Knowing the cheat codes is only half the battle in Grand Theft Auto V. You also need to know exactly how to enter them, and the method differs depending on whether you play on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. This guide walks through every way to activate cheats so you can get them working in seconds.
There are three methods in total: controller button combinations, PC console commands, and phone numbers that work on every platform. Once you understand each one, entering any cheat becomes second nature.
The Three Ways to Enter Cheats
GTA 5 gives you three ways to activate cheats. Console players can enter a sequence of buttons on their controller, PC players can open a console command window and type a code word, and players on any platform can dial a phone number using the in-game phone.
Each method produces the same result, so you can use whichever is most convenient. Button combinations are fastest once memorised, phone numbers are handy for the many cheats without a button combo, and PC code words are quick to type. For the full list of codes, see our guide to GTA 5 Cheats: Full List of Cheat Codes.
How to Enter Cheats on PS5 and PS4
On PlayStation, make sure you are playing in single-player story mode, then press the cheat’s button combination on your controller. Use the d-pad for directional inputs rather than the analogue stick, and enter the sequence fairly quickly. When it works, you will see an on-screen confirmation.
For example, the invincibility cheat is RIGHT, X, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, R1, RIGHT, LEFT, X, TRIANGLE. If a combination does not register, simply try again a little faster. You can also use the phone method described below for cheats that have no button combination.
How to Enter Cheats on Xbox
The process on Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One is identical to PlayStation, just with Xbox buttons. While in story mode, press the cheat’s button sequence using the d-pad, entering it quickly for it to register. An on-screen message confirms that the cheat has activated.
As an example, invincibility on Xbox is RIGHT, A, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, RB, RIGHT, LEFT, A, Y. As with PlayStation, any cheat that lacks a button combination, including all vehicle spawns, can be entered through the in-game phone instead.
How to Enter Cheats on PC
PC players have an extra option: the console command window. Press the tilde key, usually located just above the Tab key, to open the console. Then type the cheat’s code word, such as PAINKILLER for invincibility, and press Enter to activate it.
PC players can also use the in-game phone and dial the same numbers console players use, so you can choose whichever method you prefer. The console command approach is very fast once you have memorised a few code words.
How to Use Phone Cheats
The phone method works on every platform and is the only way to activate certain cheats, including all vehicle spawns. Bring up your character’s phone, open the dialpad, and type the cheat’s number, which always begins with 1-999. The cheat activates the moment you confirm the number.
This method is especially useful for the wide range of cheats that have no button combination. Our guide to GTA 5 vehicle spawn cheats lists all the phone numbers for spawning cars, bikes, and aircraft.
Tips for Entering Cheats Successfully
A few simple tips make entering cheats much easier. Always use the d-pad for directional button inputs rather than the analogue sticks, and enter combinations quickly without pausing. If a cheat does not activate, it is almost always because the sequence was entered too slowly, so just try again.
Remember that cheats only work in single-player story mode and have no effect in GTA Online. Using any cheat also disables achievements for that session, so save your game first if you are chasing trophies. With these basics in mind, every code in our GTA 5 Cheats: Full List of Cheat Codes guide is easy to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put in cheats on GTA 5?
On console, press the cheat’s button combination on your controller using the d-pad during story mode. On PC, press the tilde key and type the code word. On any platform, you can also dial the cheat’s phone number, which starts with 1-999.
Why is my GTA 5 cheat not working?
The most common reason is entering the button sequence too slowly. Enter it quickly using the d-pad rather than the analogue stick. Also make sure you are in single-player story mode, as cheats do not work in GTA Online.
How do you open the cheat console on PC?
Press the tilde key, found just above the Tab key on most keyboards, to open the console command window. Then type the cheat’s code word and press Enter to activate it.
Do you need the phone to enter cheats?
Not always. Many cheats have controller button combinations or PC code words. However, some cheats, including all vehicle spawns, can only be activated by dialling a phone number on the in-game phone.
Most Popular GTA 5 Cheat Codes
To get you started quickly, here are the most-used GTA 5 cheats with their phone numbers. These work on every platform, including PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC. Just open your in-game phone and dial the number.
- Invincibility (5 minutes): 1-999-724-654-5537
- Max Health and Armour: 1-999-887-853
- Give Weapons and Ammo: 1-999-866-587
- Lower Wanted Level: 1-999-529-93787
- Raise Wanted Level: 1-999-384-48483
- Explosive Ammo: 1-999-444-439
- Super Jump: 1-999-467-8648
- Fast Run: 1-999-228-2463
- Change Weather: 1-999-625-348-7246
For the complete list of every cheat, including all the PlayStation and Xbox button combinations and PC code words, see our full GTA 5 cheats guide linked below.
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