As a lifelong gamer, I’ve spent countless hours waiting for game downloads on my PlayStation 5, and I know you’ve probably felt the same frustration when a download seems to crawl. Whether it’s a massive AAA title or a quick update, slow download speeds can test your patience.
In this guide, I’ll share proven methods to speed up your downloads on your PS5 , using techniques I’ve tested myself, so you can get back to gaming faster. Follow these steps, and you’ll optimize your PlayStation 5 for lightning-fast downloads.
Why Are My PS5 Downloads So Slow?
Let’s understand why your PS5 downloads might be sluggish. I’ve noticed that factors like internet connection quality, network congestion, or even PS5 settings can bottleneck your speeds.
You might be dealing with a crowded Wi-Fi network, background apps consuming bandwidth, or suboptimal DNS settings. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with practical fixes for these issues.
1. Check and Optimize Your Internet Connection
The backbone of fast PS5 downloads is a solid internet connection. I always start by ensuring my network is up to par, and you should too. Here’s how you can optimize your setup:
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Test Your Speed: Use the PS5’s built-in network test (Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection) to check your download and upload speeds. I aim for at least 50 Mbps for smooth downloads, but higher is better for large files.
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Use a Wired Connection: Wi-Fi is convenient, but I’ve found a wired Ethernet connection delivers more consistent speeds. Grab an Ethernet cable, plug it into your PS5, and watch your download times shrink.
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Upgrade Your Plan: If your internet speed is consistently below 25 Mbps, consider upgrading your plan. I upgraded to a 100 Mbps plan last year, and it made a huge difference for my PS5 downloads.
Pro Tip: If you’re stuck with Wi-Fi, position your PS5 closer to the router to reduce interference. You can also invest in a Wi-Fi 6 router for better performance.
2. Adjust PS5 Network Settings
I’ve tinkered with my PS5’s network settings to squeeze out every bit of speed, and you can do the same. A few tweaks can make a big difference:
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Change DNS Settings: The default DNS servers from your ISP might not be the fastest. I switched to Google’s DNS (Primary: 8.8.8.8, Secondary: 8.8.4.4) for a noticeable boost. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, select your network, and manually input these DNS values.
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Disable Background Downloads: If you have multiple games or updates downloading at once, your bandwidth gets split. I always pause other downloads (Library > Downloads) to prioritize the game I want most.
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Avoid Rest Mode Downloads: I used to think downloading in Rest Mode was faster, but it can throttle speeds due to power-saving settings. Keep your PS5 powered on for maximum performance.
3. Manage Network Congestion
Network congestion is a sneaky culprit behind slow PS5 downloads. I’ve learned that when multiple devices are streaming or gaming at home, my PS5 suffers. Here’s how you can tackle it:
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Limit Device Usage: Ask your household to pause Netflix or YouTube while you’re downloading a big game. I usually schedule my downloads for late at night when fewer devices are active.
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Enable QoS on Your Router: Quality of Service (QoS) settings let you prioritize your PS5’s traffic. I logged into my router’s admin panel and set my PS5 as a priority device, which boosted my download speeds by about 20%.
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Switch Wi-Fi Channels: If you’re on Wi-Fi, crowded channels can slow you down. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find a less congested channel, then update your router settings.
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4. Keep Your PS5 and Router Updated
Outdated firmware can hamper performance, and I’ve seen this firsthand with both my PS5 and router. You’ll want to ensure both are running the latest software:
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Update PS5 System Software: Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. I always check for updates before starting a big download to avoid interruptions.
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Update Router Firmware: Log into your router’s admin panel and check for firmware updates. I neglected this once, and my speeds were abysmal until I updated.
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Reboot Regularly: I reboot my PS5 and router every couple of weeks to clear any glitches. A quick restart can.wifi can slow down your connection, so it’s worth trying to connect to a less congested network if possible.
5. Pause and Resume Downloads
This might sound odd, but I’ve found that pausing and resuming a download can sometimes kickstart a sluggish connection. If your download speed drops, try this:
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Go to Library > Downloads, highlight the game or update, and press Options > Pause.
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Wait 10–15 seconds, then select Resume.
It’s like giving your PS5 a quick breather, and you might notice the speed pick up. I use this trick when my download stalls, and it works about half the time.
6. Avoid Peak PlayStation Network Times
The PlayStation Network (PSN) can get busy, especially during game launches or sales. I try to avoid downloading during peak hours (evenings or weekends) when servers are overloaded. Instead, schedule your downloads for early mornings or weekdays when fewer users are online. You’ll likely see faster speeds and fewer interruptions.
7. Clear Cache and Rebuild Database
A cluttered PS5 can slow down performance, including downloads. I periodically clear the cache and rebuild the database to keep things running smoothly:
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Clear Cache: Power off your PS5, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary files that might bog down your system.
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Rebuild Database: Boot your PS5 in Safe Mode (hold the power button until the second beep), select Rebuild Database, and let it run. It optimizes your storage and can improve overall performance.
8. Consider External Factors
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your PS5 or network. I’ve run into slowdowns caused by ISP throttling or server-side limitations. Here’s what you can do:
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Contact Your ISP: If speeds are consistently slow, call your ISP to check for throttling or network issues. I once discovered my ISP was capping my bandwidth during peak hours.
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Check PSN Status: Visit the PlayStation Network status page (status.playstation.com) to ensure servers are online. If there’s an outage, you’ll need to wait it out.
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Use a VPN (Cautiously): In rare cases, a VPN can bypass ISP throttling, but it might slow your connection. I’ve tested NordVPN with mixed results, so experiment carefully.
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Conclusion
You can speed up your download on your PS5 with this guide; slow PS5 downloads don’t have to ruin your gaming vibe. By optimizing your internet, tweaking network settings, and avoiding peak PSN times, you can significantly boost your download speeds.
I’ve shared the exact steps that work for me, and I’m confident they’ll help you too. Try these tips, and you’ll be playing your favorite games in no time. Got a trick I missed? Drop it in the comments below—I’m always looking to learn new ways to speed things up!