PS5 download speed depends on your network connection, not the console itself

A slow PS5 download usually means your internet connection is not delivering the speed your service provider advertises. The PS5 itself has gigabit ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 built in — both are fast enough for modern internet. The bottleneck is almost always between your modem and your wall, or between your router and your console.

Before you change anything, run a speed test on the PS5 itself. Go to Settings, then Network, then Connection Status. The PS5 will measure what it actually receives. Write down the download speed it shows. Then run the same test on your phone or computer using speedtest.net or fast.com. If all three numbers are similar and much lower than what you pay for, your internet service provider is the problem. If the PS5 is much slower than your phone, the issue is between the PS5 and your router.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your actual download speed on the PS5 itself using Settings > Network > Connection Status, then compare it to a speed test on your phone or computer.
  • If the PS5 is slower than your other devices, move it closer to the router, switch to a wired ethernet connection, or reduce interference from other Wi-Fi devices.
  • If all your devices are slow, contact your internet provider to confirm you are receiving the speed you pay for.
  • Pause other downloads and streaming on your network while the PS5 downloads, because shared bandwidth slows everything down.
  • Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, which often fixes temporary slowdowns.

Use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is convenient but slower and less stable than a cable. If your PS5 is in the same room as your router, plug an ethernet cable directly into the back of the console. Most PS5 downloads will be noticeably faster on ethernet, especially if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or other devices are using the network.

If you cannot run a cable to your PS5, a powerline adapter is the next best option. This device plugs into a wall outlet near your console and sends your internet signal through your home's electrical wiring. Plug the other adapter into an outlet near your router and connect it to your modem or router with ethernet. Powerline adapters are slower than direct ethernet but faster than Wi-Fi in most homes. They cost $30 to $80 depending on the model.

Move your PS5 closer to the router or reduce Wi-Fi interference

If you must use Wi-Fi, position your PS5 in the same room as your router or as close as possible. Walls, metal objects, and distance all weaken the signal. Move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors — these devices broadcast on the same 2.4 GHz frequency that Wi-Fi uses and can cause interference.

In your PS5 settings, check which Wi-Fi band you are connected to. Go to Settings, then Network, then Wi-Fi Frequency Band. If you see 5 GHz as an option, switch to it. The 5 GHz band is faster but does not travel as far, so it only works if your PS5 is reasonably close to the router. If your router supports Wi-Fi 6, make sure it is turned on in the router settings — you may need to log into your router's admin page to check this.

Restart your modem and router

Modems and routers sometimes get stuck in a slow state. Unplug your modem from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for all the lights to stabilize — this usually takes two to three minutes. Then unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another two to three minutes for it to fully restart.

After both devices are back online, run another speed test on your PS5. A restart often fixes temporary slowdowns that happen after the modem has been running for weeks without a power cycle. If the speed improves, you are done. If it does not, the problem is either your internet service or interference between the PS5 and router.

Pause other downloads and streaming while the PS5 downloads

Every device on your network shares the same bandwidth. If someone is streaming video on Netflix, downloading files on a computer, or updating another console, the PS5 gets a smaller slice of your total speed. Ask everyone in your household to pause streaming and downloads while the PS5 is downloading a large game.

Check your router settings to see if any device is using an unusual amount of bandwidth. Most routers have an admin page you can access by typing the router's IP address into a web browser — the address is usually printed on the back of the router. Look for a section called "Connected Devices" or "Bandwidth Usage" to see what is consuming your connection. If an unfamiliar device is connected, it may be a neighbor's device or a security risk — change your Wi-Fi password to disconnect it.

Check your internet plan and contact your provider if needed

Your download speed cannot exceed what your internet plan includes. If you pay for 100 Mbps but the speed test shows 30 Mbps consistently, your service provider is not delivering what you are paying for. Run the speed test a few times at different times of day — some providers slow down during peak hours in the evening.

If the speed is consistently lower than your plan, contact your internet provider's customer service. Tell them the speed test results and the plan you pay for. They may be able to restart your modem remotely, check for line problems, or send a technician. If your neighborhood has other internet options, compare the speeds and prices — cable, fiber, and fixed wireless all have different speeds and costs depending on where you live.

Update your PS5 system software and game

Outdated system software can sometimes cause network problems. Go to Settings, then System, then System Software, and check for updates. If an update is available, install it and restart the console.

Also check whether the game itself needs an update. Some games download faster after a patch is installed. Start the game and look for an update notification, or go to your library, highlight the game, and press the Options button to check for updates manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my PS5 download speed much slower than my phone on the same Wi-Fi?

The PS5 may be farther from the router or in a location with more interference. Try moving the console closer to the router, switching to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, or using an ethernet cable. Your phone may also be newer and support faster Wi-Fi standards than your PS5 or router.

Does a faster internet plan mean faster PS5 downloads?

Yes, but only if your current plan is the bottleneck. If you pay for 50 Mbps and the speed test shows 50 Mbps, upgrading to 200 Mbps will make downloads faster. If the speed test shows 20 Mbps on a 100 Mbps plan, the problem is not your plan — fix the connection first before paying for more speed.

Can I improve download speed by changing DNS settings?

Changing DNS rarely helps with download speed. DNS controls which server your requests go to, not how fast data travels. If you want to try it, go to Settings, then Network, then Internet Connection Settings, and change DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). Most people see no difference.

Should I download games at night instead of during the day?

If your internet provider slows down during peak hours — usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. — downloading at night or early morning may be faster. Run speed tests at different times to see if there is a pattern. If speeds are consistently slow all day, the issue is not peak-hour congestion.

What download speed do I actually need for PS5 games?

Most modern games are 50 to 150 GB. At 50 Mbps, a 100 GB game takes about 4 to 5 hours. At 200 Mbps, it takes about 1 hour. Faster is always better, but any speed above 25 Mbps is usable for gaming — the difference is just how long you wait before playing.