, forward and viewing.