If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot impatiently while your PlayStation 4 slowly downloads a game or update, you’re not alone. Slow download speeds on the PS4 can be frustrating, especially given the large file sizes of most modern games. Fortunately, there are several ways to speed up the process and save yourself some valuable gaming time. Below are some tried-and-tested tips to improve your PS4’s download speed quickly and efficiently.
1. Pause and Resume Your Downloads
Sometimes, the simplest fix can make a big difference. If your download seems to be crawling, try pausing it for a few seconds and then resume. This action can occasionally prompt the system to reallocate bandwidth more efficiently, giving your download a much-needed speed boost.
2. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection
One of the most effective ways to improve your PS4’s download speed is by switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi can suffer from interference, signal loss, and congestion, especially in crowded households. A direct, wired connection to your router ensures a more stable and faster internet connection.
Tip: Use a high-quality Ethernet cable and connect your PS4 directly to your router for the best results.
3. Change Your DNS Settings
By default, your PS4 will use your ISP’s DNS servers, which may not always be the fastest. You can manually change your DNS settings to use public DNS servers like:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
To change these on your PS4, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection, choose your connection type, then select Custom setup. When prompted for DNS settings, switch to Manual and enter your preferred DNS values.
4. Download in Rest Mode
Your PS4’s background processes and apps can hog bandwidth while you’re downloading. Placing your PS4 in Rest Mode can help prioritize downloads and finish them faster. To do this:
- Go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Enable Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Download your game or update, then enter Rest Mode.
5. Avoid Playing Online Games While Downloading
Although tempting, playing online games while downloading updates or titles can significantly slow down speeds. Your PS4 will allocate most of the available bandwidth to gaming latency rather than downloads. Try to reserve your download sessions for when you’re not actively playing online.
6. Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Equipment
If slow download speeds are a constant problem, it might be time to upgrade your home network. Consider:
- Faster Internet Plan: Talk to your ISP about higher-speed options suitable for gaming and streaming.
- Modern Router: Invest in a newer, gaming-optimized router with better signal strength and bandwidth handling.
- Mesh Network System: For large homes, a mesh Wi-Fi system can provide consistent coverage and reduce signal loss.
7. Avoid Peak Usage Times
Internet speeds can be significantly affected by network congestion during peak hours, usually in the evening when everyone is home. Try scheduling your game downloads late at night or during early morning hours when fewer users are online.
Pro Tip: Combine this strategy with Rest Mode to let your PS4 handle downloads while you’re asleep or away.
8. Monitor and Limit Other Devices’ Usage
Streaming videos, video calls, and other internet-intensive activities on other devices can eat up bandwidth. If you’re downloading a large file on your PS4, consider asking your housemates to pause heavy internet usage temporarily or limit background apps on your devices using the router’s settings.
Final Thoughts
Speeding up your PS4 downloads doesn’t have to be complicated. By tweaking a few settings, optimizing your network connection, and using your system’s built-in features wisely, you can drastically reduce wait times. Whether you’re gearing up for a new game release or a massive update, these tips will help you get into the action faster and with less frustration.
