Few things are more frustrating than queuing up a big game download on your PS5 and watching the progress bar crawl. Slow downloads are usually caused by something in your home network, your console’s settings, or a temporary slowdown on the server side — and most of these are fixable in minutes. This guide walks you through the official, practical steps to speed up PS5 downloads and fix common Wi-Fi connection problems.
What You’ll Need
- Your PS5 console, updated to the latest system software if possible
- Access to your router (and its power cable) or its admin settings
- An Ethernet (LAN) cable, if your router is nearby (optional but recommended)
- A smartphone or PC on the same network to run a quick speed test
Step 1: Check Whether the Problem Is Your Network or PlayStation Network
Before changing anything, check the PlayStation Network service status page on Sony’s official PlayStation website. If PSN is having issues, downloads can be slow or fail regardless of your setup. If the service shows no problems, continue below.
Next, run the built-in connection test: go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection. The test reports your download and upload speeds and tells you whether you can connect to PlayStation Network. Compare the result with the speed you pay for. A large gap points to a home network issue.
Step 2: Restart Your Router and Console
- Turn off your PS5 completely (not just Rest Mode) from the Power menu.
- Unplug your router and modem from power for about 30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait until all the lights are stable.
- Turn the PS5 back on and run the connection test again.
This clears temporary network glitches and often restores normal speeds.
Step 3: Use a Wired Connection
A wired Ethernet connection is almost always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. Plug a LAN cable from your router into the PS5’s LAN port, then go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection and choose the wired option. If a cable isn’t practical, powerline adapters or a mesh Wi-Fi system can be good alternatives.
Step 4: Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
- Move closer. Walls, floors, and large appliances weaken Wi-Fi signals.
- Use the 5 GHz band if your router supports it. It is typically faster at short range than 2.4 GHz. The PS5 supports both bands, so you can select the 5 GHz network name when connecting.
- Reduce interference. Keep the console and router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronics.
- Limit other traffic. Pause streaming, cloud backups, or large downloads on other devices while your game downloads.
Step 5: Pause and Resume the Download
Open the download in the Downloads/Uploads list from the control center, pause it, wait a few seconds, and resume. This can reconnect you to a faster server. Also avoid playing online games or streaming on the console while a large download is running, since that competes for bandwidth.
Step 6: Check DNS and Network Settings
If the connection test succeeds but downloads remain slow, you can try a different DNS server. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, select your network, then choose Advanced Settings and set DNS to Manual. Many people use well-known public DNS providers such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). If it doesn’t help, switch back to Automatic. Only change DNS if you are comfortable doing so.
Step 7: Update the Console and Router
Install any pending PS5 system software update under Settings > System > System Software. Also check your router manufacturer’s instructions for firmware updates, since outdated router firmware can cause speed and stability issues.
Common Problems and Fixes
- PS5 won’t connect to Wi-Fi at all: Forget the network and set it up again, double-check the password, and restart the router. Make sure the router isn’t blocking new devices.
- Connection keeps dropping: Move the router closer, switch bands, or use a LAN cable. Check whether other devices also lose connection.
- Download speed starts fast, then slows: This can happen when the network is congested in the evening or when other devices start using bandwidth. Try downloading at off-peak hours.
- Speed test is fine but downloads are slow: The issue may be server-side. Try again later, or pause and resume the download.
- Download stuck at 0% or paused: Check your storage space under Settings > Storage and make sure there is enough free room for the game.
Data Safety and Account Precautions
When troubleshooting, only use official PlayStation settings and Sony’s official website. Never download “speed booster” software or enter your PlayStation Network login on unfamiliar sites — these are common scam tactics. Keep two-step verification enabled on your account, and avoid sharing your Wi-Fi or account passwords. Before any reset or major settings change, make sure your save data is backed up to the cloud (PlayStation Plus) or to external storage where supported. Do not use factory reset options unless you have backed up your data, as it can erase local content.
FAQ
Why is my PS5 download slower than my internet plan?
Wi-Fi signal strength, other devices on your network, and server load can all reduce speeds below the advertised plan speed.
Is Rest Mode faster for downloads?
Many users find downloads continue well in Rest Mode, and it prevents other console activity from competing for bandwidth. Make sure downloads are enabled in your power-saving settings.
Does a wired connection really make a difference?
In most homes, yes. Ethernet avoids interference and signal loss, giving a steadier connection.
Should I contact my internet provider?
If speeds are poor on other wired devices as well, the issue is likely with your provider or plan, and contacting them is a good next step.
Steps and menu labels may change as apps update. Last updated: October 2026.