Are you wondering how to speed up PS5 download speeds and get back to gaming faster? You’re not alone. Many PlayStation 5 enthusiasts experience the frustration of slow game downloads, which can dampen the excitement of diving into the best PS5 games, such as Overwatch, The Last of Us, Final Fantasy, Fortnite, Elden Ring, or Resident Evil.

This comprehensive guide will explore practical solutions to boost your PS5’s downloading capabilities. From optimizing your WiFi settings to tweaking your network configuration, here are eight tested tips to enhance your gaming experience.

1. Optimize WiFi Settings

Struggling with your PS5 downloading slow? A quick dive into your console’s WiFi settings might be the game-changer you need.

Let’s start with a simple yet crucial step: testing your internet connection.

On your PS5, navigate to Settings, then Network, and select ‘Test Internet Connection’. You’ll get a clear picture of your current download speeds.

Switch to 5GHz Band

Most modern routers offer two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If you’re after speed – and let’s face it, who isn’t when it comes to gaming – the 5GHz band is your go-to option. Why? Because it’s typically less congested and offers faster speeds, it’s ideal for bandwidth-hungry activities like downloading the latest update for Call of Duty or Fortnite.

To switch to the 5GHz band on your PS5, go back to Settings > Network, and under WiFi settings, select your network. Here, you’ll have the option to choose the 5GHz band. Remember, though, the 5GHz band has a shorter range than the 2.4GHz band.

So, if you’re using 5GHz, keep your PS5 closer to the router to maintain a strong connection.

Keep Your PlayStation Close to the Router

This brings us to the second crucial aspect: the strategic positioning of your PS5.

If your PS5 is in a corner far from the router, or if there are numerous obstacles like walls and furniture in the way, your wireless signal strength might suffer.

To enhance your PS5’s network performance, position it as close to the router as possible, ideally in a clear line of sight. This simple adjustment can lead to a noticeable improvement in download speeds, so your system software updates and game downloads happen much faster.

2. Wired Connection Over WiFi

Ever felt the frustration of a slow download when you’re itching to jump into the latest Returnal adventure or explore the newest Resident Evil chapter?

Switching from WiFi to a wired connection is an effective solution to speed up PS5 downloads. Let’s break down why and how.

The Stability & Speed of Ethernet

WiFi is convenient, but it can be susceptible to interference and fluctuations in speed. Enter Ethernet – the unsung hero in the world of gaming downloads. A wired connection through an Ethernet cable offers a more stable and faster internet connection.

Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable

Not all Ethernet cables are created equal. The type of cable you use can significantly impact your download speeds. Categories like Cat 5, Cat 6, and Cat 6a refer to the cable’s standards and capabilities.

For instance, a Cat 6a cable is generally a safe bet for gaming, offering higher speeds than its predecessors like Cat 5 or Cat 5e.

Investing in the right cable can mean the difference between a game that takes forever to download and one that’s ready to play in no time.

Setting Up a Wired Connection on Your PS5

Connecting your PS5 to the internet via an Ethernet cable is straightforward. Navigate to:

Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Set Up Wired LAN, and then select Connect.

However, suppose your PS5 is far from your router, and you’re considering how to get wired internet in another room. In that case, several effective methods exist to extend your connection, such as MoCA or powerline adapters.

Leveraging M.2 SSD for Faster Performance

For those who have upgraded their PS5 with an M.2 SSD, there’s an exciting development to enhance your console’s performance even further. With the latest PS5 system software update, your console now supports M.2 SSDs with a capacity of up to 8TB.

This expanded support means more room for games and faster game installations and updates.

To take full advantage of this feature, go to Settings > Storage > Installation Location, and select your M.2 SSD as the preferred installation location.

3. Managing PS5 Downloads

Another way you can speed up PS5 downloads is to manage your downloads. Let’s learn two effective strategies: downloading games one at a time and using Rest Mode.

Download One Game at a Time

It’s tempting to queue up several games for download. However, downloading multiple games can significantly slow down the overall speed.

Think of your PS5’s bandwidth as a highway; the more traffic (downloads) it has, the slower everything moves.

Focusing on one download at a time is particularly effective for large game files or when facing the dreaded PS5 system software update taking forever scenario.

Use Rest Mode

Another lesser-known method to speed up downloads is using your PS5’s Rest Mode. When in Rest Mode, your PS5 isn’t just sleeping; it’s smartly managing its tasks.

This mode allows your console to focus more on downloads without the added load of running games or apps. To enable downloads in Rest Mode, go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.

Make sure ‘Stay Connected to the Internet’ is enabled. This setting allows your PS5 to continue downloading games and updates, even while not in active use.

how to speed up ps5 download

4. Network Configuration

Optimizing your PS5’s network configuration is a key step in mastering how to speed up PS5 downloads. Let’s dive into these advanced network settings and see how they can benefit your gaming experience. Don’t worry – it’s not hard, even though it sounds complicated.

Changing DNS Settings (Beginner-Friendly)

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates website names into IP addresses. By default, your PS5 uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP), which may not always be the fastest option.

Switching to a faster DNS server can potentially reduce loading times and speed up downloads. To change your PS5’s DNS settings, navigate to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.

Choose your connection type (WiFi or LAN) and select Custom. Here, you can enter the DNS addresses.

For Google DNS, use 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS.
For Cloudflare, use 1.1.1.1. as the primary address and 1.0.0.1 as the secondary address.

Port Forwarding & NAT Type Adjustments (Advanced)

Port forwarding and adjusting your Network Address Translation (NAT) type are more advanced techniques to improve your PS5’s connection to gaming servers.

How to Change NAT Type on PS5?

First, check your current NAT type by navigating to Settings > Network on your PS5. In the Connection Status menu, select View Connection Status or Test Internet Connection to display your current NAT type and other key network information.

Understanding NAT types is crucial:

NAT Type 1 (Open): Offers the least restrictions, allowing connections to all NAT types.
NAT Type 2 (Moderate): Connects to Open and Moderate but may have some limitations.
NAT Type 3 (Strict): Only connects to Open NAT types, often leading to connectivity issues.

To change your NAT type, particularly to Open, you’ll need to use Port Forwarding. This involves accessing the admin area of your router (the process varies by manufacturer) and navigating to the Port Forwarding section.

Here, you’ll add new ports with the following details: TCP ports 1935, 3478-3480, and UDP ports 3074, 3478-3479. You might also need your PS5’s IP address and MAC address, found in the same network menu on your PS5.

Another method to consider is placing your PS5 in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of your router. However, be cautious, as this can expose your console to security risks. To set up DMZ, you access your router’s settings, locate the DMZ section, and enter your PS5’s IP address.

After saving these settings, restart both your router and PS5. Then, retest your PS5 internet connection using the same steps as before to see if the NAT Type has changed to Open.

5. Router & ISP Considerations

When it comes to enhancing your PS5 download speeds, the role of your router and ISP cannot be overstated. After all, they’re the gateways to your online gaming universe.

Upgrading Your Router

An outdated router can create a bottleneck, throttling the speeds at which your PS5 can download games and updates.

For detailed guidance on selecting the right router, check out our in-depth article on How to Buy a New Router. This guide will help you understand the key features to look for.

Choosing the Right ISP & Plan

Your ISP and internet plan are equally pivotal in determining how quickly you can dive into the action-packed realms of God of War Ragnarök or Horizon Forbidden West.

Look for ISPs that offer fiber internet, as it provides higher and more reliable speeds. Gigabit plans (1Gbps) are highly recommended for gamers, offering ample bandwidth for gaming and other household internet needs.

For example, Race Communications caters to gamers’ needs with our 10G internet plan in selected areas.

how to speed up ps5 download

6. Limit Network Traffic

One often overlooked aspect in the quest to speed up PS5 downloads is the amount of traffic on your home network. Just like a busy highway can slow your commute, a crowded network can impede your PS5’s ability to download games and updates.

Let’s explore how managing device connections and prioritizing your PS5’s traffic can make a significant difference.

Managing Device Connections

Every device connected to your network – smartphones, laptops, or smart home devices – consumes a portion of your bandwidth. When too many devices are connected, it can lead to network congestion, slowing down your PS5’s download speeds.

By reducing the number of devices connected to your network, your PS5 can download games and updates more quickly.

For Race customers, managing your home network has never been easier, thanks to the Race CommandIQ® app. This intuitive app offers the ability to prioritize bandwidth by device or application. Plus, with just a click of a button, you can turn off WiFi on other devices, further boosting your PS5’s download performance.

race commandiq app guide

Prioritizing PS5 Traffic with Quality of Service (QoS)

Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature available in many modern routers that allows you to prioritize traffic for specific devices – in this case, your PS5.

How to set up QoS for gaming? Access your router’s settings (usually through a web interface or a mobile app) and look for the QoS settings. Here, you can assign higher priority to your PS5’s IP address.

7. System & Software Updates

A crucial but sometimes overlooked aspect of how to speed up PS5 downloads lies in keeping your console’s firmware up to date.

System updates often include optimizations that can improve your console’s efficiency in handling downloads. They can resolve bugs, enhance network compatibility, and introduce new features.

Setting Up Automatic Updates

Enable automatic updates to ensure your PS5 is always up to date. This way, your console can download and install system software updates as soon as they’re available, even when you’re not actively using it.

To set this up, navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. Here, make sure to toggle on both Auto-Download and Auto-Install in Rest Mode.

With these settings enabled, your PS5 will automatically take care of its updates.

8. Download During Off-Peak Hours

Internet speeds can vary throughout the day, depending on overall network traffic in your area. Typically, late at night or early in the morning, when fewer people are online, you might experience faster download speeds.

Scheduling your PS5 downloads during these off-peak hours can speed up the process.

To set up your PS5 for automatic downloads during these times, follow these steps:

Go to Settings on your PS5 dashboard.
Navigate to Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
Select Automatic Updates.
Here, you have two options: Auto-Download and Auto-Install in Rest Mode.

Turning on Auto-Install means that the next time you turn on your PS5 console, your games and apps will automatically update to their latest versions. If you prefer not to close your suspended game or app, only turn on Auto-Download.

How to Speed Up PS5 Download: Recap

We’ve explored eight main strategies for speeding up PS5 downloads.

Let’s quickly recap the key solutions:

Switch to a 5GHz band and position your PS5 closer to the router.
Use an Ethernet connection.
Download one game at a time and use Rest Mode.
Change DNS settings and adjust port forwarding and NAT types.
Upgrade your router and choose the right ISP plan for better performance.
Manage device connections and prioritize PS5 traffic with QoS.
Keep your PS5 firmware updated.
Download during off-peak hours.

Remember that your PS5’s download speeds can only be as fast as your internet plan allows. If you’re in California and looking to get set up with some of the fastest internet speeds available, don’t hesitate to reach out to Race Communications. We understand the needs of gamers because we’re gamers too, so we’re committed to providing the high-speed internet that gaming enthusiasts demand for uninterrupted play.

And if you’re confident that your internet isn’t the issue but still facing slow download speeds, it might be time to reach out to the PlayStation retailer. Your console may need a check-up or replacement.