PS5 downloads can be frustratingly slow due to network congestion, DNS issues, or connection problems. The most common culprit is your console using inefficient DNS servers or relying on a weak Wi-Fi signal instead of a stable wired connection.
Quick answer
• Change DNS settings to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for faster routing • Switch to wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for maximum stability • Update system software to ensure optimal network performance • Test your internet connection after each change to verify improvements
Symptoms
• Downloads are significantly slower than expected • Downloads frequently pause or fail to complete • Other devices on the same network show normal speeds • Game updates and system downloads take hours instead of minutes
Quick checks
Before diving into settings changes, test your internet connection by going to Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection. Note your current download speed. If other devices on your network are getting much faster speeds, the issue is specifically with your PS5's connection rather than your internet service.
Step-by-step fix
-
Change your DNS settings for faster routing:
- Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection
- Select your current network (Wi-Fi or LAN)
- Choose Advanced Settings
- Under DNS Settings, select Manual
- Enter Primary: 8.8.8.8 and Secondary: 8.8.4.4
- Save the settings and test your connection
-
Switch to a wired connection if using Wi-Fi:
- Connect an Ethernet cable from your router directly to your PS5
- Go to Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection
- Compare the new speeds to your previous Wi-Fi results
-
Update your system software:
- Go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update and Settings
- Select Update System Software
- Download and install any available updates
- Restart your PS5 after updating
-
Power cycle your network equipment:
- Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in
- Wait for it to fully boot up before testing downloads again
If it still isn't working
Check with your internet service provider for outages or speed throttling issues in your area. You can also try pausing and resuming downloads during off-peak hours when network congestion is lower. If the problem persists across multiple games and times of day, contact PlayStation Support for hardware diagnostics.
FAQ
Why is my PS5 slower than my computer on the same network? The PS5 may be using different DNS servers or have network settings that aren't optimized for your specific internet connection.
Should I use 5GHz or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi? Use 5GHz Wi-Fi if your PS5 is close to the router, as it offers faster speeds but shorter range than 2.4GHz.
Do downloads go faster in Rest Mode? Yes, downloads often complete faster in Rest Mode because the system dedicates more resources to downloading instead of running background processes.
Can I use other DNS servers besides Google? Yes, you can try Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) as alternatives.