Why is my PS4 downloading so slow?

Another factor to consider is closing any background applications or games on your PS4. Active applications can slow download speeds by consuming bandwidth. To do this:

1. Press the PS button on your controller.
2. Highlight the desired application or game.
3. Press the Options button and choose ‘Close Application.’

This helps your PS4 to focus its resources on downloading your content quickly.

It could be that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is throttling your connection, which is not uncommon during peak periods. Running a speed test can help determine if there’s a significant difference between your PS4’s download speed and the speed on other devices. If there is a noticeable discrepancy, it might be worth discussing with your ISP to see if they can offer a solution or better speed.

It’s worth checking the status of the PSN. If there are widespread network issues, the problem might not be with your setup but with Sony’s servers. You can check the PSN status on the official PlayStation Network Service Status page. If the network is experiencing issues, your only option might be to wait until services are fully restored.

Interference from other wireless devices can often slow down your PS4’s download speeds. Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks could interfere with your connection. Consider the following steps to mitigate this:

• Move your PS4 closer to your Wi-Fi router.
• Reduce the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
• Use an Ethernet cable for a direct, more stable connection.

One potential cause for your slow PS4 downloads could be the DNS settings currently in use. DNS settings affect how your console connects to the internet, and changing them to something faster, like Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), might improve speeds. Here’s how to change your DNS settings:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your PS4.
2. Select ‘Network.’
3. Choose ‘Set Up Internet Connection.’
4. Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or LAN).
5. Choose ‘Custom.’
6. Proceed with the default settings until ‘DNS Settings.’
7. Select ‘Manual’ and enter Google’s DNS addresses.
8. Finish the setup and test the connection.

Have you tried putting your PS4 in Rest Mode? The console allocates more bandwidth to downloads when not performing other tasks. To enable this feature, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to ‘Settings.’
2. Select ‘Power Saving Settings.’
3. Choose ‘Set Features Available in Rest Mode.’
4. Ensure ‘Stay Connected to the Internet’ is checked.
5. Put your PS4 in Rest Mode and let the downloads proceed.

Disabling the media server connection on your PS4 can sometimes help improve download speeds. This feature is generally for streaming media over your local network and might utilize some of your bandwidth. Here’s how to turn it off:

• Go to ‘Settings.’
• Select ‘Network.’
• Disable ‘Media Server Connection.’

By turning off this feature, you can free up more bandwidth, potentially speeding up your downloads.

During peak times, PSN servers may become overloaded, resulting in slower download speeds. If you notice consistently slow speeds during weekends or holidays, try downloading content during non-peak times, such as late at night or early in the morning, for potentially better performance.

Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date. Software updates often include improvements that can enhance network performance. To check for updates:

• Go to ‘Settings.’
• Select ‘System Software Update.’

Running the latest firmware allows you to benefit from optimization and bug fixes.

Your router’s firmware could be outdated, affecting the performance across all your devices, including your PS4. If you haven’t updated it recently, check your router’s manufacturer website for updates and follow their instructions to install the latest firmware. Typically:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page.
2. Look for a firmware update section.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your firmware.