How Do I Make Games Download Faster On PS4?

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How to Make Games Download Faster on PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

Is your PS4 gaming experience being hampered by agonizingly slow download speeds? The answer to how do I make games download faster on PS4? lies in optimizing your network connection, tweaking your PS4 settings, and understanding the factors influencing download speeds.

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Understanding PS4 Download Speeds

Downloading games on your PS4 can sometimes feel like watching paint dry. Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why this happens. Several factors contribute to slow download speeds:

Internet Connection: The most obvious factor. A slow internet plan inherently limits your download speeds.
Network Congestion: Peak hours, when many users are online, can lead to network congestion and reduced speeds.
PSN Server Load: Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) servers can become overloaded, especially during new game releases or sales.
Wi-Fi Interference: Wireless connections are susceptible to interference from other devices, walls, and distance from the router.
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Background Downloads & Applications: Other downloads or applications running on your PS4 or other devices on your network consume bandwidth.

Optimizing Your Network Connection for Faster Downloads

Optimizing your network is the most effective way to significantly improve your PS4 download speeds.

Switch to a Wired Connection: A wired Ethernet connection (connecting your PS4 directly to your router with an Ethernet cable) provides a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.
Restart Your Router and Modem: This simple step can often resolve temporary network issues. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in.
Move Your Router: If you must use Wi-Fi, place your router in a central location, away from obstructions and potential sources of interference.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan: If your current plan is slow, consider upgrading to a faster one with more bandwidth.
Prioritize Your PS4: Many routers allow you to prioritize network traffic to specific devices. Give your PS4 priority to ensure it receives the most bandwidth. Check your router’s manual for instructions.

PS4 Settings Tweaks for Faster Downloads

Beyond your network, tweaking your PS4 settings can also help improve download speeds.

Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any applications running in the background, as they may be consuming bandwidth.
Pause and Resume Downloads: Sometimes, pausing and resuming a download can force the PS4 to reconnect to the PSN servers and potentially find a faster connection.
Download During Off-Peak Hours: Download games during off-peak hours (e.g., late at night or early in the morning) when network congestion is typically lower.
Enable Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates so that updates download in the background, often during off-peak hours. Be aware this could also slightly impact gameplay while active.
Change DNS Settings: Changing your PS4’s DNS settings to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can sometimes improve connection speeds. Here’s how:
1. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Choose Wi-Fi or LAN cable, depending on your connection.
3. Select Custom.
4. Enter your IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway (these can usually be found through a Google search with your router model).
5. For DNS settings, select Manual.
6. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS servers (Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
7. Complete the remaining settings based on your network configuration.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down PS4 Downloads

Avoiding these common mistakes can also contribute to faster download speeds.

Downloading Multiple Games Simultaneously: Avoid downloading multiple games or updates at the same time, as this will divide the available bandwidth.
Using a VPN: While VPNs offer security and privacy, they can often slow down download speeds due to added encryption and routing overhead. If you’re not actively using a VPN for another purpose, disable it while downloading games.
Ignoring Router Firmware Updates: Outdated router firmware can lead to performance issues. Ensure your router has the latest firmware installed. Consult your router’s manual for instructions on how to update the firmware.

Comparing Connection Types

Here’s a table comparing wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections for PS4 downloads:

Feature	Ethernet (Wired)	Wi-Fi (Wireless)
Speed	Generally Faster	Can be Slower
Stability	More Stable	Less Stable
Interference	Minimal	Susceptible to Interference
Latency (Ping)	Lower	Higher
Ease of Setup	More involved (cable)	Easier (no cable)
Best For	Large downloads, Online Gaming	Casual browsing

Frequently Asked Questions: Making Games Download Faster On PS4

Why is my PS4 download speed so slow even with a fast internet connection?

Even with a fast internet connection, several factors can still bottleneck your PS4 download speed. PSN server load, background downloads on your network, and Wi-Fi interference can all contribute to slower speeds, regardless of your internet plan.

Will upgrading my PS4’s hard drive make downloads faster?

No, upgrading your PS4’s hard drive will not directly affect download speeds. A faster hard drive primarily improves loading times within games and application performance, not the speed at which data is received from the internet.

Is there a way to prioritize PS4 downloads over other devices on my network?

Yes, many routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow you to prioritize network traffic to specific devices, including your PS4. Check your router’s manual for instructions on how to configure QoS settings.

Does putting my PS4 in rest mode speed up downloads?

Yes, putting your PS4 in rest mode can sometimes speed up downloads. In rest mode, the PS4 dedicates more resources to downloading, as it’s not actively running games or applications. However, ensure ‘Stay Connected to the Internet’ is enabled within the Rest Mode settings.

Can I download games remotely to my PS4 using the PlayStation App?

Yes, you can initiate game downloads remotely using the PlayStation App on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure your PS4 is set to “Stay Connected to the Internet” in Rest Mode settings, and that you have enough free space on your hard drive.

Are PSN download speeds different depending on the time of day?

Yes, PSN download speeds can vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours (evenings and weekends), PSN servers may be more congested, leading to slower download speeds. Downloading during off-peak hours may result in faster speeds.

What are the optimal DNS settings for faster PS4 downloads?

While there’s no single “optimal” DNS setting for everyone, using public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) can often improve connection speeds.

Does the size of the game affect download speed?

Yes, the size of the game file directly affects the total download time. Larger games will naturally take longer to download, even with a fast internet connection.

Can I use a USB drive to transfer downloaded games to my PS4?

No, you cannot directly transfer downloaded PS4 games to your console using a USB drive. Games must be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store.

My PS4 download keeps pausing, what should I do?

If your PS4 download keeps pausing, check your internet connection for stability. Also, ensure there is enough free storage space on your hard drive. A corrupted data file can also cause pauses; try restarting your PS4.

How Do I Make Games Download Faster On PS4 if my internet provider throttles speeds?

If your internet provider throttles speeds, there aren’t many direct solutions on your end. Contacting your provider to inquire about data caps and throttling policies is crucial. A VPN might circumvent some throttling, but it could also slow speeds down.

Will a PS5 download games faster than a PS4 on the same network?

Generally, yes. The PS5 has improved network hardware and processing power, which can lead to faster download speeds compared to the PS4, assuming your network connection is the same. Additionally, it’s Wi-Fi 6 compatible compared to the PS4’s Wi-Fi 5.