How to Fix a PS5 That Is Slow to Download and Speed Up Your Downloads

If your PS5 downloads games or updates slowly, the issue usually comes down to your internet connection, network settings, or PlayStation server problems. You can fix this by checking your internet speed, restarting your PS5 and router, adjusting network settings, and applying some straightforward troubleshooting steps. These fixes don't require technical skills or hardware changes and often restore normal download speeds.

Why is my PS5 downloading so slowly?

Slow downloads on your PS5 often result from a few common issues. Your internet connection might be slower or less stable than usual. Network congestion can occur if multiple devices at home use bandwidth simultaneously or if your ISP is experiencing heavy traffic. PlayStation's servers may also be busy or facing problems, especially during popular game releases or updates. Lastly, your PS5’s network settings, like relying on Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection or having incorrect DNS settings, can reduce download speeds.

How can I check if my internet speed is the problem?

To find out if your internet speed is causing slow downloads, run a speed test. You can do this on a computer, smartphone, or directly on your PS5. On the PS5, go to:

Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection

This test shows your current download and upload speeds. Compare these results to the speeds promised by your internet plan. If your download speed is much lower than expected, that is likely the cause. Remember, Wi-Fi speeds are usually slower and less consistent than wired connections. Speeds can also fluctuate depending on the time of day and network congestion.

What simple steps can I try first to fix slow downloads?

Try these basic steps first to improve download speeds:

1. Restart your PS5 to clear temporary glitches and refresh network connections.

2. Restart your router or modem to reset your internet connection and fix intermittent issues.

3. Pause or stop downloads and streaming on other devices using your network to free up bandwidth.

4. Temporarily disconnect other devices if possible.

5. Try downloading at different times, since network congestion during peak hours can slow speeds.

These straightforward steps often improve download speeds without changing any system settings.

How do I adjust my PS5 network settings for better download speeds?

Adjusting your PS5’s network settings can help speed up downloads:

1. Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Connect an Ethernet cable from your router to your PS5 and set up the wired connection:

Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Set Up Wired LAN

2. Change your DNS settings to faster servers. Go to:

Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced Settings

Enter custom DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).

3. Enable downloads in rest mode so your PS5 can continue downloading while in low power mode. Go to:

Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode

Turn on "Stay Connected to the Internet" and "Enable Turning On PS5 from Network." This doesn’t speed up downloads directly but helps them finish without interruption.

What advanced fixes can improve download speed?

If the simpler steps don’t help, try these advanced fixes:

1. Rebuild the PS5 database to clear corrupted files and improve system performance. To do this, start your PS5 in Safe Mode by holding the power button until you hear two beeps, then select "Rebuild Database." This process takes some time but won’t delete your games or data.

2. Clear the cache by fully powering off your PS5, unplugging it from power for a few minutes, then plugging it back in and restarting.

3. Make sure your PS5 system software is up to date. Check:

Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software

System updates sometimes fix network or download issues.

How do I know if my download speed has improved?

You can check your download speed on the PS5 while downloading. Open the Downloads/Uploads screen from the Control Center or main menu; it shows the current speed in megabits per second (Mbps). Speeds vary based on your internet plan and network conditions, but a good wired connection usually provides speeds close to what your ISP promises. If your download speed increases after applying fixes and your downloads finish faster, the problem is likely resolved. If speeds remain slow or unstable, the issue could be with your ISP or PlayStation servers.

When should I contact PlayStation support or my ISP?

If you’ve tried all steps—checking internet speed, restarting devices, adjusting settings, rebuilding the database, and updating software—but your PS5 still downloads slowly, it’s time to get help. Contact your ISP if your internet speed is lower than your plan promises or if you experience frequent outages. If your internet is fine but the PS5 downloads remain slow, contact PlayStation support. They can check for account or server issues and guide you through further troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Start by testing your internet speed and restarting your PS5 and router. Then adjust network settings and apply system tweaks if needed. Keep an eye on your download speeds to see if these steps help. If slow downloads continue after all troubleshooting, contact your ISP or PlayStation support for further assistance.