How can I make my PS4 download faster?
How can I make my PS4 download faster?
I’ve been encountering very slow download speeds on my PS4, and it’s becoming quite frustrating. Whenever I’m eager to download new games or updates, it takes an incredibly long time to finish. This problem significantly disrupts my gaming experience because I end up spending more time waiting than playing. Although my internet connection works fine on other devices, my PS4 still lags in download speeds. It’s puzzling and annoying because these delays are consistent. How can I make my PS4 download faster and reduce these frustrating wait times?
5 Answers
One method to enhance your PS4 download speeds is by switching to a wired connection. Wi-Fi can sometimes be inconsistent and slow down, especially if multiple devices are connected. By using an Ethernet cable to connect your PS4 directly to your router, you can achieve more stable and faster download speeds. This simple switch can make a significant difference and improve your overall gaming experience.
If you’re seeking a substantial improvement in download speeds, consider changing the DNS settings on your PS4. The default DNS provided by ISPs may not always be the fastest. By manually configuring the DNS settings, you can switch to faster public DNS servers such as Google’s. Here’s how:
1. Go to “Settings” on the main menu.
2. Select “Network” and then “Set Up Internet Connection.”
3. Choose either “Use Wi-Fi” or “Use a LAN Cable” based on your connection.
4. Select “Custom” instead of “Easy.”
5. Set IP Address Settings to “Automatic,” DHCP Host Name to “Do Not Specify.”
6. For DNS Settings, choose “Manual” and enter:
– Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
– Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4.
Switching DNS servers often results in faster and more stable connections. This adjustment significantly boosted my PS4’s performance, particularly for larger downloads. Remember to switch back if any issues arise.
For a comprehensive approach, optimizing the entire home network can be beneficial. Here’s what I did:
1. Regularly updated the router’s firmware to fix bugs and improve performance.
2. Changed Wi-Fi channels to less congested ones using a Wi-Fi analyzer app for guidance.
3. Disconnected unused devices from the network to free up bandwidth.
4. Positioned the router centrally and elevated, avoiding obstructions and electronic interference.
5. Kept my PS4 software updated as system updates can improve network performance.
This holistic method not only increased my PS4 download speeds but also enhanced overall network reliability. Although it requires some effort, the improvements in download times and performance have been quite remarkable.
Configuring your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings can help prioritize your PS4 to ensure it gets the necessary bandwidth for faster downloads. Modern routers typically include this feature. Here’s the process:
1. Access the router’s admin panel by entering its IP address into your web browser.
2. Locate the QoS settings, usually under “Advanced” or “Traffic Management.”
3. Enable QoS.
4. Add your PS4’s MAC or IP address to the high-priority list.
By prioritizing your PS4 traffic, you ensure it gets the needed bandwidth during downloads. This method effectively boosted my download speeds, especially when several devices were active on my network.
Putting your PS4 into Rest Mode can notably speed up downloads. When in Rest Mode, the PS4 dedicates more resources to downloading and isn’t slowed down by other processes. To enable this, navigate to “Settings” > “Power Save Settings” > “Set Features Available in Rest Mode” > “Stay Connected to the Internet.” Activating this feature allows your console to continue downloading games or updates effectively while conserving power. I’ve found that downloads complete much quicker, particularly when I leave my PS4 in Rest Mode overnight. This has become a routine practice for me, which saves considerable time.