Is your PS5 download speed painfully slow, even with fast internet? You’re not alone. Many gamers experience sluggish downloads, laggy updates, and hours of waiting just to play a new title. While the PS5 is an incredibly powerful console, its download performance can often fall short—especially if your network setup isn’t fully optimized.
The good news? Most issues have simple fixes. From tweaking your DNS settings to using Rest Mode, there are plenty of quick and effective ways to boost download speed on PS5—without needing to be a tech expert.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven tips to fix PS5 internet issues and reduce wait times. Whether you’re struggling with Wi-Fi problems, network congestion, or just want to download games faster, we’ve got you covered.
No more staring at the download bar for hours. Let’s dive into the easy solutions that will have your PS5 running smoother—and downloading quicker—in just minutes.
1. Why Is My PS5 Download Speed So Slow?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my PS5 download speed so slow?”—you’re not alone. Many gamers face this frustrating issue, even with fast internet plans. The truth is, several hidden factors can throttle your PS5’s download speed.
One of the biggest culprits is network congestion. If you’re downloading a large game while someone else is streaming 4K Netflix or on a Zoom call, your bandwidth gets divided, and your PS5 download speed drops.
Another reason is relying on Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s prone to signal interference from walls, other devices, and distance. This can cause inconsistent speed and even disconnections.
Your DNS settings also play a role. The default DNS provided by your ISP might not be the fastest at routing traffic to PlayStation’s servers. Changing to a public DNS can help improve download performance.
Additionally, background apps or downloads on your PS5 or other devices can silently eat up bandwidth, while outdated firmware on your router or console can create bottlenecks.
Finally, PlayStation Network (PSN) itself may be experiencing high traffic—especially during major game launches or updates.
In short, slow download speed on PS5 isn’t always about your internet plan—it’s about how your setup uses it. The good news? Most of these issues are fixable in just a few minutes. Let’s explore the solutions next!
2. Use Rest Mode to Speed Up Downloads
One of the easiest and most effective tricks to boost your PS5 download speed is to use Rest Mode. While it might seem counterintuitive, putting your PS5 into Rest Mode can actually optimize downloads by minimizing background activity and focusing system resources on one task—downloading your game or update faster.
When your PS5 is active, it’s often juggling multiple processes: gameplay, apps, system operations, and background tasks. This splits bandwidth and processing power, slowing down downloads. Rest Mode disables unnecessary functions, freeing up more resources to speed things along.
Here’s how to enable Rest Mode and ensure downloads continue:
- Go to Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet.”
Now, simply hold the PlayStation button and select Enter Rest Mode. Your screen will go black, but your system will keep working quietly in the background.
Many users report a noticeable improvement in PS5 download speed using this method—especially for large games or system updates.
Pro tip: Rest Mode is also great if you’re heading to bed or leaving the house. Just queue up your downloads and let the PS5 handle the rest silently and efficiently.
3. Switch to a Wired Connection (Ethernet)
If you want faster, more reliable downloads on your PS5, switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection is one of the most impactful changes you can make. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s also vulnerable to interference from walls, furniture, and other electronic devices. This can result in unstable speeds, especially during peak hours or in homes with multiple users.
A wired connection gives your PS5 a direct line to your router, delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and more consistent performance. This is especially useful for downloading large games, installing system updates, or enjoying lag-free online gaming.
Here’s how to set up a wired connection on PS5:
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router or modem.
- Plug the other end into the LAN port on the back of your PS5.
- Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection and choose “Wired LAN.”
Once connected, your PS5 should automatically detect the cable and prioritize Ethernet over Wi-Fi.
If running a cable across your home isn’t practical, consider using Powerline adapters, which use your home’s electrical wiring to simulate a wired connection without the mess of cables.
In short, if you’re serious about speed and stability, a PS5 Ethernet connection is a no-brainer.
4. Manually Change DNS Settings for Faster Downloads
One of the simplest ways to boost your PS5’s download speed is by changing your DNS settings. DNS (Domain Name System) servers act like the internet’s phone book, helping your console locate PlayStation servers. Sometimes, your default ISP DNS is slow or overloaded, causing delays in downloads and content retrieval.
Switching to a faster public DNS server can improve your PS5’s internet performance—especially during high-traffic hours.
Recommended DNS Servers:
- Google DNS
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS
- Primary: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary: 1.0.0.1
OpenDNS
- Primary: 208.67.222.222
- Secondary: 208.67.220.220
How to Change DNS on PS5:
- Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select your connection (Wi-Fi or LAN).
- Choose Advanced Settings.
- Set DNS Settings to “Manual.”
- Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses.
Once updated, your PS5 may experience quicker access to servers, shorter download initiation times, and more stable speeds.
This one setting change can have a big impact on download speed, and it only takes a minute!
5. Pause Other Downloads and Close Active Apps
Your PS5 might be trying to do too much at once—and that can seriously slow things down. If you have multiple downloads running or apps open in the background, your internet speed and system resources are being split, resulting in slower download speeds.
To optimize your PS5 download speed, it’s important to pause all other downloads and close any open apps or games.
Here’s how to pause background downloads:
- Go to Downloads/Uploads from the Control Center (press the PS button).
- Highlight any active downloads or updates.
- Press the Options button and select Pause.
Next, make sure you’re not running a game or streaming app while downloading. Many players don’t realize that keeping a game open can throttle download speeds, especially if the system is prioritizing online play or graphics rendering.
To close active apps or games:
- Press the PS button to open the Control Center.
- Highlight the game or app running.
- Press Options and choose Close Game or Close App.
By letting your PS5 focus entirely on the download task, you free up bandwidth and processing power, leading to faster and more stable downloads.
Remember: the fewer tasks your PS5 handles at once, the faster it can download what you need.
6. Download During Off-Peak Hours
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your PS5 or your internet plan—it’s everyone else. Network congestion is a real issue, especially during evenings when most people are online streaming, gaming, or video calling. This heavy usage can slow down your connection and cause your PS5 download speeds to crawl.
That’s where off-peak downloading comes in. Internet traffic is usually lowest during late-night or early-morning hours—typically between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Downloading during these times can result in significantly faster and more stable speeds because your connection isn’t competing with as many users.
Even the PlayStation Network (PSN) experiences high server load during peak hours, especially after major game releases or seasonal updates. Scheduling your downloads during off-peak times can help your PS5 connect to less crowded servers, speeding up the entire process.
Pro Tip:
Enable Rest Mode with auto-downloads overnight. Your PS5 will quietly do the job while you sleep—no lag, no interruptions.
You can also go to Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Automatic Updates and enable Auto-Download for game updates. This ensures your system updates itself during idle hours without you having to lift a finger.
Timing matters. Making the switch to off-peak downloading could be the simple trick that saves you hours of waiting.
7. Restart Your Modem and Router
It may sound like a cliché, but restarting your modem and router is one of the most effective ways to fix slow PS5 internet speeds. Over time, your network equipment can get bogged down by temporary glitches, memory leaks, or long uptime—leading to sluggish performance across all your devices, including your PS5.
A quick router reboot refreshes your internet connection, clears out minor software bugs, and re-establishes a clean link to your internet service provider (ISP). It can also help your router assign better bandwidth to your PS5 if it was previously overwhelmed by other devices.
Here’s how to properly restart your modem and router:
- Unplug both the modem and router from the power source.
- Wait at least 30–60 seconds to ensure a full reset.
- Plug the modem back in first and wait for it to fully reconnect.
- Then plug in your router and wait for all indicator lights to stabilize.
Once the internet is back up, restart your PS5 and test the connection again. Many users notice a significant speed boost just from doing this.
If you haven’t restarted your router in weeks—or months—this simple step could be the key to better download speeds and less lag on PS5.
8. Update Your PS5 and Router Firmware
If your PS5 download speed is consistently slow, the issue might not be your internet—it could be outdated software. Keeping your PS5 system software and router firmware up to date is essential for optimal performance and security.
Sony regularly releases firmware updates for PS5 that include performance improvements, bug fixes, and better compatibility with network features. These updates often help resolve connectivity issues that could be limiting your download speed.
How to check for updates on PS5:
- Go to Settings → System → System Software.
- Select System Software Update and Settings.
- Choose Update System Software.
- Let the system check and install any available updates.
Your router also needs love. Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, and improve performance. An outdated router may not handle modern bandwidth demands well, affecting every device—including your PS5.
To update your router firmware:
- Log into your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser).
- Look for a Firmware Update or Software Update section.
- Follow on-screen instructions or check the router brand’s website for support.
By keeping both devices updated, you ensure your setup is secure, stable, and optimized for maximum download speed.
9. Consider Upgrading Your Router or Internet Plan
If you’ve tried every quick fix and your PS5 download speed is still dragging, the issue might be your hardware or internet plan. Outdated routers and low-bandwidth connections can limit your gaming experience—no matter how well your console is optimized.
Let’s start with the router. Many households still use the default router provided by their internet service provider, which often lacks the speed, range, and modern features needed for gaming. Upgrading to a gaming-friendly router with Wi-Fi 6, dual-band support, and Quality of Service (QoS) features can dramatically improve PS5 performance.
Look for routers that support:
- 5GHz Wi-Fi bands for faster wireless speeds
- MU-MIMO for handling multiple devices smoothly
- QoS settings to prioritize PS5 traffic
Now let’s talk about your internet plan. If your download speeds are under 50 Mbps and you share your network with others, it’s likely time to upgrade. For smooth PS5 downloads and online play, aim for at least 100 Mbps or higher—especially if multiple people stream, browse, or work from home.
Consider switching to a fiber-optic connection if available in your area. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, and greater stability—perfect for serious gamers.
Upgrading your equipment and plan may involve some upfront cost, but it’s a worthwhile investment for a faster, frustration-free PS5 experience.
10. Bonus: Try Port Forwarding (Advanced)
If you’re still facing slow downloads or lag during online play, it might be time to explore a more advanced solution—port forwarding. While not always necessary, this tweak can help improve PS5 connectivity, especially for multiplayer games and downloads.
Your PS5 communicates with Sony’s servers using specific network ports. Sometimes, routers block or delay this traffic, resulting in NAT Type 3 issues, slow speeds, or unstable connections. By manually forwarding ports, you’re telling your router to send gaming traffic directly to your PS5 without interference.
Common PS5 Ports to Forward:
- TCP: 1935, 3478–3480
- UDP: 3074, 3478–3479
How to Set Up Port Forwarding:
Find your PS5’s IP address in Settings → Network → Connection Status.
- Log in to your router’s admin panel (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
- Locate the Port Forwarding section.
- Add the PS5 IP and the required TCP/UDP ports.
- Save changes and restart your router.
Once done, you should notice improvements in download stability, matchmaking speed, and possibly a change to NAT Type 2, which is optimal for most users.
Keep in mind this step is optional and technical, but if you’re confident navigating router settings, it can be a game-changer for PS5 performance.
11. Conclusion
Slow downloads on your PS5 don’t have to be a permanent problem. With the right adjustments—like enabling Rest Mode, switching to Ethernet, tweaking DNS settings, and downloading during off-peak hours—you can significantly boost your PS5’s download speed in just minutes.
Even small changes, like pausing background apps or restarting your router, can lead to big improvements. And for power users, techniques like port forwarding and router upgrades unlock even more potential.
Remember, your PS5 is a powerful console—but it relies heavily on your internet connection to perform at its best. By following these tips, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time gaming.
Start with one fix today, and experience a smoother, faster PlayStation experience tomorrow.
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